Lydd Ranges, Military training ground in Kent, England
Lydd Ranges is a military training facility on the Kent coast featuring specialized zones for artillery, anti-tank, and infantry weapons practice. The site spans a large area with separate training zones designed to test different weapon systems and combat techniques.
The Ministry of Defence established this training facility over 150 years ago and it gradually developed into a large military training complex. A narrow gauge railway system was added in 1936 to move targets and make training more realistic.
The site borders Dungeness, a unique coastal landscape with shingle beaches and rare plants that coexist with the military operations happening nearby. Local wildlife has adapted to the training activities, creating an unusual mix of military use and nature conservation in the same area.
Red flags and lights mark restricted access during live firing exercises that occur roughly 300 days per year on the grounds. It is important to respect barriers and only enter authorized areas, as the facility is regularly active for military operations.
The facility keeps stationary armored vehicles that serve as targets for Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and Army anti-tank training exercises. These fixed targets allow different military units to practice their shooting skills under realistic conditions.
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