DTE South East: About our ranges
DTE South East has various training areas and several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). It covers some 19,000 hectares and includes heathland, chalk downland, light and dense woodland, and scrub. It plays host to all six species of indigenous reptiles and various rare plants. There are also many other rare birds, mammals and invertebrates, including moths, snails and the White-clawed Crayfish. Floral interest includes the late spider orchid, the nationally rare liverwort, rare slender bedstraws, and lichens and mosses.
Aldershot training area
There are many Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and Special Areas of Conservation in this area.
Ash ranges
The 800 hectares have 250 species of plants, 147 spiders, 18 butterflies, 96 moths, 116 birds, seven species of reptiles and amphibians, a herd of roe deer and foxes, badgers, rabbits and stoats.
Bramley training area
There are some interesting birds (including tawny owls and buzzards), invertebrates and fungi, as well as a deer herd.
Browndown training area
This includes a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Countryside Heritage Site.
Longmoor training area
This has several SSSIs and has many rare species.
Otmoor training area
The area is a haven for wildlife and wild plants and there is an RSPB bird sanctuary on its western boundary.
Pirbright ranges
Listed protected bird species seen here include nightjars, woodlarks, Dartford warblers and hobbies
Lydd ranges
Lydd is a coastal range complex offering a variety of small arms live firing range facilities over an area of approximately 1,318 hectares, and comprises of large areas of Coastal Vegetated Shingle towards the west, and the eastern end supports some larger areas of grassland that is mown for hay annually to improve the habitat for the reintroduction of the Short-haired Bumblebee from New Zealand.
Hythe Ranges
In addition to a coastal range complex Hythe is the location of the regions Headquarters. The range byelaws prevent incursion into the sea danger area whilst firing is taking place, which allows the marine life an opportunity to breed.
The site also includes two Martello Towers and a Redoubt Fort, all are classified as Scheduled Ancient Monuments.
East Kent training area
This 4,050 hectare site includes a mixture of woodland, parkland and downland.
Pippingford Park / Ashdown Forest training area
This area of 335 hectares is a blend of woodland and open heath with some large open ponds linked by a small stream.
Mereworth Woods training area
Mereworth is a heavily wooded area, mostly Sweet Chestnut, that covers some 124 hectares.