Giant Chinook beach sculpture reminds people to be careful on MOD land
A huge Chinook sand sculpture has been made on a UK beach to remind the public to be careful around Ministry of Defence (MOD) training sites.
The 100m helicopter artwork was created at Saunton Sands in Devon, which is beside the military's Braunton Burrows Training Estate.
The work is part of a public safety initiative called 'Respect the Range' – designed to keep people mindful of the dangers of entering shared land used by the Armed Forces for training.
Some of the risks include live firing, unexploded ordnance, and fast-moving military vehicles, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The MOD is encouraging members of the public to check training times, stay on public access routes, check for safety information including signs and red flags, and report any ordnance they might find.
Other sites shared by the public and military include Lulworth, Holbeach, Donna Nook, Barry Buddon, Lydd & Hythe, Salisbury Plain and Aldershot.
Brigadier Jonathan Bartholomew, DIO's Head of Overseas Region and the Defence Training Estate, said: "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."
Join Our Newsletter
