Cyclists and motorcyclists venturing off-road in Longmoor are putting both their lives and protected habitats at risk.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is seeking public assistance after an increase in mountain bike and motorbike enthusiasts straying from designated bridleways and byways across the 1,800-hectare site.

The ministry has urged the public to report any such incidents as leaving designated routes can interfere with military training and damage fragile, protected habitats.

Much of the area is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) while the Longmoor Range Danger Area (RDA) is used for firing all year round and is out of bounds when red flags are flying.

This public safety message is part of the Respect the Range campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the risks to personal safety when accessing military land. These risks include live firing, unexploded ordnance (UXO), pyrotechnics, and fast-moving military vehicles.

MOD land is primarily used for military training, and although visitors are welcome, the key message of the campaign is that you should only access the area when and where it is safe to do so. 

“Longmoor is a popular destination but we’d like to remind the public of the potential risks, as well as the actions they can take to keep themselves safe,” said Dean Howard, MOD security and public access manager for the South East.

“Members of the public are asked to observe and comply with the safety signs and remain in the designated areas and on marked, cleared paths. We also ask that people don’t pick up anything that they may see or find, but that instead they report it.”

He added: “If we all work together to use these spaces with respect and consideration, the public will stay safe, and our Armed Forces will be protected.”