MOD and Trail Riders Fellowship collaborate to promote safe access to Salisbury Plain Training Area

The Ministry of Defence has launched a campaign with The Trail Riders Fellowship to raise awareness of safe access to Salisbury Plain Training Area, a key military training site. The initiative includes social media videos explaining the importance of military exercises, environmental safeguards, and public safety. The videos emphasize that interruptions to training can delay operations, increase costs, and disrupt carefully planned exercises. The campaign also highlights the ecological significance of the area, which hosts protected habitats and wildlife vulnerable to irresponsible access.

The collaboration aims to demonstrate how responsible user groups, such as the Trail Riders Fellowship, can access the training area safely while respecting its primary military function. The videos showcase the scale and complexity of military training on Salisbury Plain, which prepares Armed Forces personnel for operational readiness. The campaign underscores the need for compliance with safety measures to avoid disruptions that could impact training outcomes. Environmental protection is also a central theme, with warnings about irreversible damage to flora and fauna caused by reckless behavior.

The Ministry of Defence stresses that Salisbury Plain Training Area plays a critical role in preparing forces for deployment, with training often planned months in advance. Every interruption to training activities can lead to delays, additional expenses, and missed opportunities for essential exercises. The partnership with The Trail Riders Fellowship is presented as a model for balancing public access with military requirements. The campaign encourages all users to prioritize safety, responsibility, and environmental stewardship when accessing the training area.

The Trail Riders Fellowship, a user group of the training estate, supports the campaign by promoting safe and responsible access. Its members, who value continued access to Salisbury Plain, emphasize the importance of respecting the area’s military purpose. The collaboration highlights how responsible use can coexist with the primary training needs of the Armed Forces. The videos serve as a practical guide for the public, demonstrating best practices for accessing the training area without compromising safety or environmental integrity.