A project which involved working with the community and local government to improve public access on Castlemartin Range has won the MOD's top Sanctuary award, the Silver Otter.

The Castlemartin Access Project involved creating a 10km stretch of multi-user path around the northern boundary of the Range, which would allow users of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to remain off-road at all times. Prior to its existence, users were forced to use dangerous narrow lanes.

Thanks to the project, which won the Sanctuary Award in the Environmental Projects category, the Castlemartin Range Trail (CRT) can now be used by walkers, horse riders and off-road cyclists and has the added benefit of providing fabulous panoramic views of the Range and the coast; and by linking with existing rights of way the CRT also provides a circular route around Range East during non-firing periods.

For many years restrictions to public access on Castlemartin Range within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park had been an emotive issue. The Castlemartin Access Project came about following consultation on improving access to the Range, led by Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). The consultation was a direct result of increasing pressure from emerging coastal access legislation, Other Government Departments (OGD) and Non Government Organisations (NGO).

The route has now been included as part of the 'All Wales Coastal Path', initiated by emerging coastal access legislation in Wales. It is an example of the MOD's commitment to its policy presumption in favour of public access, where safe and appropriate.

The award board was impressed by the achievement and dedication of the team as well as its wider engagement with the local community, the Welsh Assembly Government and individual users.

Representing the board, Marcus Yeo, of the Carbon Trust, said: "I have been a member of the judging panel for the Sanctuary Awards for several years, and I am always impressed by the breadth and quality of environmental work undertaken on MOD property. This year has been no exception and it was a hard task to select award winners from such a diverse range of high-quality submissions."

Richard Brooks, senior environmental adviser for DIO, added: "Being awarded the Silver Otter is great recognition of the partnerships which enabled this excellent project to progress. As soon as the idea developed all of the partners were keen to be involved and the effort and enthusiasm from all ensured that the Castlemartin Access Project succeeded.

"The Castlemartin Range Trail and associated access improvements around Castlemartin Range have been well received locally and form part of the new All Wales Coast Path. The route also offers a road free safe alternative to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path for walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers as well as providing a spectacular circular route around Range East.

"The award is the icing on the cake for a superb project which has cemented the MODs relationship with neighbours, tenants and recreational users as well as with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the Countryside Council for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government."