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Working to reduce military training in National Parks

Danger sign on the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park ranges

It’s a little known fact that several National Parks are heavily used for military training. For example, 23% of the Northumberland National Park and 14% of the Dartmoor National Park are covered by military training areas.  

Other Parks are also affected, including the Pembrokeshire Coast, Brecon Beacons, Lake District, North York Moors, Peak District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. 

There is no question that our Armed Forces must be trained to the highest standard so that they are prepared for any situations that they will face in the demanding environments in which they serve to protect our national security. 

However, CNP questions whether all training needs to continue in our National Parks at the current levels.  

So what exactly is the conflict between military training and National Park purposes?

 

  • Live firing activity involves ammunition being fired from guns, tanks, artillery and helicopters. This brings landscape and noise impacts, and the public is denied access to the area during firing exercises or permanently if there are safety issues, such as from unexploded ordnance
  • Low flying fighter jets, bombers and helicopters is a particular issue in Wales and the north of England and can affect the quiet enjoyment of an area
  • Military training requires buildings and roads to support the activities along with targets, firing ranges, camps, flags and notices. This infrastructure can dramatically affect the landscape and public enjoyment of the area 

However, other activities such as adventure training and dry training are ideally suited to the rugged environment of National Parks, which provide a perfect location for physical tests, team building and practical outdoor skills.

The Ministry of Defence has made a powerful commitment to wildlife conservation.

CNP aims to achieve support from the Government and Defence Estates on the following issues:

  • An independent review to look at military training activity in National Parks
  • Thorough examination of alternative training sites outside of National Parks
  • Finding ways to maximise public access to training areas
  • Removal of unexploded ordnance as part of the MoD’s duty of care to the environment

You can find out more in our reports on military training:

Wild but not free: military training in National Parks

A continuing need? Military training and the Dartmoor National Park
 
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