Castlemartin – an Open Letter

We, the Castlemartin Range Action Group (CRAG), are deeply alarmed by the planned CALFEX exercises at Castlemartin in 2025 and the escalating firing activity in Pembrokeshire. The growing demands placed on our land, sea, and skies by military exercises have exceeded what is reasonable or fair. While we respect the need for military preparedness, we insist on accountability, transparency, and fairness for the local community bearing the brunt of these disruptions.

This issue has reached a critical point. It is no longer a mere inconvenience; it is fast becoming a crisis affecting the lives, livelihoods, and well-being of local residents, businesses, and visitors. It also threatens the integrity of our cherished National Park, its economy, and its future.

Noise levels have reached intolerable extremes for many, with reports indicating that children living near the range are being forced indoors due to the painful intensity of the sounds. This raises significant concerns about the potential for long-term hearing damage, particularly in children, whose ears are more sensitive and vulnerable to harm at lower decibel levels.

Consider the plight of babies and toddlers, unable to sleep due to incessant disturbances, and the anxiety this creates for parents juggling sleepless nights with the demands of work and daily life. Imagine young people sitting critical exams in June, their futures jeopardized as the MOD conducts firing exercises through the night for weeks on end.

The problem is compounded for vulnerable groups; Individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD, and sensitive animals, such as dogs, can experience acute distress due to the relentless noise. These impacts must not be overlooked.

It is both unfair and unacceptable that children cannot play in their own gardens, families must endure anxiety over potential structural damage to their homes from shockwaves, and workers must face sleepless nights—all imposed without adequate consultation or safeguards.

Impact on Fishermen: Our Marine Community Under Siege Local fishermen face severe challenges as vast areas of the sea are rendered inaccessible by range activities at Castlemartin and Manorbier. Fishermen who rely on these waters for their livelihoods—

catching lobster, crab, bass, and pollack—are increasingly under threat.

Adding to the disruption, anecdotal evidence suggests that vibrations caused by firing exercises may be affecting fish movements, potentially harming the marine ecosystem and fish stocks. This, in turn, exacerbates the challenges faced by those who depend on these waters for a living.

The Freshwater East Boatmen and Fishermen’s Association has made it clear: the increased use of the range is jeopardizing their livelihoods. Action is urgently needed to address these impacts and hold the MOD accountable.

The Vital Tourism Economy: A Threatened Future Pembrokeshire’s tourism industry, a cornerstone of the local economy, is being undermined by the noise and disruption of military exercises. Visitors seeking the tranquillity and beauty of our National Park are confronted with relentless firing noise and, with the proposed CALFEX exercises, sleepless nights.

If firing activity continues to increase, the damage to the tourism industry will become both insidious and permanent, eroding a vital pillar of the local economy and the livelihoods it supports.

Potential Damage to Homes Shockwaves from the firing exercises have reportedly caused damage to local homes. Some residents have sought assessments from the county council, but this issue requires immediate attention and direct accountability from the MOD.

CRAG has highlighted evidence on its website showing that the MOD has compensated homeowners for such damage in the past. Given the increasing power of modern weapon systems, the risk of structural damage is higher than ever and warrants further investigation.

Failure to Consult and Engage The increased activity at Castlemartin is unrelated to the conflict in Ukraine, as some might suggest, but instead stems from policy decisions made by Westminster around 2020–21. The relocation of armoured vehicle training from Canada to Castlemartin has significantly increased the burden on our community, and was made without proper consultation with local residents or businesses. No impact assessments were conducted and as a result, local voices and concerns were ignored.

We are particularly concerned that the MOD’s plans to expand activities do not sufficiently address the far-reaching consequences for our community and economy.

Our Demands: A Call for Action CRAG believes that it is possible to support the military while safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of local residents. To address these pressing issues, we propose the following measures:

A Plea for Accountability and Fairness CRAG has consistently advocated for balance between military objectives and the needs of the community. However, the burden placed on this area is increasingly disproportionate and unsustainable. If the MOD insists on imposing increased activities, it must also take responsibility for the consequences.

Repeated calls for noise and vibration studies have been ignored, despite their critical role in assessing community impacts. Similar studies have been conducted elsewhere, even in less affected areas, so why not here? Failure to address these concerns is unacceptable given the increasing power of modern weapons systems.

Our community deserves better. We have always supported the military, but not at the expense of our health, homes, livelihoods, and economy. We urge all those in positions of authority to stand with us, demanding transparency, accountability, and fair treatment. Together, we can protect Pembrokeshire’s unique character while ensuring its residents, businesses, and environment are not sacrificed for decisions made without their consent.

If, like CRAG, you’re concerned about the CALFEX exercises, the increase in activity and noise levels, or have been severely affected by the firing, now is the time to act. We strongly urge you to contact your local MP, Henry Tufnell, and your local Senedd members. Let’s make our voices heard before it’s too late.

Yours sincerely,
CRAG (Castlemartin Range Action Group)

Website:Castlemartin Range Action Group (CRAG)