Sand Sculpture in Devon urges holidaymakers to stay safe
It's drawing attention to a serious public safety risk.
A 100-metre Chinook helicopter, created from sand, is drawing attention to a serious public safety risk.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation, part of the Ministry of Defence, is urging holidaymakers and locals to take extra care and check military firing and training times when accessing MOD sites shared with the public.
The artwork launches the next phase of the Respect the Range campaign.
The public safety initiative is warning visitors about risks they face when entering shared land used by the MOD for training.
It can be found on Saunton Sands beach in Devon, an area full of military history and adjacent to the Braunton Burrows Training Estate.
Braunton Burrows Training Estate is not an area used for live firing exercises.
To protect yourself and stay safe while using military land, the MOD is encouraging visitors to:
check training times before traveling.
stick to public access routes.
observe safety information including red flags, fences, signs and by-laws while on military land.
don’t touch any ordnance they come across, and report it.
Brigadier Jonathan Bartholomew, DIO’s Head of Overseas Region and the Defence Training Estate, said:
"With the summer holidays now upon us, it’s an important time for us to raise public awareness about MOD training estate locations and how the public can stay safe when visiting them. Whilst last year’s Respect the Range campaign targeted the countryside of Salisbury Plain and Aldershot, this year we are focusing on protecting tourists and visitors on our coastline".
"These beauty spots are shared land, where families, tourists and locals spend time. But it’s also where our Armed Forces practise live-fire training, so it can go from tranquil to treacherous by the hour, 24 hours a day".
"The MOD supports public access to much of the military estate and encourages visitors to explore the beauty of Britain’s beaches, but this should be done in accordance with military guidance and with caution. We ask that the public do not cross into areas that are prohibited, stick to public paths and always check live firing times. This will help protect yourself, your loved ones and military personnel. It’s key that we work together to share these spaces with respect and consideration".
There is a number of MOD sites across the UK with the following key sites having shared public access that could pose significant risk to locals and tourists: Lulworth, Holbeach, Donna Nook, Barry Buddon, Lydd & Hythe, Salisbury Plain and Aldershot.
You can find more information on how to access military estate safely here.
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