A new military heritage trail has opened in Pirbright, Surrey, enabling walkers, cyclists, and horse riders to explore the area’s historic military landscape safely.
Created by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), this remembrance-themed trail is a tribute to Pirbright’s long military history, blending historical significance with ecological conservation.
Discovering Pirbright’s Military Heritage
The new trail, named the Pirbright Military Heritage Trail (PMHT), is a thoughtfully crafted route that allows the public to explore Pirbright’s rich military past while also offering a scenic pathway through some of Surrey’s notable landscapes.
The trail offers improved access for locals and visitors, with designated paths to keep everyone safe within the active military training grounds. Situated around the Pirbright Danger Area (PDA), the route is designed for various users to safely enjoy outdoor experiences.
DIO, which led the development of the trail, explains its dual-purpose approach.
“The PMHT is an excellent example of DIO helping local communities connect with the estate, understand the dangers of an active training area, and safely enjoy the access that is on offer,”
says James Nevitt, Senior Access Advisor at DIO.
Pirbright’s Storied Military Past
Pirbright has a historical tapestry dating back to the 1870s when the British Army established a training camp here. Over the years, the area has seen numerous regiments pass through, with Pirbright Camp becoming an essential site for military training in the UK.
Now, with the addition of the PMHT, the public can engage with this heritage in an accessible and respectful way.
The trail also serves as a bridge between the civilian and military communities, fostering mutual appreciation and a shared sense of remembrance.
As Brigadier Gavin Hatcher CBE, Head of the Defence Training Estate, expressed,
“This new route will bring the civilian and military communities closer, allowing us to remember the sacrifices and honour our past and present serving military personnel.”
Safety and Accessibility
Navigating an active training area safely requires proper infrastructure and awareness. The PMHT addresses this with a series of waymarked routes, directional finger posts, and thirteen information boards along the trail.
Each board offers insights into the region’s military history, ecology, and guidelines for safe access. To accommodate different preferences, visitors can opt to explore smaller sections of the trail or complete the full route.
Summary of access options:
Trail Option |
Distance |
Features |
|---|---|---|
| Full Route | Approx. 10 miles | All information boards, waymarked paths |
| Short Sections | 1-3 miles each | Selected historical and ecological highlights |
This modular setup makes it easy for users to tailor their visits based on available time and interest, with safe, marked paths designed to avoid live training areas.
Environmental Collaboration and Conservation
Partnerships were central to the trail’s development, with contributions from the Surrey Wildlife Trust, Thames Basin Heath Partnership, and local historians. Together with DIO’s ecologists and archaeologists, the trail balances military and environmental needs, guiding visitors away from ecologically sensitive zones.
Adam Bolton, Conservation Officer from Surrey Wildlife Trust, highlighted the environmental benefits:
“It’s incredibly important for local people to feel connected to and engaged with the wild spaces around them. These boards provide brilliant information on the history and wildlife found on their doorstep.”
This commitment to environmental stewardship is reinforced by the DIO’s Conservation Stewardship Fund, which provided funding to integrate safety and conservation measures seamlessly.
Guidelines for Visiting
Given the active nature of the Pirbright training estate, DIO has issued specific safety guidelines for those planning to visit:
- Check for Live Training Times: Always review scheduled training times to avoid any potential disruptions.
- Follow Safety Signs: Be mindful of red flags, fences, and informational signs.
- Stay on Designated Paths: Ensure a safe visit by sticking to public rights of way and permissive paths.
- Keep Pets Under Control: Dogs should be kept within sight and cleaned up after.
- Report Unusual Objects: Avoid touching any military debris and report it to authorities.
The Pirbright Military Heritage Trail honours Britain’s legacy, blending history, scenic Surrey landscapes and safe exploration. Pirbright’s trail harmoniously combines history appreciation, ecological care and public safety, celebrating past and sustainable future.
Sources: THX News & Defence Infrastructure Organisation.
