Remembrance-themed military heritage trail improves safe access at Pirbright
Above: A remembrance seat along the trail that allows us to remember the sacrifices and honour our military personnel.
Courtesy MoD Crown Copyright
The remembrance-themed Pirbright Military Heritage Trail (PMHT) in Surrey uses existing public rights of way (PROW) and permissive tracks around the Pirbright Danger Area (PDA). It was created to provide a joined-up, versatile route integrated with the requirements of the training area, enabling safer access for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
The PDA is closed to the public 365 days a year due to the nature of the training that takes place, with the wider estate being used for other low-level training. This route around the periphery offers a way for everyone to safely access the area.
Brigadier Gavin Hatcher CBE, Head of the Defence Training Estate, said: "We are extremely proud to be opening the PMHT. It will enable local people and visitors to explore this area safely, and to discover the beautiful flora, fauna and landscapes that exist here.
"Pirbright has been home to many military regiments and units since the 1870s when the military camp first opened. This new route will bring the civilian and military communities closer, allowing us to remember the sacrifices, and honour our past and present serving military personnel.
"Collaboration and hard work lie at the heart of this new trail, and I hope that many people are able to use and enjoy it for years to come."
The project was led by the DIO’s Access and Recreation team with support from DIO ecologists and archaeologists, and funded by a significant investment from the DIO’s internal Conservation Stewardship Fund. The fund delivers a prioritised programme of conservation projects to secure the MoD’s licence to operate and train.
James Nevitt, DIO’s Senior Access Advisor, instrumental in the delivery of the project, said: "The PMHT is an excellent example of DIO helping the local communities on our doorstep connect with the estate, understand the dangers of an active training area and safely enjoy the access that is on offer.
"The trail fits within the local defence requirements and supports wider environmental management by directing the visiting public away from dangerous and environmentally-sensitive areas.
"DIO is extremely grateful for the contributions and support of all stakeholders. We have worked hard in partnership to deliver the PMHT and we hope that people will enjoy the trail for many years to come."
The new, fully waymarked trail has directional finger post signs at key locations and 13 information boards about safe access to MoD land, military history and ecology. A remembrance seat has also been placed at ‘location 8’ on the trail, with other spaces open for seats to be added. Joined with the local PROW network, local communities can opt to complete short sections of the trail or enjoy the full route.
The information boards were delivered in collaboration with local historian David Rose, Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) and Thames Basin Heath Partnership. DIO’s industry partner, Landmarc, supported the installation.
Adam Bolton, Conservation Officer from SWT, said: "SWT have an agreement with the military to manage land at Folly Bog, Brentmoor Heath and Pirbright Ranges for nature conservation.
"We have worked with DIO to help draw up the wildlife sections of the interpretation boards and provided images from our library where possible. We feel it’s incredibly important for local people to feel connected to and engaged with the wild spaces around them.
"These boards are brilliant at providing visitors with information on the history and wildlife found on their doorstep - something the Trust is more than happy to support."
The PMHT is one of many initiatives designed to ensure the public stay safe and protected while using military land. The MoD encourages all visitors to MoD land to:
- always check training and live firing times before they travel
- observe safety information including red flags, fences, signs and byelaws
- stick to public rights of way such as footpaths and bridleways, and permissive paths
- always keep dogs under control, in sight, and remember to pick up after them
- report military debris for safe disposal - don’t touch it
Local people and visitors planning to visit the area are urged to follow the MoD’s guidance to keep themselves and their loved ones safe: Accessing the training estate safely.
