The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the upcoming schedule for live firing exercises on Dartmoor, with activities set to take place over a nine-day period in early 2026.
According to a listing on the official Public Notice Portal, Okehampton Camp has issued the formal notification for the period from Saturday, 10 January to Sunday, 18 January 2026. The notice, which was also published in the Exeter Express & Echo, details that daytime firing will occur solely at the Willsworthy range during the middle of the week.
Weekly Firing Schedule Breakdown
The detailed timetable confirms there will be no live firing at either the Okehampton or Merrivale ranges throughout the entire period. All activity is concentrated on four specific days at Willsworthy.
The week's schedule is as follows:
- Saturday 10 to Monday 12 January: No firing at any range.
- Tuesday 13 to Friday 16 January: Daytime firing at Willsworthy only. No firing at Okehampton or Merrivale.
- Saturday 17 to Sunday 18 January: No firing at any range.
This planned activity means the vast majority of the notified period will see no live firing, with exercises confined to the four mid-week days.
Public Safety and Access Information
The notice reiterates critical safety protocols for members of the public using Dartmoor. Red flags by day and red lamps by night signal when live firing is active within range boundaries, which are marked by red and white poles.
Authorities stress that under no circumstances should anyone cross a range boundary when these warning signals are displayed. A key rule for visitors is that if warning signals are not hoisted by 9am (April to September) or 10am (October to March), no live firing will occur that day. Any loud bangs heard after these times are likely to be blank cartridges or authorised fireworks.
Day firing is strictly confined to the hours between sunrise and sunset, with night firing occurring between sunset and sunrise. All flags and lamps are lowered as soon as live firing ceases.
The public is strongly warned not to touch any military debris, such as spent cartridge cases. If found, people should note the location and inform the Commandant at Okehampton Camp or the police.
Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities
Access to land within the range boundaries is only restricted when the red warning signals are actively displayed. Outside these boundaries, users are advised to remain vigilant, follow all posted signage, and keep to marked public paths.
For complete details, residents and visitors are directed to consult the full listing for this period on the Public Notice Portal and the official Defence Infrastructure Organisation information.
Those with concerns or who believe they may be adversely impacted are encouraged to review the notice and contact the Commandant for direct clarification. Further information on military activities on Dartmoor can be obtained from: Commandant Dartmoor Training Area, Okehampton Camp, Okehampton EX20 1QP, telephone 01837 657 210.
