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Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range
Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range
Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range
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Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range is a Ministry of Defence air weapons range located near the village of Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Burry Port and 10.3 miles (16.6 km) south of Carmarthen, Wales. Adjacent to the weapons range site is a former Royal Air Force station known as Royal Air Force Pembrey, or more simply RAF Pembrey, which closed in 1957 and of which part is now in civilian use as Pembrey Airport.

Key Information

History

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RAF Pembrey

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RAF Training Command

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The site for Pembrey was acquired in 1937. The airfield was allocated to No. 25 Group RAF, of RAF Training Command during its construction, and it officially opened on the 6 May 1940.[1] The site was known as Towyn Burrows and was only just higher than the high tide level. Situated between Burry Port and Kidwelly, it was on a marshy area of coastline, the Cefn Sidan Sands and Pembrey Forest were between the shoreline and the airfield.[2]

The airfield opened in March 1939,[3] and by September 1939 No. 2 Air Armament School RAF was the first unit to be stationed at the airfield,[4] indeed, from September 1939 to June 1940 the airfield was used to train armourers and air mechanics by No. 2 AAS.[5]

RAF Fighter Command

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From the 20 June 1940, the airfield was transferred to No. 10 Group RAF of RAF Fighter Command. Pembrey was used throughout the Battle of Britain to rest squadrons from the defending against the Blitz, and also to provide air defence for South Wales and to protect convoys.[6]

Supermarine Spitfire pilots of No. 92 Squadron used Pembrey as their base from the 18 June 1940. These included Squadron Leader Stanford Tuck,[7] until 12 August,[8][9] Geoffrey Wellum, the author of the 2002 memoir "First Light", and Tony Bartley. During the Battle of Britain, No. 92 Squadron pilots who were to be at readiness at dawn, spent the night in a tent set up near the aircraft.[10] No. 92 Squadron returned to RAF Biggin Hill on the 9 September, during the air battle’s peak.[11]

From January to March 1941, 256 Squadron operated from Pembrey.[12] In early 1941, No. 316 Polish Fighter Squadron was formed at Pembrey, inflicted losses on enemy aircraft, and moved on to RAF Colerne in June.[13]

RAF Fairwood Common and RAF Angle had taken over the air defence of the South Wales area by the middle of 1941 and RAF Pembrey was allocated to RAF Flying Training Command.[14]

RAF Flying Training Command

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Disused dome training facility and Spitfire, 2007

Between 1941 and 1945 Pembrey was host to the RAF's No. 1 Air Gunners School, involving Bristol Blenheim and Vickers Wellington bombers and Spitfire fighter aircraft,[15] and included experimental courses.[16] From 1943 to 1945, Wing commander George Peter Macdonald, was the Commanding Officer of No. 1 Air Gunners School RAF, and the Station Commander of RAF Pembrey.[17]

Operational Conversion Unit

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No 233 OCU formed in September 1952, at RAF Pembrey.[18] The OCU's Badge featured the head of a Wildcat, indicative of the fierce fighting spirit. The OCU's Welsh motto was Ymlaen; The English translation is 'Forward'.[19]

The OCUs de Havilland Vampire aircraft displayed the badge below the front quarter-light of the cockpit and was the OCUs aircraft's only markings. The Station badge was also the No 233 OCU badge during this period, and was displayed on all the RAF Pembrey vehicles.[20]

The Operational Conversion Unit disbanded in September 1957 and the station closed soon afterwards.[1]

Incidents

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  • In 1968, a bomb exploded at the airfield, seriously injuring a warrant officer; in the "climate of sporadic bomb threats" the BBC interviewed people in Kidwelly about whether they believed the Prince of Wales should come to Wales.[28]

Pembrey Airport

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Main article: Pembrey Airport

On 22 August 1997 Pembrey was officially opened as a civil airfield and named Pembrey Airport.[29] Pembrey was associated as a service facility with the former RAF Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range, a Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) establishment.[30] The airfield is now split into a number of facilities: the Welsh Motor Sports Centre occupies most of the area, part of the land has reverted to agriculture, part contains a hangar formerly used by the Dyfed-Powys Police Air Support, whilst 805 metres (2,641 ft) of the north east portion of the former RAF Runway, 04/22, was opened as Pembrey West Wales Airport in August 1997. In 2009 it was expecting to operate charter flights into the airport.[31] The airfield is also home to the Llanelli Model Flying Club.[32]

Former units

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Former squadrons include:[33]

Other former units include:[3]

Current operations

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Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range

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No1 Quadrant Control Tower at Pembrey Sands AWR

Pembrey Sands Air weapons range is an air-to-ground bombing and strafing practice area. It also has a unique feature in that it can provide a beach environment to enable crews to establish a Temporary Landing Zone, to practise natural surface operations. A control tower and beach guard boxes are staffed to ensure the general public do not enter the Air Weapons Range. Accommodation and kitchen facilities are available. One hour after low tide, landings can take place day or night, meaning training can take place in the dark. Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft regularly used the airstrip. The first test sand landing of an Airbus A400M Atlas has been completed.[35]

The facility has four Air Weapons Range targets; three are bombing targets and are used for both low-level attacks and dive-bombing. The fourth target is a strafe target, consisting of three strafe panels. Forward Air Control and Close Air Defence units use Pembrey AWR for realistic training. The range can also support Dry Training.[36]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range is a air weapons range located on the coast near the village of Pembrey in , dedicated to air-to-ground bombing, , and tactical training.
Opened in 1966 adjacent to the former RAF Pembrey airfield, the range succeeded earlier II-era facilities and has since served as a critical asset for RAF fast-jet and proficiency in live-fire exercises over land and sea targets.
Its coastal dunes and beach provide unique environments for simulating amphibious operations, including temporary landing zones for heavy aircraft such as the , supporting both and aircrews.
Designated as a due to its dune habitat, the range operates under strict safety protocols within danger area D118, with normal activities from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, one of five principal air weapons ranges essential for maintaining operational readiness.

Location and Facilities

Site Description and Geography

The Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range is located on Pembrey Burrows, a coastal expanse of sandy beaches and dunes in , , bordering Carmarthen Bay. This site features extensive intertidal sandflats and dynamic dune systems shaped by tidal influences and wind, providing a natural setting for training. The range's geography includes a broad, flat beachfront ideal for air-to-ground bombing, , and low-level flying exercises, with the adjacent dunes offering varied for operational simulations. Situated within a , the area is noted for its coastal habitats, including embryo dunes and fixed dunes invaded by seawater due to processes. Managed by the , the range leverages the site's isolation and expansive shoreline—approximately 8 kilometers long—for safe weapons practice, minimizing risks to populated areas while accommodating aircraft such as helicopters and fast jets.

Infrastructure and Technical Features

Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range covers a land surface area of 1,112 hectares (2,748 acres) on the Pembrey coast between and , with a sea danger area extending 5 kilometers offshore. The core infrastructure supports air-to-ground bombing and practices through four dedicated targets: three for level and dive-bombing, and one strafing target featuring three separate panels for firing drills. Deployable targets, including replica aircraft and vehicles, simulate realistic ground engagements during training. Technical features encompass an Tower equipped with controllers, two meteorological observer assistants, marine radar, ground radio, and ground-to-air communication systems to oversee operations within defined surface and air danger areas. and strafe scoring equipment, alongside meteorological tools, enables accurate assessment of weapon delivery accuracy. Quadrant operators, bomb spotters, and foul line observers monitor firing zones, supported by boundary sentries and a munitions disposal team for . The range's coastal provides a unique natural surface for temporary landing zones, accommodating day and night exercises in beach landings and rapid troop deployments, including trials with C-130 and A400M aircraft. Portable control boxes and access protocols ensure safe integration of with coastal usage. On-site accommodation and facilities support personnel during extended activities. These elements collectively facilitate comprehensive training for RAF fast jet pilots, forward air controllers, close air defence units, and joint terminal attack controllers, with every RAF fast jet pilot undergoing air-to-ground firing here using from No. 19 Squadron.

Historical Development

Pre-War Establishment and Early RAF Use

The Pembrey Sands area was selected in the mid-1930s for development as a key facility for aerial bombing and gunnery training, leveraging its expansive sandy beaches and coastal location suitable for live-fire practice. Construction of the associated airfield, initially designated for RAF use under Flying Training Command, commenced in to support armament instruction. The site included initial infrastructure for ground-based anti-aircraft training by units such as the 280 Ground Defence Squadron starting around 1936–1937, prior to full airfield completion. The airfield formally opened in March 1939, though operational delays persisted until the outbreak of war. In September 1939, No. 2 Air Armament School transferred from RAF Eastchurch to Pembrey, becoming the first stationed RAF unit and focusing on advanced training in aerial armament techniques, including bombing accuracy, gunnery, and armourers' courses for RAF and naval personnel. This school, part of No. 25 Group RAF, emphasized practical exercises over the adjacent sands range, establishing Pembrey as the United Kingdom's premier facility for such specialized instruction at the time. Early RAF operations at Pembrey through mid-1940 involved intensive armament drills using aircraft like target tugs and practice bombers, preparing for roles amid escalating European tensions. No. 2 Air Armament School remained active until June 1940, when it relocated to form other training entities, marking the transition from pre-war developmental use to wartime operational demands. By May 1940, the completed three-runway configuration enabled broader RAF integration, though initial emphasis stayed on training protocols honed during the establishment phase.

World War II Role in Fighter Command and Training

RAF Pembrey, adjacent to the sands used for weapons practice, initially served as a training facility under RAF Training Command. Construction of the airfield began in 1937, with operations commencing in March 1939. By , No. 2 Air Armament School became the first unit stationed there, focusing on bombing and gunnery instruction for pilots and , utilizing the adjacent Pembrey Sands for live-fire exercises. In May 1940, following completion of three tarmac runways, the airfield transferred to No. 11 Group and subsequently to the newly formed No. 10 Group, assuming a defensive role in Southwest England and . It hosted fighter squadrons conducting coastal patrols, reconnaissance, and convoy protection against incursions. No. 92 Squadron, equipped with Spitfire Mk.I aircraft, operated from Pembrey from 18 June to 8 August 1940, contributing to efforts despite the station's rearward position. British, Polish, and Dutch units, flying Hurricanes and Spitfires, defended industrial areas in and , with 13 aircraft lost—nine Spitfires and four Hurricanes—over three months of intense operations. From mid-1941, Pembrey shifted emphasis to advanced training under RAF Flying Training Command, functioning as a gunnery for ground attack and air-to-air combat techniques. No. 2 Air Armament School relocated to RAF in June 1940, but the site's infrastructure supported ongoing weapons proficiency training, leveraging the sands range for realistic ordnance delivery practice essential to Fighter Command readiness. This dual operational and instructional role underscored Pembrey's strategic value in maintaining combat effectiveness throughout the war.

Post-War Transition and Airfield Closure

Following the end of in 1945, RAF Pembrey shifted from wartime fighter operations to peacetime training and development roles under Fighter Command, emphasizing structured pilot instruction for emerging threats and evaluation of post-war aircraft technologies. This period involved methodical training regimens that replaced the urgency of combat readiness with systematic skill-building, while the base contributed to Britain's broader air defense infrastructure amid demobilization and resource reallocations. By 1952, the airfield hosted No. 233 Operational Conversion Unit, formally established on 1 September at Pembrey to transition RAF pilots from piston-engine to jet propulsion aircraft, primarily the Vampire and . The unit conducted intensive conversion flights over the adjacent range facilities, focusing on weapons delivery and tactical maneuvers suited to high-speed jet operations, until operational demands shifted elsewhere in the RAF structure. The airfield's military role concluded with No. 233 OCU's disbandment, prompting closure on 13 July 1957; the final departure featured a Valetta transport aircraft carrying Princess Margaret from the runway. Subsequent disposal transferred portions of the site to civilian uses, including agriculture and a motor racing circuit, while the neighboring weapons range persisted for specialized RAF activities. This transition reflected broader RAF contractions in the late 1950s, prioritizing consolidated bases amid budget constraints and evolving jet training needs.

Formation of the Dedicated Weapons Range

Following the closure of RAF Pembrey airfield in September 1957, the repurposed the adjacent coastal sands for specialized weapons training, transitioning from the site's earlier multi-role use that included wartime gunnery schools. Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range was formally established in 1964 as a dedicated facility for air-to-ground ordnance practice, enabling RAF and NATO-allied aircraft to conduct live-fire bombing, , and rocket attacks over designated beach and dune targets. This development addressed demands for isolated, low-risk over-water firing zones amid shrinking available training areas in the UK, with the site's 7-mile (11 km) beach providing natural safety buffers via tidal clearances and impact scoring. Initial infrastructure included fixed ground targets, observation towers, and telemetry systems for scoring munitions accuracy, operated under RAF control to support jet-era squadrons transitioning to like the and . The range's activation coincided with broader MOD estate rationalizations, preserving military utility on while the former airfield site shifted toward civilian handover by authorities. By the late 1960s, it had become a core asset for No. 4 Flying Training School and operational conversion units, with annual sorties exceeding thousands for weapons proficiency.

Military Operations and Units

Key RAF Squadrons and Training Commands

During its early development in the mid-1930s, Pembrey served as the site of the Royal Air Force's No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School, recognized as the premier facility in the for instructing pilots and aircrew in aerial bombing accuracy and defensive gunnery against simulated aerial targets. This unit, operating under RAF Training Command, utilized the expansive sands for live-fire practice with aircraft such as Hawker Harts and later Spitfires towing drogues for gunnery drills, emphasizing precision strikes and evasion tactics essential for frontline operations. In the lead-up to and during , the facility transitioned to support , hosting operational squadrons that integrated weapons training into their defensive patrols over and the . Notable among these was , which arrived in 1940 equipped with Spitfires and conducted both intercept missions—crediting the unit with downing enemy aircraft—and gunnery exercises on the range to maintain combat proficiency. Similarly, No. 316 (City of Warsaw) Polish Fighter Squadron formed at Pembrey in early 1941, using Hurricane fighters for convoy protection and range-based armament familiarization, contributing to the integration of Allied expatriate pilots into RAF structures. Post-war, under RAF Flying Training Command, No. 14 Operational Training Unit utilized the site from the late 1940s for advanced tactical exercises, including low-level bombing and rocketry with Vampires and Hawker Hunters until the airfield's closure in , after which the dedicated weapons range sustained similar curricula for successor units. In contemporary operations, the range facilitates weapons qualification for Typhoon squadrons from bases such as and , as well as emerging F-35B training under No. 207 Squadron, focusing on inert munitions delivery and simulations across the 6,000-acre footprint.

Weapons Practice and Testing Protocols

Weapons practice at Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range is conducted under the oversight of Air Command Air Weapon Range Orders (ACAWROs), which are issued by Headquarters No. 1 Group and approved by the Range Approval Officer to ensure standardized procedures across RAF ranges. These orders mandate clear range procedures prior to live firing, including verification of , target marking for air weapons delivery, and coordination between aircrews and ground control to mitigate risks during air-to-ground operations. The primary activities involve air-to-ground bombing and exercises, utilizing live munitions to simulate scenarios for fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aircraft systems. Training emphasizes accuracy in weapon delivery against designated ground targets within the range boundaries, with typically employing fire and bombing incorporating practice or low-yield ordnance to replicate tactical engagements while adhering to environmental and safety constraints. Safety protocols prioritize range clearance and real-time monitoring from the control tower, with firing restricted to scheduled periods—generally 0900 to 1700 to and 0900 to 1400 Fridays—to minimize public disruption, though occasional night operations extend to 2359. Public access to adjacent areas is prohibited during active firing, enforced via notices and patrols, with warnings against handling ; the maintains that strict live-firing procedures uphold personnel safety, though broader MoD training data indicates ongoing scrutiny of incident rates. Testing protocols, when conducted, follow similar ACAWRO frameworks but incorporate additional evaluations for integration, such as trajectory validation and performance under beach terrain conditions unique to Pembrey Sands; however, the site's core function remains operational rather than developmental trials. All activities require pre-briefings, weather assessments, and post-mission debriefs to verify compliance and efficacy, ensuring causal links between training inputs and outputs.

Incidents and Safety Record

Notable Accidents and Investigations

On 8 May 1941, Hawker Hurricane IIA Z2324 of No. 32 Squadron failed to recover from a test dive during operations over Pembrey Sands, crashing into the sea and killing Polish Antoni Kawczynski. A significant range-related incident occurred on 20 October 1955, when F.5 WP143, conducting low-level gunnery practice, was struck by a ricocheting 20 mm round fired at ground targets. The impact caused compressor damage from ingested molten debris, leading to engine ; the aircraft overshot during an at adjacent RAF Pembrey and crashed into trees, though the pilot survived with the written off. An investigation, documented in file PA1716/5/3/397, attributed the failure directly to the and foreign object ingestion, highlighting risks in live-fire training environments. On an unspecified date in the early 1950s, Vampire FB Mk 3 VV196 ditched into the off the Pembrey Gunnery Range during en route operations, with the aircraft destroyed; details on crew outcomes remain limited in available records. Additional historical crashes during air-to-ground firing exercises, such as a Vampire from RAF Llandow pulling out too sharply from a dive over the range, underscore recurring challenges in high-speed weapons practice, though specific investigations for these were not publicly detailed beyond attributing them to pilot maneuvering errors under operational stress.

Safety Measures and Improvements

Following investigations into training accidents at the former RAF Pembrey airfield adjacent to the range, such as a 1940s crash due to takeoff in near-zero visibility and a Vampire incident during live firing where excessive g-forces caused structural failure, the RAF implemented refinements to safety protocols, including stricter weather minimums for departures and calibrated limits on dive recovery maneuvers to prevent pilot-induced oscillations. These enhancements, derived from board of inquiry findings, contributed to iterative improvements in handling characteristics and instructor oversight during weapons practice. Operational safety at the range incorporates mandatory of danger area EG D118, enforced via NOTAMs and to exclude non-participating during bombing, , or drills, with ground observers monitoring for ordnance drift or unexploded munitions. Control from the No. 1 Quadrant tower facilitates real-time clearance and abort procedures, adhering to rules that prohibit observer proximity within impact zones. Post-2000 environmental safety upgrades included a joint management plan with the Countryside Council for , focusing on dune stabilization to contain from blast effects and systematic clearance of inert practice rounds, reducing long-term risks without compromising training efficacy. Notifications of scheduled and extended activity hours, published via , further mitigate civilian exposure by alerting mariners, aviators, and locals to active periods, typically dawn to dusk with occasional evenings. Broader RAF air safety evolution, informed by aggregated range incident data, has integrated enhanced cultures since the , prioritizing procedural drills over technological over-reliance to sustain low accident rates in low-level weapons delivery.

Current Status and Usage

Ongoing RAF Training Activities

Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range serves as one of five air weapons ranges in the dedicated to essential operational training for the Royal , focusing on air-to-ground bombing, , and live firing exercises against deployable ground targets. Routine activities occur from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during summer months, with winter hours shortened to 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., though extended operations, including low-level flying and night activities up to 10:00 p.m. on select Tuesdays and Thursdays, are periodically notified for high-intensity training. The range supports fast-jet testing, Joint Terminal Air Controller integration, and helicopter operations, utilizing its coastal beach environment for establishing temporary landing zones (TLZs). A key component of ongoing RAF training involves beach landing proficiency for tactical airlift , exemplified by repeated exercises with the Atlas A400M from . In June 2023, A400M crews conducted multiple beach landings and takeoffs at Pembrey Sands to simulate austere operational environments, enhancing skills for rapid deployment in contested areas. Similar training persisted into 2025, with A400M operations documented in February for perfecting beach landing techniques essential for . Joint exercises, such as UK- TLZ setups with RAF Atlas and MC-130 , further leverage the site's tidal beach challenges for marking and controlling landing zones under realistic conditions. Live firing and maneuver training remains active, with exercises like the July 7-11, 2025, air exercise involving up to eight performing high-energy maneuvers within designated areas, supporting weapons practice and pilot proficiency. The range accommodates NATO-allied pilots alongside RAF units for air-to-ground ordnance delivery, maintaining its role in sustaining amid evolving threats, though specific ordnance types and volumes are not publicly detailed beyond standard protocols.

Civilian Airport Integration and Constraints

Pembrey Airport, a facility established on the site of the former RAF Pembrey airfield, operates in close proximity to the Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range, sharing the same geographic area in , . The airport's runway and infrastructure lie adjacent to the range's bombing and zones, which were retained for military use after the RAF station's closure in 1957. This spatial overlap necessitates coordinated operations between civilian users and the (MoD) to prevent conflicts during weapons training. Civilian flight activities at Pembrey Airport are governed by a Letter of Agreement (LOA) with the , allowing and occasional commercial operations alongside military range usage. The airport maintains daily availability but holds a formal primarily for weekends, requiring advance bookings and approvals for weekday flights to align with range scheduling and avoid active danger periods. Pilots must adhere to restrictions within Danger Area D118, which encompasses the range and imposes temporary airspace closures during live firing, monitored via Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) for safety. These protocols ensure minimal interference, though they limit the airport's operational flexibility compared to standalone civilian facilities. Constraints stem from the range's priority for RAF low-level , including air-to-ground munitions , which can extend into evenings or involve beach landings, potentially curtailing civilian access. No major airspace redesigns have fully segregated the two since the post-war transition, preserving the integrated but restricted model to support both defense needs and local aviation. Historical data from MoD reports indicate that such dual-use arrangements have maintained a record without recorded civilian incidents attributable to range activity at Pembrey, though pilots report occasional delays due to extended bookings.

Environmental and Societal Impacts

Ecological Effects and Mitigation Efforts

The Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range overlaps with the Pembrey Coast (SSSI), designated for its sand dune, intertidal, and saltmarsh habitats, where military activities including air-to-ground bombing, , and temporary practice have contributed to dune stabilization and morphological modifications since the range's establishment in 1964. Historical infrastructure from defenses and the former Pembrey exacerbated over-stabilization, reducing bare sand areas to less than 2% by 2010 and leading to scrub encroachment in wet slacks and shallow lakes, which diminished in pioneer habitats and affected species such as the fen orchid (Liparis loeselii), last recorded in 1989. Low-level flying and weapons practice generate noise disturbances, assessed in environmental impact evaluations, potentially impacting avian and invertebrate populations, while risks persist from training munitions, though localized data specific to the site remains limited. Mitigation efforts by the (MOD) and (DIO), in partnership with Natural Resources Wales, focus on habitat restoration to comply with SSSI conditions and enhance Carmarthen Bay Dunes SAC features. In 2023–2024, mechanized removal targeted 10 hectares of willow- and alder-dominated scrub in dune slack and fen habitats, followed by application to control sea buckthorn regrowth and seedlings. Additional measures included late-summer cutting and collection across 10 hectares of dune grassland where grazing is infeasible, alongside modified mowing regimes around operational zones to promote floral development and seed set. Ongoing scrub clearance, grazing trials, and proposals for turf stripping aim to restore sand mobility and pioneer communities, with species monitoring—such as the gipsywort weevil (Datonychus arquatus) in 2016—informing . These interventions leverage restricted public access on land to facilitate large-scale restoration impractical elsewhere.

Community Relations and Defense Justifications

The maintains Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range as one of five key facilities for essential air-to-ground operational , including bombing, , and establishment of temporary landing zones in a unique beach environment that simulates amphibious assault scenarios critical for RAF and allied forces readiness. This capability supports fast-jet pilots and crews in honing skills indispensable for modern air combat and expeditionary operations, as evidenced by contracts emphasizing its irreplaceable role in sustaining combat proficiency. The range's coastal setting enables realistic practice of low-level tactics and beach landings not feasible at inland sites, justifying its continued use despite alternatives being insufficient for full-spectrum requirements. Local community relations have centered on disturbances from activity, with residents reporting excessive overhead flights, including occasional overnight operations that disrupt daily life. The identifies Pembrey Sands as a significant source in its plans, alongside other defence sites contributing to regional acoustic impacts. Historical concerns date to at least 1979, when parliamentary debate highlighted community pressure to alleviate overuse of the ranges in the confined area, reflecting longstanding tensions over localized intensity of training. To address such issues, the MOD issues public notifications for extended hours and low-flying events at Pembrey Sands, aiming to minimize unanticipated disturbances while prioritizing defence imperatives. Engagement extends to collaborative environmental management, such as joint efforts with local authorities to remove 10 hectares of invasive scrub from adjacent Pembrey Coast SSSI habitats within the range boundaries, demonstrating pragmatic coexistence between military operations and ecological stewardship. No widespread recent protests have been documented, though routine consultations occur via plans encouraging feasibility studies for preservation compatible with range activities. These measures balance community equities against the range's strategic value, where defence training needs—rooted in empirical requirements for live-fire proficiency—override sporadic local frictions absent viable substitutes.

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  43. https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Pembrey_Sands_Air_Weapons_Range
  44. https://mar2013.lightaircraftassociation.co.uk/Airfields/pembrey.html
  45. https://wikishire.co.uk/wiki/Pembrey_Airport
  46. https://naturalresources.wales/media/685914/eng-report-042-pembrey-burrows-geomorphological-appraisal-and-options-for-dune-rejuvenation.pdf
  47. https://www.brimstoneuxo.com/uxo-news/bomb-found-in-north-wales-garden-by-airbnb-host/
  48. https://www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/media/ogsiocys/cnp-annual-report-2024-eng.pdf
  49. https://naturalresources.wales/media/685027/report-180-status-of-gipsywort-weevil-datonychus-arquatus-on-pembrey-air-weapons-range.pdf
  50. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/south_east/8480780.stm
  51. https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2023-11/noise-and-soundscape-plan-for-wales-2023-2028.pdf
  52. https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/1979-11-09/debates/88d57cbc-b71e-4efe-9488-eb8783117e67/BombingRangesPembreyDyfed
  53. https://www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/media/4z3l4hwu/cnp-annual-report-2023.pdf
  54. https://www.southwalescoastalgroup.cymru/the-smp20-action-plan
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