What We Want? An Apology? Or Action & Accountability?

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Update: TAG have received a video shot inside Long Valley on the 20th of April. The gates were locked but all evidence suggests one vehicle has used the outer test track all week, and very little activity of any sort had taken place. The video is added below.

In case anyone has missed the news, there are some elections coming soon. May the 2nd sees local elections, and a general election is just around the corner.

And in case anyone has missed it, DIO civil servants [sic] have been unable or unwilling to follow a direct instruction from an elected politician and Minister of State.

So it could be a good time to focus the minds of whoever might like to be our next councillor or MP perhaps? By asking those who seek to represent us a few probing questions about how casual recreational access to the military lands can be enhanced, and how DIO can be held to account for their behaviour, we can cast our votes wisely and endorse those who support enhanced recreational access.

One thing TAG won’t do is endorse a politician or party. Preserving and enhancing recreational access to all the military lands when not in use for training should and will remain strictly apolitical as far as TAG is concerned. The benefits to the local community for mental and physical well-being and health are both broad and deep and everyone should be embracing and supporting access.

But TAG will raise concerns and issues when our local politicians and Ministers are not applying accountability. And in this regard we find we are not alone.

Horizon Scandal

The issues, deceit and downright lies being exposed by the Post Office scandal, and the utter pain and suffering inflicted on sub-postmasters is abhorrent. Any decent democracy should, rightly, outraged.

Without in any way pre-judging the outcome of the inquiry, there is a repeating theme; a persistent and consistent failure by Ministers to question or challenge what civil servants told them. Its telling it took a TV drama to pull the issue into sharp political focus.

“I’m sorry I did not see through the Post Office’s lies”

Ed Davy – Minister responsible for the Post Office 2010~2012

Whilst welcomed, sorry will count for nothing if you went to prison, were hounded out of your community, or declared bankrupt, will it?

Paula Vennels, former CEO of the Post Office is somewhat belatedly being investigated for misleading Parliament over the failings of Horizon. Well, yes…very good…but TAG asks why does it take a TV drama to trigger politicians to challenge civil servants?

Why indeed?

In the past we might have laughed at the script of BBC Yes Minister series as the civil servants ran rings around their political bosses. Watching the series now leaves a dirty taste in one’s mouth as it reflects more like a documentary of how failure by weak and ineffective politicians has lead us directly to the Horizon scandal and a very real issue of zero accountability. The lack of trust and accountability persists and the rot stinks. Yet here we are, being treated with contempt by DIO. The comedy is gone and any politician who thinks it’s acceptable or funny is part of the problem, not a solution.

The inquiry has heard evidence from then Post Office CEO Alan Cook, who claims he didn’t know what was going on. The man who was in charge of the Post Office at the height of this scandal was unaware his own organisation had the power of prosecution. TAG will not prejudge the inquiry findings…but this evidence…is challenging. And TAG have already seen collective and individual DIO staff memory failure trumping written evidence.

Trust in leadership and the civil service is being undermined by such admissions and claims. It gets really hammered when folks like former CEO David Smith record “Brilliant news. Well done,” when hearing the news a pregnant sub-postmistress went to jail. At the inquiry Mr Smith went on to issue an apology, but this was not accepted.

The impact on the sub-postmasters has all the hallmarks of criminal behaviour. TAG applauds and respects their tenacity and dogged pursuit of the truth. And “sorry” won’t bring back their losses, on so many levels.

Accountability and DIO

On a different scale, we have DIO civil servants [sic] running around doing their own thing. Ministerial direction to keep Long Valley open has been ignored at will and DIO chose to delete the evidence recording minimal use.

Surrey residents are treated to a board carrying far more information. Contrast this to the message delivered to the community using the Aldershot Lands.

The lack of accountability goes beyond locked gates and into the areas of powers arrest and loss of liberty, refusing to apply the law of the land and treating FOI requests with contempt and logging false incident reports that suit their narrative.

In due course the issue of TSMs and powers of arrest will receive its own detailed blog. So will matters around false incident logging. The matter of arrest is serious; the Serious and Organised Crime Act of 2005 revoked powers of arrest by authorised persons, yet in 2020 a TSM made it clear “I can arrest you” because thinking that legal insight of “I have read the byelaws” was good enough.

The Surrey message is “Enjoy the lands responsibly”. The Aldershot message is “Go away and don’t come back” and this DANGER sign at Long Valley has been proved to tell lies far more than the truth.

Some of the worst “evidence” presented by DIO came out when Ash Ranges was closed. Photos purporting to show vandalism and justify fencing recorded damage miles away from the excluded area. DIO even helped themselves to a local’s photos that “proved” damage, breaching copyright and once again ignoring the law of the land.

TAG and the Ash Ranges campaign group Save Our Spaces started to compile a list of DIO false or deliberately misleading statements and you can download it here:

202201058diostatementassementDownload

It does not make good reading when you take into account civil servants are duty bound by the Seven Principles of Public Life.

What is not clear is the root cause of this behaviour. Is it malicious? Do DIO simply hate civvies and casual access? Or is it just pure and simple incompetence? With the arbitrary locking of gates at Long Valley and Porridge Pots, in support of civilian events or when empty, it could be as simple as being spiteful? TAG are not qualified to assess this in fine detail, but a PhD is waiting for someone and there is a gap in knowledge needing to be filled here.

The British Journal of Sociology have recognised a weakness in the study of incompetence and the recent paper highlights the gaps in our understanding. The FT agrees and thinks a closer look at the issues of incompetence is overdue. If asked TAG would be more than willing to suggest a case study or two from what can only be described as a target-rich environment.

Like the Post Office, left alone DIO can and will carry on unchecked and accountability from the politicians is, based on how Long Valley remains locked and unused, notable by its complete absence.

A sign at Porridge Pots. Message is not based on law or what the politicians say. Nothing stops DIO pushing misinformation.

You might think local politicians realise the community cares, but TAG do wonder if the message has really got through?

Even after publication of the 2020 survey its a struggle to get politicians to accept people care about recreational access:

Community_use_of_military_lands_Surrey Heath_finalDownload

Clearly 11,000 respondents and over 8,000 personal statements do not count for much. If you responded then TAG are grateful, but we fear your voice has been and remains completely ignored while the politicians remain tuned into DIO civil servants [sic].

Why It Matters

The truth matters. It’s a simple as that. But the issues go much deeper.

When an organisation or body loses its credibility and trust, a void forms. Something or someone will step in and fill it, and this some very negative outcomes. Every time a civil servant tells a lie or suppresses the truth, and they doesn’t face accountability they think they have got away with it.

But as the Horizon scandal shows, the truth can and will leak out, or be uncovered. Authority and trust are fragile and once damaged takes years to recover.

20th April 2024. Gates locked and all the evidence points to no military training and just one vehicle using the outer test track all week. This does not meet the Ministerial directive to keep the area open.

“Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light.”

George Washington

Even when DIO civil servants [sic] are prepared to spend upwards of a half million quid in an advertising campaign trying to convince us that all the Aldershot lands are ranges. In the case of Long Valley and much of the dry training areas, its not a range and the DANGER signs were abused from the very first day of use, covering a commercial civilian event while pushing a message of military training.

Open lies like this simply demonstrate how egregious DIO attitude and approach to the local community has become. Do civil servants [sic] really think we are that stupid?

Bottom line; a post-event sorry for loss of casual recreational use of the lands will not restore the lost access. DIO need to be held accountable now.

What Can You Do?

Like we said, TAG will not endorse a politician or party. And we recognise we are a long way from the scale of the Horizon scandal. Yet just like the Post Office staff DIO are pulling the wool over politicians eyes and remain unaccountable. We can learn a sound lesson from the Post Office method of mistake and arrogance management and make sure DIO stop and change.

TAG suggests everyone asks if their representatives are delivering accountability and outcomes that benefit the community:

  • How could DIO be allowed to fence off Ash Ranges when the evidence to close them was so weak?
  • Why can a Minister issue a direction to keep Long Valley open, and DIO simply ignore it?
  • Why are DIO deleting the best available evidence of booking on and off records?
  • Where are the additional gates at Long Valley and why have DIO not installed them?
  • Why are the gates at Porridge Pots (G2) locked and the space empty?
  • How much money has been wasted on unnecessary fencing?
  • How much time and money do DIO spend on refusing legitimate FOI requests?
  • Why are DIO permitted to ignore the Seven Principles of Public Life?
  • Why did DIO remove many of the car parks and block access?
  • What are YOU (MP) going to do about DIO?
  • How can we objectively measure any claims of success in managing DIO accountability?
  • Why does this government find holding civil servants, and specifically those employed at DIO, to account so difficult?

Should any politician suggest they have been working hard on the issue just ask this:

How can we objectively measure the outcome of your claims of success in holding DIO to account or making a difference and preserving casual recreational access?

As ever, the easiest way to communicate to your MP is via the Write to Them website.

Because only positive change and outcomes, such as the extra gates at Long Valley and DIO meeting the Ministerial instruction to keep it open, really matter. Everything else is just noise. So far, on both points, nothing has changed and DIO have been left unchecked to carry on regardless. This cannot be described as a positive outcome.

Remember, the option to do nothing is always a choice.

But DIO thrive on apathy and are emboldened by a disengaged community. Left to their own devices all the mood music points towards to increasing hostility from DIO towards the locals and casual recreational access.

The same is true for politicians. If the subject of DIO, their behaviour, the lack of evidence based policy and irrational restrictions on casual recreational access are not raised, nothing will change.

Do nothing and we can expect more restrictive and irrational policies from DIO.

So what is the lesson from the Post Office scandal? What can politicians and the community learn from it?

It’s really simple;

  • Do not automatically assume DIO are telling the truth.
  • Do not assume DIO are following accepted and recognised standards.
  • Do not assume DIO are applying evidence to shape policy.
  • Do not assume DIO are acting in anything but their own self-interest.
  • Seek evidence.
  • Examine DIO claims and assertions in detail.
  • Seek the truth.
  • Question everything.

“It is always the best policy to speak the truth, unless, of course, you are an exceptionally good liar.”

Jerome K. Jerome

Demand and expect evidence. Seek the truth. Expect and require a duty of candour. Expect DIO staff to fulfil their contractual obligations and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life. Remind them there are no exclusions or opt-out clauses.

Then it’s just possible we will avoid hearing another political or civil service [sic] apology for a failure to diligently apply accountability in the future.

DIO Public Safety Announcement; Single Track Is Dangerous (Spoiler Alert: No It Isn’t)

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3rd April 2024 – Update. TAG have gathered more evidence to demonstrate how DIO’s ideas around safety are misplaced. Section added below.

Whenever we hear DIO pass comment on matters related to MTB and cycling, it’s difficult to see a connection between the abstract ideas, and the reality. The basic theory is fine but the nuanced detail and most importantly, hard facts and real insight, are absent.

If you are a regular reader of the TAG blogs and don’t need to watch a series of videos picking DIO’s “policy” apart, feel free to scroll to the end and write to your MP asking them to start pressing the case for DIO to stop treating cyclists with contempt, recognise the reality of how we use the lands and to treat cyclists with respect.

If not, do please read on.

Faced with new byelaws* DIO will need to be seen to do something to accommodate cyclists. So far the mood music TAG has picked up on suggests cycling on some fire/vehicle roads will be permitted, but the single track we use and love will be strictly off-limits.

How a legal definition is going to read and be interpreted will be very interesting. But it will be even more entertaining to sit back and watch DIO actually try enforce the unenforceable.

The experience driving around the fire roads in a pickup cannot be considered the same as riding a bike along the 400 miles or so of informal routes.

Why is single track off limits? Apparently it’s not suitable because the speeds cyclists can reach are dangerous.

Yes, according to DIO single track is inherently more dangerous than a fire road so we must never use them for the safety of all. Even if no one else is there.

“There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long range risks of comfortable inaction.“

John. F. Kennedy

TAG have a few observations on this mindset.

Firstly, we must suspend the reality of vehicles are using the fire roads because, obviously, there is some magic force field that prevents cyclists ever coming close to one.

TAG would like to see the risk assessment for this one. How do cyclists and vehicles avoid each other if they are compelled to share the space? The evidence base to support this policy would be appreciated as well.

Then we must also forget that sometimes single track goes uphill.

Some of if doesn’t and gravity is a great asset, but DIO are ignoring the simple laws of physics here. Some objective evidence would be required (Civil Service contract of employment and Standards in Public Life) for us to be convinced, but TAG concludes the evidence won’t exist. Or DIO have deleted it for “business purposes”.

If DIO can ignore ministers, then ignoring the laws of physics is simple. Hands up who can cycle uphill at 20mph? Anyone?

Next we must ignore the flat bits. With the heart rate running close to 180bpm a pace close to 10 mph is a good effort on a dry day. Just check the Strava stats of a few of the single track segments. Then try sustaining that level for a full ride. Anyone who can hold that pace should be in the olympics or racing professionally and at this point we are deep into edge cases. Most mere mortals want a nice day out and that includes a bit of single track.

And last but not least we need to suspend reality and forget there are fire roads that end in a dead end with tracks leading off in all directions. Or terminate in a locked gate.

None of it makes any sense or reason, but just as the locking of gates on a vacant Long Valley has taught TAG…never, ever expect logic or good reason to apply when DIO set their hearts on achieving a bonkers agenda.

“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.“

Muhammad Ali

If DIO would like to get in touch and share evidence, then please use info@trailactiongroup.co.uk to drop us a line.

It’s also galling to watch other user groups, typically organised events, runners, orienteering groups or the Pony Club, seeing no such restrictions. The drag hunt didn’t stick to the fire roads…why should we?

Hypocrisy? Double standards? Bias and prejudice? TAG certainly think so. But before we seek some help with accountability, lets have a look at some evidence.

A Beginners Guide to Single Track Use

As part of our service and in spirit (if not in practice) of postive collaboration and cooperation, we have pulled together some short explainer videos. These will give DIO staff a deeper insight into how MTB use the lands, and what measured speeds we can actually achieve when using single track.

Is this data perfect? No, not at all. But its a lot better than nothing, or basing policy on thoughts and feelings.

But first we need to highlight a DIO spoiler alert; MTB is not as fast as you want to think it is.

First up, a short video on what DIO may think is acceptable and safe to use a bicycle:

Just like sticking to the fire roads, watching a video is dull as dishwater and unnecessary. So we won’t be wasting too much time and keep the video short. Just enought to bore the viewer into getting why fire roads are not where the pleasure really is.

Next up, some single track with a spot of downhill:

We are not saying speeds can peak, but to set policy that all single track is dangerous when only part may (stress may) carry higher risk is neither rational or reasonable.

Nevertheless, that video is likely to give DIO kittens.

It’s got tree roots. And off camber slopes. And it’s downhill. Some sections have a rooty, camber and slope combo. Its loaded with more perceived risk than Russian roulette with 5 live chambers…but feel free to fast forward to the end and see every MTB rider arrive alive and well at the next fire road.

Next up we have a little track that runs downhill, but again the speeds are kept low by the nature of the trail and terrain. It twists and carries natural features that slow riders:

Check the speed. It’s all single track and some downhill but there is a good line of sight.

Plenty of natural, twisting track here to keep a downhill speed low.

Risks where speeds can be higher can be mitigated by design. But this would need a) DIO to accept cycling was welcomed and b) cooperation with folks like TAG who understand more about than MTB that someone who drives around the lands in a pickup or sits behind a desk. This should be something your MP can help with and by writing to them (read on) it helps press for DIO to change.

Now we have a section of single track/multi-use in a part of the Aldershot lands where military training is not permitted thanks to the rules in the Aldershot Standing Orders:

Section of multi use track that DIO maintain is not safe for cyclists. Even if it’s flat and no troops present. TAG have given up hoping DIO will apply logic to anything.

And here we have the classic dilemma DIO are unlikely to be able to reason away and another example of where DIO logic meets reality. And the “logic” falls over. The fire road ends and three single track routes carry on:

Are DIO really expecting us to just turn around because the fire road ends? When decades of use has established the trails? Honestly?

Here’s another great example. The fire road runs into a locked gate:

These gates block a long-standing access point. Local MP Ranil Jayawardena reassured residents some new gates were coming to Long Valley 3 years ago, but DIO have yet to deliver.

This section of single track is in Long Valley. It’s an undulating, twisting route and speeds are hardly peaking. The finish is uphill and it’s a short and steep one. Check out the heart rate at the end to see the effort expended:

The rider is 56 years old and has maintained fitness over the decades by riding on the lands. A heart rate peak of 193bpm is high for some but normal in this instance.

The best kind of single track is one that demands 100% concentration. Thinking about the ride and nothing else becomes so immersive the worries carried onto the lands slip away as both mind and body are exercised, reset and refreshed. The rider, whose heart rate peaked at 193bpm is 56 and remains fit thanks in part to these lands and trails.

The ethos and heart of the matter for MTB is living in the now and engaging mind, body and spirit with the ride and what is going on. In military speak it’s called situation awareness and this moment is not available to anyone stuck inside a pickup cab.

“I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”

Pablo Picasso

This is why we ride single track. It goes to the core of what it is to be a cyclist and a mountain biker. DIO must realise and accept the fire roads are just not going to cut it.

If anyone knows of other completely bonkers examples of where fire roads terminate and leave the cyclists with nowhere to go, do please send us a location. Or better still, video it!

No prizes for the best example, but a really warm glow is assured knowing you are holding DIO to account for their policy and actions.

Updated section

TAG have found a place where MTB can pick up the kind of speeds DIO find troubling. Just ride any downhill fire road and watch the pace climb as gravity takes over. Fire roads are where vehicles must be used. The Aldershot Standing Orders (Page 13, 37.d) says so and this narrow space is what DIO expect cyclists to share “for safety”.

Here’s a run down from the top of Caesars Camp:

DIO worry about speed. Yet the fire roads are where MTB can really pick up and maintain pace. TAG have given up expecting rational, evidence lead policy from DIO…picking apart their daft and emotive thinking is straightforward.

In all cases evidence must be used to set policy. The videos TAG produce count. So does the GPS data everyone gathers. Strava Heatmaps…open source or paid for detail…they are all robust evidence that informs what really goes on. We fully expect DIO to engage and seek to understand exactly what the real issues are, and we will listen to any valid and evidence-based concerns. We will alway seek cooperation and if necessary compromise.

But remember, as taxpayers we are paying for this “service” and TAG firmly believe DIO can and must go a lot further to make sure the local community receives value for every penny.

Some of the videos were shot in Long Valley on the single track (blue dashed line) and has avoided the DIO made up tracks (brown dashed) and uses just a little of the test track routes (not shown for clarity). A GPX file of the blue route is available.

If any MTB rider wants to live right on the edge and check out the dangerous single track in Long Valley that featured in some of these videos, we have a GPX file that will guide. WordPress does not like us uploading these file types so just drop us an email to info@trailactiongroup.co.uk and we will send a copy.

Cyclists To Blame

TAG are firmly of the view that any permissive routes will be respected as much as Section 4.2 no cycling ban of the current byelaws. There is plenty of evidence to suggest cyclists have ignored the laws since 1976 when they first came out, and there is no indication this will change.

The outcome will continue to see recreational cyclists ignoring what amy daft law drafted out outlaw single track says, and what DIO think is a good idea. Its all unworkable.

Thus DIO will continue to blame (in their opinion) irresponsible cyclists for ignoring the laws, continue to treat the cycling section of society with a mix of prejudice, distain, contempt and arrogance. DIO will continue to use to blame MTB to excuse more fences and locked gates.

The mountain bikers are irresponsible and dangerous, and refuse to follow the law…so we have to block access for all. Mountain bikers will be a handy scapegoat.

It’s all our fault. Even if it isn’t.

But that will suit DIO’s broad agenda and hostility towards all recreational users. Except of course those who pay (carrying a firearm, riding a horse, killing animals, drag hunts, commercial dog walkers…the right sort) or those considered favourable (Ramblers, equestrians) even if their numbers are dwarfed by cyclists.

Never let the facts get in the way of egocentric policy. Based on current behaviour this is likely to be DIO’s reasoning and justification.

What Can You Do?

The truth is more likely DIO are unable or unwilling to accept casual access of any kind, but are unlikely to go up against the walkers or Ramblers. The former are vocal and numerous, and the latter legally prepared and have challenged DIO in the past. Instead they focus on what they think they can control and target what they see is a minority, even when there is zero evidence to suggest they actually need to do anything.

Waste of taxpayer money? TAG certainly believe so.

Any and all letters to the local MPs help raise and maintain the profile of how important recreational use is.

Write to your MP, asking that DIO be compelled to use a firm evidence base to set policy, and that cyclists be given equal status as what those on foot enjoy today. Remind MPs that DIO are ignoring ministers and ask why this is permissible and what do they intend to do about it?

Anything less will see DIO remain openly hostile to a section of society. 4200 people identified as cyclists in the byelaws recreational survey, so it’s hardly a minority view or an edge case pleading here is it?

If you would like to read or remind yourself of the survey, here’s the NE Hants constituency copy:

Community_use_of_military_lands_NE_Hants_FinalDownload

In this election year remind your MP your vote counts. If it’s true, tell them the lack of support for recreational access to the lands will lose your vote.

The easy way is to use the ever-helpful Write to Them website.

*Latest update on the byelaws. They are due to be published as a stream of radiation pulsing from the heart of our sun after it has consumed its fuel and collapsed under its own weight. Thats in roughly 6.4 billions years from now…but DIO are likely to consider this timeline achievable.

Did You Know – Ancient Trees?

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On the Aldershot lands we are often surrounded by trees. But do we really give them a second glance? There is a project to map ancient and notable trees and it needs your help in identifying where these old growth specimens are. TAG have done the easiest and most obvious, but there will be others known locally but otherwise unrecorded, and this needs to change.

One of the most popular spots is the top of Caesars Camp. With far reaching views Farnborough airfield, the town of Aldershot, Ash Ranges and beyond to Guildford Cathedral are all visible.

On really clear days the City of London and Canary Wharf are on the horizon, along with the Wembley Arches.

It’s a stunning view from Jubilee Clump and on a clear day the City of London and Canary Wharf can be seen. The notable pine is at the far left of this panoramic photo

It’s a popular spot and the view has featured more than once in TAG’s picture of the week. We all spend time up there looking out across the lands to the distance.

And yet there is something very special at our backs. Alongside the new Parachute Regiment bench grows a notable pine tree. TAG would wager the tree is rarely the subject of a photo (but at least one talented photographer would disagree) and close up its overlooked as the view steals the limelight and attention, but its part of the landscape and thanks to sitting right at the end of the promontory and fort, is a landmark that can be seen for miles.

This tree is literally part of the landscape. And it’s been there a very long time. Now the tree has been added to the Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Inventory recording its presence as a notable tree.

Ancient Trees

Trees can live for hundreds of years, and a few species can live longer. Some species such as oak, yew and sweet chestnut reach 1000+ years, whereas birch and willow can be ancient at a mere 150 years old.

The category is defined in far more detail here, but suffice to say trees of this nature are truly special and real survivors.

Veterans

All ancient trees are veterans, but not all veterans old enough to qualify for ancient grading. These are the trees that might be thought of as middle aged and have some features found in ancients, but are still very important.

Notable Trees

These trees are mature examples that simply stand out in the local environment. Our pine tree at the top of Caesars Camp is a classic example and significance to the local community. They are, in simple terms, special.

Jubilee Clump

TAG believe the pine was planted to mark one of Queen Victoria’s jubilees, either the golden at 50 years, or the diamond at 60. So far we can find reference to this landmark on:

So its persisted as a place name for a very long time. Nowadays the OS map excludes the place name on its Landranger series (at time of writing) but the open data layer records the name Jubilee Clump.

Winter snow and a stunning view. The Veteran Pine is just to the right of the photographer’s shadow.

The pine is certainly old and if planted for the Golden Jubilee then its been there since 1887, making it 137 years old. It’s not been graded as ancient but is listed as notable on the Ancient Tree Inventory website.

But all of this is based on word-of-mouth history. Is Jubilee Clump really named so because of an association with a royal jubilee for Queen Victoria?

If anyone really knows do please get in touch.

What Can You Do?

Do you know of other remarkable trees on the military lands? There are just two others recorded at Caesars Camp on the Ancient Tree Inventory website but are there more hiding in plain sight?

It will be local knowledge that is relied on to see these trees identified and recorded, so if you know of a potential candidate why not submit its details to the Woodland Trust? The details needed are very straightforward and there is a simple guide here.

The Aldershot lands are a perfect place to reset the mind, body and spirit.

So next time you are out and about give your visit a purpose and look for these trees and if you find one, record it? Even if recording isn’t for you, just be on the lands and drink in the sheer beauty, diversity and value the place offers. Always give way to troops and remember the TAG code of conduct.

As a footnote and a request, why not carry a bag and fill it with litter? On one short walk we filled two bags – one rubbish and one recycling – in no time close to a car park.

Deleted Evidence? Gather Your Own…

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5th February 2024; Since we first published this blog more evidence and information has come to light. We have updated the blog accordingly.

TAG have been consistently raising concerns over the abuse of the DANGER signs at Long Valley. Since their implementation combined with installing fencing and use for the 2018 Farnborough Air Show (which apparently lasted 2 months) the desire to exclude recreational access at all times irrespective of use or risk has been endemic. Just in case anyone was wondering the Air Show is a civilian event (not military training) and did not require all 950 acres at all times. But that’s what DIO’s DANGER signs claimed.

DIO notice stuck to the fence. Note “MOD will support access when not in use”. Its regrettable DIO do not honour this commitment.

But before we dig deeper into the failings let remind ourselves what DIO used to justify the fence and £250k spend. Hung on the fence are laminated signs setting out DIO justification.

The DANGER signs assert military training is underway and poses risks greater than the regular dry training conducted on the rest of the open estate. To be telling the truth both conditions need to be true.

But as TAG have demonstrated back in 2020, 119 hours of use from a total of 2200 hours of locked access cannot be described as balanced or rational.

Nor can it fit the direct instruction from the Minister of State for Defence Procurement, Jeremy Quin MP.

In July 2019 the Minister assured residents:

“I can however assure you that officials have been directed to ensure that existing gates are open for public access to Long Valley when it’s not in use for military training.”

JEREMY QUIN MP – SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE PROCUREMENT – LETTER TO CONSTITUENT JULY 2019.

That’s DIO’s political boss making it really, really clear. Except DIO have clearly not got the memo. Or are unwilling or unable to implement it. Or treat Ministers with contempt.

Neither the local politicians or the Junior Minister picked up on the simple fact DIO staff are ignoring them.

Deleted Records? Make Your Own

Not long after TAG started analysing the booking on and off records DIO started deleting them within 48 hours.

The “no good business reason” justification was given but TAG take the view DIO are deleting stuff that is so inconvenient and directly challenging the “always in use” excuse to keep people out. Sharing this stuff just does not fit their narrative or desire to exclude recreation.

The fact is, there is a thing called the Seven Principles of Public Life and these are supposed to guide civil servants and their behaviour.

1.3 Objectivity clearly says “...using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.“

TAG firmly believe the local community is not being served here. Cyclists remain discriminated against while simultaneously other groups are welcomed with a dedicated contact or charged a fee and free to carry on. Gates remain locked for days at a time when the evidence is clear and nothing – certainly not dangerous training – is happening.

Standards do not say “delete anything inconvenient”. TAG firmly believes the in-use records will exist and are held elsewhere but DIO would rather not share them publicly for scrutiny.

In the meantime DIO expect the local community to serve up obedience to signs that are not communicating a valid and truthful message.

So TAG set out to gather their own set of evidence.

Visual Records

The soft, sandy soil of Long Valley is like an Etch-a-Sketch pad. The tracks and marks of anything left by a vehicle, dog walker, cyclist, deer or even a snake are quickly weathered.

Every day is a blank slate. By observing the changes and state of the tracks it becomes easy to take a very good estimation of what has – or has not – happened in the previous 24~72 hours.

And if you take a picture a permanent record is created. Smartphones will record not only the scene but the latitude & longitude and GPS derived time of where and when the image was created.

Distribution of photos recording what is or is not happening in Long Valley plus location of popular trails and routes. The patches in the driver training area are covered in this blog.

Which is exactly what TAG supporters have been doing, starting in 2018 and increasing after DIO announced booking on/off records were being quickly deleted.

TAG now have 750 950 1040 individual images creating a persistent record of when, what and where was going on in Long Valley.

Here’s a selection of what recent use looks like:

And here is a selection of what little or no use, or who used it last, looks like.

The sequence of tracks is important – cycle tracks over tyre makes show who and how many have used the area since a vehicle has passed through. Clear puddles show no recent vehicle movements and so speak for themselves.

Update: On quiet weeks where nothing moved, one vehicle would transit the area. Was this training? Or something else? TAG pondered this for a while and then the likely answer was found in the Aldershot Standing Orders.

Combat Service Support Training and Development Unit (CSS TDU) operates the test track and this:

...CSS TDU is to inspect the condition of the track and barriers at least once a week…

Its on page 54 here – aldershotstandingordersDownload

Which struggles to qualify as military training. The vehicle leaving the weekly tracks is staff simply inspecting the routes. It wont need 24/7 lockout to achieve this.

Sometimes the only evidence of vehicles moving around – mostly outside of the designated driver training areas – is the pickup carrying the person charged with locking the gates.

The red area (465 acres) is use for driver training. Standing Orders or physical restrictions (trees!) prevent the green area (461 acres) from use therefore the fence is in the wrong place, if indeed it’s ever been really needed. Vanity project? TAG are inclined to think so.

The clues of what has been going on can, with careful observation, be read.

How fresh are the tracks?

What has the weather been doing?

What tracks are present and in what order?

What is the vehicle tread type or walkers shoe pattern?

Are there dog tracks too?

How clear are the puddles?

How many weeds are growing in the test track?

It boils down to two primary indicators. Just like objectively measuring wear on MTB trails its the presence or absence of change that tells the story.

All of these are pointers that on their own don’t tell much. But together collectively build up a fuller picture.

The fence itself, whilst very unwelcome, makes it easier to monitor the space. Gates create natural pinch points that anyone and anything must pass through. Presence or absence of fresh tracks is a strong indicator as to how much the land is being used.

The short answer of how much use is “not much”. The status quo established in 2020/21 with just 119 hours from 2200 hours of locked gates remains broadly consistent today.

The Evidence

With such a rich set of evidence it’s difficult to share all of it in an easy to digest form. TAG are willing to consider any requests to review the evidence gathered and any interested party may request a copy by dropping an email to info@trailactiongroup.co.uk

The data about the images tells its own story. In the link below TAG have shared the list of images, latitude & longitude (WGS84 is the datum), and time/dates as an Excel spreadsheet:

TAGImageDataDownload

Based on that list DIO should be able to correlate the times and dates to their own records. Providing evidence that demonstrates a) when training was underway and b) the training carried a risk profile higher than regular stuff that happens across the rest of the estate should be easy.

On this point TAG firmly welcome any and all evidence based challenge. And TAG will take a moment to remind everyone that civil servants are required to use the best evidence.

Equally, TAG will take silence from DIO as acquiescence and tacit confirmation Long Valley really is more empty than in use.

Or to put it another way “Because we said so” won’t pass the test.

TAG now believe DIO will seek to apply the same “When we say so” rules of access everywhere if they can get away with it. DIO staff are already on record stating new byelaws will contain closed and restricted areas and Long Valley access policy is very much the canary in the coal mine warning of a highly restrictive future if nothing is done.

February update: Long Valley has been closed for weeks and there has been little sign of use. All of this changed on Sunday 4th of February when the area saw plenty of activity. The local drag hunt were granted access, yet the gates were locked and the DANGER signs proclaimed military training.

Drag hunt behind DANGER signs and locked gates.
Civilian horse boxes at Eelmoor

Times are hard and budgets tight. Military training reverting to horses might save money on armoured vehicles and we know the Ajax program is over budget and late…But this more Pony Club than Light Brigade. Civilian events fail to meet the minimum test for closure of military training. DIO will permit recreation if it’s the right kind. Double standards? We certainly think so.

No one minds the local horse riders enjoying the space and we would welcome more equestrians. What remains deeply objectionable is DIO and their continued efforts to publish mendacious information, claim the area is dangerous and lock the public out. Asking the local community to believe false claims is simply not acceptable.

With Caesars Camp and Beacon Hill busy with military training – including blank firing – Long Valley remains empty and yet denied as an alternative for casual recreation. DIO are really pushing an agenda of conflict instead of working towards a positive outcome for all users – military and civvy alike.

Update: Drag hunt hoof marks (Sunday 4th 2024) on test track on top of single vehicle track from previous week. Photo taken Tuesday 6th 2024.

TAG, and indeed the wider community, would welcome an explaination from DIO here. We all deserve some help in understanding how recreational equestrian use on a vehicle test track remains compatible with signs that declare the area is being actively used for military training, and said training is dangerous.

Put it simply, if the rest of the estate sees Long Valley style restrictions we can all kiss goodbye casual recreational access when not in use (or when DIO say it is not in use – Easter and Christmas / New Year?). We will remain at the whim and ego of DIO senior management, who will unilaterally decide when access is appropriate and consider high days and holidays suffice for us mere proles.

The Outcome

The track record of DIO staff meeting direct Ministerial instructions (Jeremy Quin) and MOD policy for access when not in use is abysmal. One immediate outcome should see gates unlocked when not in use.

Even when on their own website they state the land is open after 16.30pm as published on the Gov website the signs do not reflect this.

Left unchecked DIO are, on balance, more likely to serve up more restrictions, more locked gates and more empty space irrespective of actual use. Its all a ratchet that clicks one way.

All statements to the contrary – from politicians and MoD – should be measured against the evidence and treated as false until proved by deeds and actions. The ratchet clicks. Access is lost. In less than a decade it’s gone.

Is that a future we want?

TAG think not.

That is why openly challenging and raising questions about the lack of recreational access at Long Valley is critically important.

Long Valley presented an alternative space when Caesars Camp was busy. By closing off 950 acres irrespective of use DIO are driving conflict. TAG would not be surprised to find DIO seeking to trigger more disruption and conflict between recreational users and the army, stuff that would in their eyes justify more restrictions and serve to strengthen the DIO desire to remove casual public access.

And this is why we are asking everyone to raise the matter with their local MP.

You do not need to be a user of Long Valley to raise these concerns, just be aware of the systemic risks posed by DIO to our recreational future.

If you are still not sure and think DIO are really nice chaps seeking harmony and cooperation with the community, just ask the residents of Ash (or indeed serving military personnel) how DIO treated them during the pandemic. If there is ever a guide book to be written on how to disengage and enrage an otherwise previously supportive community then DIO would be that author.

TAG have little faith in the political process and the local MPs. The evidence suggests DIO run rings around them and even Ranil Jayawardena MP seems unwilling to challenge DIO over a few simple extra gates that were promised.

But we do have an election coming and how DIO have treated our community is going to be a factor.

And finally, don’t believe any “…not intention of MOD to restrict access…” guff if and when an MP replies.

This is comfort jargon – handy soothing phrases intended to make us feel like everything is going to be fine but the reality is different. Government bodies like DIO and politicians are skilled at this form of communication but it’s quickly shredded as meaningless bullshit when checked against reality and measured against outcomes.

All the evidence and outcomes thus far directly and irrefutably demonstrates that DIO has every intention to restrict access, perhaps the early steps in a strategy to sell off the land for housing?

When deeds, actions and outcomes are measured, such words are seen to be meaningless soundbites and spin.

Lovely Weather – Fire Risk

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The nature of the military lands, with their free draining and poor soils, is the very reason they became military lands in 1854 (no good for agriculture), what makes them special (specialist wildlife like the Nightjar), and what makes them great all-weather recreational space when not in use for military training.

But at times of light or no rainfall they become a fire risk. After an extended dry period the soil and vegetation dries out. Chuck in some high temperatures and a drying wind and the moisture levels drop setting the conditions for a heath fire.

Which is exactly what has happened recently at Ash Ranges, followed by another heath fire in Long Valley.

Hampshire Fire Service already on the scene

The fire started around midday on Thursday the 1st and was still being damped down at 17:30 the same day. It looked hot and exhausting work and according to one firefighter was a struggle to control as the shifting winds moved the direction of the fire around the clearing threatening nearby stands of pine.

In all about 22 acres of the 450 total at Long Valley were burned. The gravel firebreaks helped but the efforts of the fire crews attending prevented a much worse outcome.

Fire risk high enough to include a coupe of incident control units and a portable water storage facility.

Fires can be caused by a few things such as:

  • Deliberate arson
  • Discarded cigarettes
  • Broken glass
  • Military training
  • Barbecues and other open fires

This is where recreational users come in and do their bit. During these dry times keep an eye out for anything that might be the starting of a fire. Pick up glass and dispose of it safely and make sure the ciggy is out.

Above all, forget the idea of taking a barbecue – disposable or otherwise – or making a fire on the lands. Recently one mountain biker spotted this:

This is an absolutely bonkers idea at any time, let alone after a period of dry and warm weather. TAG would urge anyone considering this to change their plans…

The ground may appear stony but if things get out of hand a fire will quickly escalate and create a massive problem needing serious intervention. Just don’t even think about it…

If we are out on the lands being vigilant and aware is key. Keep an eye out for any signs of fire do not hesitate to call 999 if there is any hint of a burn starting.

Any behaviour that is likely to cause harm or damage to the lands can be reported directly to MOD South East Operations room on 01420 483405.

Its all in the TAG Code of Conduct.

Above all, be the good neighbour and take care of the place. It’s special to us and we should all respect the lands.

Did You Know – Bird Benefits

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Mention ground nesting birds to most mountain bikers and the likely response will be to roll their eyes. Shy and secretive GNBs (as they are known) are a poster species for the area and its wildlife. For a few their presence may be resented, but this view is very much misplaced as the presence of GNBs is one of the area’s greatest asset.

The birds nest here for a simple reason; the terrain is ideal. The open heather fringed with woodland is GNB heaven for nesting and raising chicks and there is one thing the army land has is lots of heather and open space.

Why are they so important? Why bother protecting them? And if they are worthy of protection, what can we do to help?

The short answer is “take care” and it does not mean the end of recreational access…

But first, let’s take a look at the bird in question.

The Nightjar

In the 50 years of living around and using the military lands a TAG fellow has seen a Nightjar just once (Ash Ranges) and heard their distinctive churring call twice (Long Valley). These are memories burned in and never to be forgotten for such is their rarity and thrill.

Nightjars are migrants and arrive early spring and hang around until early autumn before heading back to Africa so we can’t expect to see them year-round.

Thanks to an amazing camouflage pattern the birds blend in perfectly to their surroundings and to see one at all is exceptionally lucky.

GNB habitat. Good for birds and good for the soul. Spaces like this heal mental and physical health.
GNB habitat. Good for birds and good for the soul. Spaces like this heal mental and physical health.

They also fly at dusk and dawn hunting for moths. This is a bird that goes out of its way to avoid being seen, which if you nest on the ground is a good strategy. They eat moths – gardeners and farmers bordering the lands will benefit – and their presence and habitat adds a second benefit; protection of the land. You can read more about them here on the RSBP website.

For us, protection means two things; firstly it makes it difficult, but not impossible to sell off the land for housing and secondly it means we all need to stop and consider what we need to do to help (spoiler alert – it’s not a big ask – read on).

Where Are They Hiding?

There are two pieces of legislation that protects the Nightjar:

  • Wildlife and Countryside Act
  • Special Protected Area under Article 4 of the EC Birds Directive

The latter protects the habitat – known as SPA – the space the birds, and we, love, and its been mapped:

On the left we have the Aldershot lands (shown in green) and on the right the Bordon training areas plus Hankley Common. In both sets the SPA is shown in orange cross hatch.

Note how much of the military lands are also SPA? These areas have been mapped and the dataset downloaded from the DEFRA website so we can easily visualise them.

These are the areas deemed favourable for Nightjars.

What Can We Do?

There are a few things we can all do to help the Nightjars.

Firstly, keeping dogs on the path – particularly between March and September – is vital. Everyone knows your dog won’t hurt a thing and is just a big soppy pet but the birds are programmed to flee from predators and dogs fit right into this category.

Dogs won’t directly cause harm but they do force the parents off the nest. At that point other more brutal predators – and in particular crows – will come along and help themselves to unguarded eggs or young.

The Thames Basin Heaths Partnership have a campaign called #pawsonpathsplease and have put reminders up at entrances to the lands:

Thames Basin Heaths signs asking to keep dogs on the path

TAG are backing this campaign and hope everyone will join in supporting it.

The terrain the Nightjars nest in isn’t the kind of place the two legged humans choose to walk or cycle. No one in their right mind is going to choose to slog through deep heather when a nearby path or track is far easier. If we can all take a moment to use the existing trails the birds can nest in peace.

Some work has been done in Long Valley to keep the vehicles to the main tracks too:

Boundary and sign intended to keep vehicles out of GNB nesting areas in Long Valley

Marked with heavy stakes these areas in Long Valley have been recognised as GNB prime territory. Everyone, including dogs and cyclists, should stay out of these areas too. It’s a shame the signs don’t explain why the areas have been fenced off in Long Valley, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Loss Of Protection

Being a European Union law the SPA designation may well end up on the planned bonfire of legislation in the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) bill that is currently going through Parliament. This could see the end of protection and is extremely concerning. Wildlife groups are rightly calling the loss of protection out for what it clearly is – an act of self harm against our own environment.

TAG would add their name to the list of concerned and call for the application of a hefty dose of common sense. By all means review laws, but a blanket bulldozer approach cannot end well.

If this loss of protection for wildlife is worrying – and we think it is – please take a moment to write to your MP and raise your concerns.

Loss of Access – DIO Space Claim

DIO are on record back in 2020 stating that the new byelaws are needed to restrict or permanently remove recreational access:

“…explaining the problems involved with balancing wider public access with the legislative requirement to protect SSSI, SPA and other ecological areas across the estate.”

Note the actual “problems” are not outlined – there are some problems – but knowing DIO’s aversion to evidence based policy we should not be surprised if policy is being set without it. DIO solve problems with fences so we can predict where this train of thought is heading. The statement predates the existence of the Retained EU Law bill by 3 years and sets out byelaws intent way ahead of potential SPA loss.

Here’s another map of all the designated areas – SSSI and SPA – shown in context of the military lands:

Areas of land protected or of significance for wildlife – DEFRA dataset and TAG map

There isn’t a great deal of space that is designation-free. These maps show just how little space is left once protected areas are removed:

On the left, the lands around Aldershot (hatched red) that lack designation and to the right the Bordon and Hankley Lands. Hankley is 100% designated hence it does not appear.

From our mapping exercises we know the military lands account for 15,300 acres or so of recreational space. Highly fragmented and unevenly distributed the areas without designation account for a mere 3,945 acres.

DIO must be rubbing their hands with glee at the idea of kicking the public off 11,000 acres with new byelaws. The thought of leaving us with tiny sections of little practical use sees their appetite for risk aversion satisfied by making sure we all just go away.

However, TAG are reminded of what our politicians and DIO’s masters have put in writing:

From the Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood in 2017:

“Please be assured that the MoD fully understands how essential it is for local communities to have access to open land to carry out recreational and leisure activities, and the Department remains committed to fostering positive relationships with our neighbours.” 

And Jeremy Quin MP in 2019:

“I can however assure you that officials have been directed to ensure that existing gates are open for public access to Long Valley when it’s not in use for military training.” 

No politician has committed to remove, limit or restrict recreational access but nor have they done anything to control DIO behaviour which has delivered exactly that outcome.

The difference between political commitments and DIO pursuit of their own agenda regards removal of recreational access is apparent to anyone, yet it persists.

Summary

The simple act of keeping dogs, bikes and people on the existing tracks and trails will reap rewards for the Nightjar. TAG recognise the value of wild open spaces and are supportive of the wildlife groups who work to keep the spaces special.

Keeping the lands special helps keep them concrete free. The current laws and legislation are a very long-term benefit that keeps us recreational users all just a little more mentally and physically healthy than otherwise. For TAG, Nightjars are part of the solution and in no way seen as a problem.

But recreation is not a responsibility-free place and the freedoms we enjoy are rightly balanced by the needs of the natural space. Respect it, do the right thing and value what we have.

There are plenty of civil servants who would gladly see the end of casual access to the military lands so let’s not hand more excuses to that echo chamber mindset.

#pawsonpathplease

References:

Minutes of MOD – HCAF Liaison Meeting – 9th December 2020:

MOD-LiaisonMinutes-December2020Download

Natural England Priority Habitats – Inventory: https://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/4b6ddab7-6c0f-4407-946e-d6499f19fcde/priority-habitats-inventory-england

Background maps: https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=6/54.910/-3.432

Did You Know – Where Are They Hiding?

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One of the key points TAG’s code of conduct is giving space for soldiers to train.

The recent Respect The Range campaign managed to raise an awareness that our military lands are working environments that support the activities of our defence forces, however it did very little to educate. The campaign encouraged irrational and baseless fear but offered zero practical advice. It was interesting to find the imagery in the campaign contradicted the Aldershot Standing Orders:

When the training undertaken does not appear to present a risk to civilians, or where a unit can accept civilians walking or riding horses on the area being used for training, then it is HQ SE Trg Estates policy not to exclude those civilians. 

Aldershot Training Area Standing Orders – 10. CIVILIAN ACCESS TO MOD TRAINING LAND

However, it remains the responsibility of all of us – dog walkers, joggers, cyclists, picnic organisers and equestrians – to let soldiers get on with the business of training without interruption.

The first and perhaps most important step we can all take is be aware of what is going on. It’s not always easy but even with the best camouflage there are signs soldiers are out and about.

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MTB And Erosion – How Much?

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Back in February TAG started a long term project to measure exactly how much erosion was being caused by mountain biking on the military lands.

With over 400 miles of tracks and trails we can’t do it all. But we did choose two trails on Beacon Hill for a closer look.

Surveying this kind of terrain is done using a Leica GS07 NetRover (expensive…accurate…) and a DJI drone. The Leica precisely measures a series of points on the terrain and the drone shoots several hundred images. A technique called photogrammetry then merges the two to produce an accurate 3D representation of the surface.

The drone flew back in January to shoot the first set of images. It might be cold but waiting for vegetation to die back helps. Photogrammetry can struggle with the green stuff plus the bracken hides the trail surface and thats the bit we are really interested in.

The drone flew for a second time this week and the images processed.

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Did You Know – Doing It Right?

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TAG wish to see a better informed and engaged community using the lands. We recognise the massive value and benefits to physical and mental health it brings. Our community is a nicer place to live because of the access we enjoy and its our responsibility to treat the training areas with respect and the TAG code of conduct is aimed squarely at that outcome.

“The campaign was called ‘Respect the Range’ and was framed around reciprocation [TAG emphasis] of respect between the army and the public, acknowledging each’s need and desire to use the land.”

Respect The Range Requirements – Background to your Requirement 1.8

The Respect The Range campaign had good intentions but the messaging was far too simplistic. Specifically, for the Aldershot areas the shared content was off-message.

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Did You Know – The Tale Of The VD Prison?

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Lurking on the lands near Aldershot is a slice of history that has been largely – if not completely – forgotten. And its a history that tells a multitude of stories, covering social attitudes and Victorian beliefs that today are – to be quite frank – almost unbelievable.

The existence of now lost cluster of buildings at Ceasars Camp is revealed on the 1888~1913 Ordnance Survey 6-Inch maps of the area and referred to as a Lock Hospital.

This threw up quite a few questions; What on earth was a Lock Hospital? Why was one located at Aldershot? When was it built and why did it fall out of use and disappear?

Lock Hospital location – What3Words

There were a few surprises on the journey of discovery.

It was a bit of a shocker to find out the Lock Hospitals were venereal disease (VD) prisons enabled by an Act of Parliament, and every inmate detained was exclusively a woman. The reasons for their founding are, on reflection, less of a surprise. VD was rife within the Victorian British Army and the Aldershot Garrison but the statistics of the day detailing infection rates were eye-watering. The methods used to control the disease were poorly conceived group-think echo chamber based promoting discrimination and prejudice enforced by the wrong arm of the law.

So how did it all begin?

Contagious Diseases

Following the acquisition of lands in 1854 the Aldershot garrison expanded. But there was a problem in the form of venereal disease infecting up to 40% of those who served and by 1859 the medical journal The Lancet was calling for control over prostitution and the establishment of special hospitals to treat prostitutes.

Aldershot Lock Hospital Plans
An amazing piece of history recording the hospital in ink on waxed linen. Detailed site plan for the Lock Hospital at Aldershot. Image source; National Archives.

Three Acts of Parliament followed that permitted routine examination and any woman (yes you read that right, just women) found to be diseased would be forced into a Lock Hospital for treatment until they were cured.

Why just detention for women?

It takes two to tango and share a sexually transmissible disease but the belief at the time held true the “fact” that venereal disease could only be passed from a woman to a man. Apparently chaps could catch it but not pass it on. In a Parliament made up of exclusively white males, blaming someone else for what is a joint enterprise was not going to be challenged, or if it was the majority were not about to agree. The military doctors were onboard with this message too, claiming regular inspections of nether regions “would destroy the men’s self respect”.

Any woman refusing treatment would be imprisoned and any brothel keeper knowingly sheltering an infected prostitute fined £10. The Aldershot Lock Hospital was constructed solely for the purpose of controlling VD that was running rampant in the army.

Morally Disgusting and Unworkable

The general health of the army had been exposed as poor and it took the crisis of the Crimea war to really raise the public profile. Public outrage at military and ministerial incompetence (some things never change) in running a war sought changes, which in the end saved the soldiers from the suffering inflicted by their employer.

Florence Nightingale, who had witnessed the squalor and filthy environment first hand in hospitals, had helped expose the simple fact that soldiers died at double the rate of the average civilian male. The War Office was negligent.

Cropped views to show the level of detail in the Lock Hospital plans. Source: National Archives

But on the subject of forced examination and controlling VD with a regime aimed at solely at imprisoning women Florence was blunt:

“Morally disgusting, unworkable in practice, and unsuccessful in results”

Florence Nightingale, Lancet – 1863

But the issue could not be resolved by male virtue alone and providing alternative entertainment facilities for soldiers did nothing to check the spread of disease. In 1861 an estimated 33,000 from a total of 91,000 soldiers stationed in the UK were admitted to hospital for venereal disease treatment. Monotony of barracks life was enough to “drive men to intemperance and debauchery”.

Thus the Contagious Disease Control Act of 1864 was born. Ill conceived legislation rarely works and this one failed to deliver its aims when hospitals refused to cooperate and civilian doctors complained at the miserly rate of pay for examinations.

Building plans for the Lock Hospital at Aldershot. Image source; National Archives.

In 1866 the Act For The Better Prevention of Contagious Diseases (no we are not making this up) was passed and amended the 1864 Act, beefing it up adding powers that could see any prostitute within 5 mile radius of garrison towns detained by a constable and marched off for medical examination, and certified hospitals would offer moral and religious instruction.

The plans for the Aldershot Lock Hospital are dated 1871 and the 1881 census recorded 38 female occupiers, or most likely detained prisoners. The hospital was a busy place with the the medical officer in charge reporting 1,494 examinations over a 77 day period in 1871, of which 138 women detained. Liberty was refused until cured, or in the case of syphilis the 9 months legal detention period was up.

Repeal And Change

Eventually the Acts were – quite rightly – recognised as deeply objectionable and repealed in the CD Acts of 1886. Prostitution didn’t end in 1886 but the morally repugnant and dreadfully sexist chunk of Victorian legislation was condemned. The need to treat venereal disease remained and in the 1891 census with the Aldershot Lock Hospital recording 15 female patients with their occupations listed as anything but prostitutes. Forced detention was no longer permitted.

The plans were amended and corrected in 1888 and the buildings used as a store before later being condemned. The main site plans are marked demolished 17/11/22.

At the site of the Lock Hospital very little remains. A few courses of brick and some footings are visible

Today society has thankfully moved on. VD is still circulating but penicillin has revolutionised treatment with both responsibility, education and treatment aimed fairly and squarely at both sexes.

To visit the site today reveals very little evidence of what was but visible in the ground are brick footings and a few sections of wall that hint at what was.

Irrespective of what remains the history of the lands remains important. The cultural and social ties to the lands are strong – although we would agree few would see a VD prison as the most palatable subject. Nevertheless, as an archaeological site the area remains an example of mid-to-late Victorian attempts at social healthcare and disease control. Preservation of what lie below the surface is unknown but may turn into a treasure trove of deeper insight.

The objection to poorly drafted legislation and misguided belief to used to control a social disease is on a massively different scale to any Byelaws review. Any attempt at comparisons between historic laws to control VD and military byelaws gets short shrift for its impossible to draw parallels between the impact on the lives of anyone held in a prison for the bad luck of catching a dose of the clap versus recreational access.

But there is another comparison we can all draw an experience from. From March 2020 lockdowns lead to state-enforced confinement with the single purpose of containing a contagious disease. All of us, to a greater or lesser degree, will be carrying the memory and experiences of what it was like to see liberty and freedoms removed for greater public health.

Sound familiar?

Demolished in 1922 the site today carries very few reminders of the Lock Hospital

Pride and Prejudice

History demonstrates how opinions and attitudes change. Discriminatory, misguided and prejudiced legislation can be removed from the statute books if enough voices call foul, refuse to accept the normalisation of locked gates and empty spaces and choose – if necessary – to take a path of open dissent and non-cooperation.

The best bit? The local community need not wait for an Act of Parliament.

The current Aldershpot byelaws can be (and have) amended for certain groups with illegality removed with the stroke of the pen.

Its right there in Section 8(3) of the byelaws.

The potential for positive delivery against the Social Value Act is immense. One of the metrics (MAC 1.4) directly measures the benefits of any public tender spend against the simple objective of improving the mental health outcomes of those affected by COVID-19 confinement and its aimed at supporting businesses and communities alike.

And those impacted by COVID confinement are right here, in the local community. There is a very good chance mental health is being improved right now just by someone walking, jogging or riding a bicycle on the lands.

“It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends upon his not understanding it.”

American writer Upton Sinclair

Currently the agreement between DIO and TAG – the one which is recorded in writing but not accepted as tangible – remains the best we can secure. Meanwhile the attempted ban on cycling implemented in the 1976 byelaws has persisted. This now makes every ride a protest at a law that remains an archaic and out of touch nonsense that serves no one.

Individually the protest is an insignificant expression against what is going wrong.

Collectively the Strava heat maps reveal a massive, persistent and ongoing act of civil disobedience.

It’s right there, hiding in plain sight. Personal and collective protest at arrogance, denial and misguided prejudice.

With government policy directly supporting and investing money into cycling and encouraging more to ride it really looks like the vast majority of MPs should be backing cycling. Yet none in the civil service or political classes are able to grasp the simple fact horse riding just isn’t where recreation is for the masses.

How people use the lands is supported by some hard metrics. The number of equestrian licenses issued to ride on military lands over a two year period was just 140. Compare that to the 4,577 people who listed cycling as a military land pastime in the recent survey. Whilst we can all support horse riders with better access it just makes no sense to ignore and marginalise a significantly larger and more active part of the community.

Rational education is well overdue, to help everyone understand – often from the solider’s perspective – why we support the primacy of military training and what we can all do our bit to help make it happen.

With respect to public access, and in particular cycling on the lands, we should expect and demand education and evidence to deliver a just outcome for the byelaws and legal certainty in the meantime. For now the community remain subject to political inaction or indifference combined with civil servant bias, ego and prejudice. Why civil servants are permitted to behave like this – contrary to Nolan Principles – is beyond reason.

In the same way attitudes to VD changed, it’s high time misplaced and misguided beliefs give way to evidence based legislation and behavior. What do we focus on? Criminalising a perfectly legitimate and highly beneficial activity? Or embrace cycling and promote very positive Social Value outcomes?

“Misuse of training areas by civilians (e.g. civilian motorcyclists, cyclists, fly-tippers, etc) should be reported to Hants/Surrey Police on 101 and SE Trg Estates Room as soon as possible…”

Aldershot Training Area Standing Orders – 12. Civilian Access To MOD Training Land

Sometimes the easiest thing is to stop digging a hole. The benefits for all are right there. No spend required.

References:

Standing Orders Aldershot Training Areas and Miscellaneous Training Facilities Version 1.0 Dated 31 March 2021:

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Blanco, Richard L. “THE ATTEMPTED CONTROL OF VENEREAL DISEASE IN THE ARMY OF MID-VICTORIAN ENGLAND.” Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research, vol. 45, no. 184, 1967, pp. 234–41. JSTOR, .

Article by Gill Picken, Aldershot Historical and Archaeological Society

National Archives; WO 33/24 & WO 78/2843

Byelaws Review survey – Community use of the Aldershot Military Lands:

Community_use_of_military_lands_Aldershot_finalDownload