Restoring vital sand dune habitats at Penhale Training Area, Cornwall

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Conservation, Environment and Ecology
Three people in dark clothing kneel on the ground looking at something between them. They are on a grassy area with the sea behind them.

The UK Defence Training Estate is home to a diverse range of habitats and wildlife species, many of which have been granted protected status. Through our work with industry partners, conservation organisations, and the UK Armed Forces themselves, DIO is …

Removing unexploded ordnance at Former Air Weapons Range RAF Cowden

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Explosive Ordnance Clearance
An explosion has sent sand blasting in all directions in the top of the image. The foreground is a sandy beach.

I recently organised and held a visitors’ day to highlight the MOD’s approach to removing unexploded ordnance from Mappleton Beach at Former Air Weapons Range RAF Cowden. The visit also enabled DIO to further connect with stakeholders on this unique …

Transforming Accommodation Services for our Armed Forces families  

A row of Service Family Accommodation houses

David Brewer’s recent blog set out DIO’s new approach – through the Future Defence Infrastructure Services (FDIS) programme - to delivering efficient and effective hard facilities management services across the Built Estate, as existing contracts come to an end. That journey …

Transforming building maintenance and repair services for our Armed Forces customers

A running tap.

One of DIO’s main responsibilities is management of the Defence estate and a substantial part of this responsibility involves ensuring that our buildings, accommodation and training estate are working as well as they can be. We work together with our …

DIO initiates Chinook helicopter operation to help enhance wildlife habitat  

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Armed Forces, Environment and Ecology, Wildlife
A Chinook hovers over a barge holding large bags of aggregate.

A few weeks ago I was thrilled to be in Portsmouth Harbour to witness the culmination of three years of work on an unusual project.     I’m DIO’s Principal Ecologist, which means I lead a team responsible for managing the habitats and species on MOD …