The byelaws mean that it is legal for any member of the Armed Forces (with military ID and of NCO rank or above) or the MoD land managers (LandMarc) to request that you leave the training area; this is at their discretion. There are no rules for this, so if they say go, you go or face the consequences. So if this does happen then leave with good grace and ride somewhere else that day.

Ultimately, the above officers have the right to seize your treasured bike and take it into custody for subsequent crushing. You have no right of appeal or compensation if this happens so don’t escalate any confrontation forcing them to take this step. Generally, any enforcement patrol will start with a warning and then escalate it only if you continue to offend in the same training area.

Should the worst happen, they are required to provide you with a ‘Warning Off’ notice in writing and confirmation that they have confiscated your bike.

Enforcement patrols for the training areas can occur at any time night or day.

So, if you do meet a patrol or LandMarc agent, please remember:

• They have the right to stop you
• Be polite regardless of provocation
• If asked to leave the area, then do so (don’t just go round the corner as this is likely to provoke them)
• If you have an incident at a specific location then don’t return to that location as repeat offending is most likely to result in confiscation
• If property confiscation occurs then ensure you see their accreditation (military ID or LandMarc ID)
• Notify TAG and your local councillor of any incident as soon as possible
• Remember that everyone including the military read the websites, so think about what you post

The weather was generous and stayed dry for the day, although woolly underwear was a good idea as it was a bit nippy in the woods. The team split into two work parties and set off for a day of tidying up in the area of Bunker Buster where winter rain had created some erosion problems.

Everyone pitched in and the path culverts were cleared out including some incredibly smelly bits (well Stan swore it was the drains). One trail that had got very muddy was re-routed to more stable ground and the old route closed off.

The tea break was greatly improved by the cake donations from Jo and others.

Where the route crossed ground that was inherently very wet, some low level boardwalk was installed to stop any further erosion while protecting the drainage.

We finished off at lunchtime with a visit to the Tweseldown pub to refresh adults and children alike.

A big thank you to everyone who came along including…

The ‘A’ team – Bob, Dave and Lee (great skills guys)
Dave B, Ned & Lucia, Stan L, Wheezy Steve , Lesley, Jo F and family, Pants and small
Pants, John, Bazz , Irish Rich and Family and dog, Ewan, Jo M (hope your shoes dried out)
Mike ,Kate , Rachy and family, Gayle, Simon(Sandy Hill) and son.

Well done all!

Meeting point: The fire road gate near to the junction of the B3013 and the A287 – you’ll be able to park on the fire road (http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=482104&Y=149678&A=Y&Z=115)

Time: 10am

Dec 3rd and 4th
Who: Hampshire Conservation Volunteers
Site: Caesars Camp, Long Bottom
Task: Clearing willow and birch scrub from heathland (scrub bashing)
Meeting place: gate off Bourley Road , near Pavilion Hill. 10am
Grid reference: SU 847 511

The main aim of the day was to help prevent any further ground erosion on two sections of trail; Banksy and Sponge BoB.

On Banksy we installed a small section of board walk over a wet/boggy area to minimise erosion over the winter and to let the ground recover.

Sponge BoB had repairs made to braking bumps/holes and has temporally been closed off to allow the ground to settle. Please respect the trail closures currently in force.

On another note, could all who ride on MoD Land look out for any gates which may have been left open on the Training Areas. If you see any that are unattended please close them as they pose a security risk to Troops training and it leaves the area open to fly tipping.  If asked what you are doing, just reply with “The gates are supposed be closed at all times and have a sentry posted if left open”.

Thanks again for all your support – keep an eye on the website and facebook for the next trail maintenance day.

Please avoid this section until re-opened as the trail quality will be so much better if the work is allowed time to bed in. Thanks!

Meeting point is here: http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=481494&Y=158510&A=Y&Z=115&ax=481882&ay=158650

Time: 10am – 2pm
PS. If you’ve got any treated wood you don’t need do let us know it may be of use.