Police Issue Warnings For UXO in Recreational Park Area

Wiltshire, United Kingdom  Police are warning visitors and recreational users of the Savernake Forest to be aware of the potential for UXO. The warnings come after an amateur archaeologist working just several meters away from a popular camping and picnic site found a WWII hand grenade. A British Royal Army Ordnance Corps bomb disposal unit safely destroyed the grenade.

The potential for other UXO in the area is suspected due of the vast quantities of munitions that were stored in the forest during WWII by both British and American military forces. It was reported that munitions were intentionally buried in the forest along with other supplies for contingency purposes in case there was an invasion.

Savernake Forest is a privately owned forest approximately 4,500 acres that is largely controlled and managed by the Forestry Commission. It is located between Marlborough and Hungerford. The park is used for various recreational activities including camping, fishing, hiking, and picnicking.