Lakenheath Runway Closure - 1-18 Jul 11

[DeanW]

Interesting - is it likely some Eagles will bolthole to the Hall again?

[Craig]

Interesting - is it likely some Eagles will bolthole to the Hall again?

That is what I have heard and what I am hoping for mate.

[MacksAviation]

There is work scheduled that will see the Heath runway closed for the period 1 - 18 Jul. For a couple of weeks before, say mid-Jun, and a couple of weeks after, say end Jul, the car park will be closed (Contractor's base, set up and then take down). The verge on the triangle side of the access road to the car park is attracting more interest from the MOD Police who have been asked to help maintain its 'protected status'. Contractor's traffic down that road might also prove a hazard to folk (or their vehicles), so please take care. The triangle (field) by the car park is a SSSI and I know that the MOD would appreciate folk not being in there (and damaging fences (accidentally or otherwise)) perhaps in the process. It looks like the Forestry access is going to be busy...........FCFS!

As a fairly regular visitor to the 'heath (once or twice a week) I have never seen any signs stating that the field is an SSSI or anybody actually in that field TBH. It's clear by the signs that are there its off limits anyone who did/does go in there is asking for trouble IMHO. Is this SSSI a recent thing in that field?
There have been numerous times that the SSSI has been mentioned but only on the side where the Burger Man parks. When talking to Gary his view has been sod it he has permission to park where he does from the landowner

If the runway is closed and the Park&View closed the amount of visitors to the 'heath will be very very small so the Forest Entrance won't see any traffic as it's primarily the more keen photographer/spotter who uses it.

I can't see why the Eagles won't go to the 'hall as they have for the last two years during the work. But if it's like last year don't expect the same level of activity whilst at the 'hall they hardly flew.

Just my view

[BOLLO]

Whats an SSSI chaps?

[Bucky P]

Site of Significant Scientific Interest.

[BOLLO]

Site of Significant Scientific Interest.

Cheers.

[crashman]

The small triangle of land by the viewing area is a SSSI, its is checked by MOD Police there are also areas on the base that are SSSI's and no vehicles are allowed on them, i think this is due to some rare species of bird nesting there...

[beaker1971]

If the runway is closed, where will the F15s be operating from ? or have I missed that bit!
Mark

[POL]

There's no NOTAMs showing the runway as being closed, only various amounts of WIP around the runway.

[Mallett17]

The sign at the top of the road states that the viewing area is closed 10th June to 29th July.

Regards
Robin

[Gary]

NOTAM now in place

Parent ICAO: EGUL
Start date/time: 01/07/2011 00:01 UTC
End date/time: 19/07/2011 05:00 UTC
Activity period: null
Lower height limit: 000
Upper height limit: 999

RUNWAY 06/24 CLOSED DUE TO CONSTRUCTION WIP.

ADD 1 hour for local/BST

[tonkatom]

The eagles flew the saturday just gone,which may be a sign of gaining flight hours.possibly due to the loss of hours for some airmen whilst only selected aircrew will fly out of mildenhall during lakeneheaths maintenance work.Either that or aircrew are rotating,either way hours will be lost.
As someone has already mentioned,when the eagles are at mildenhall the flying seems to be less.
July does not look like a active month for the eagles unless they prove me wrong!

[carpless]

firstly, the only SSSI i can find is Lakenheath Warren and lakenheath pool Fen, but no idea where it actually is as Wikipedia has not got any pages. 18th June may be a good day to be at the heath.

[davedubya]

I believe the fences around the viewing area have some signs (rather small signs) that say it's an SSSI. I think some archealogical remains were found in the "grassy triangle" as well - probably anglo-saxon post holes or similar Time Team result. I also seem to remember reading that the reason the road at the end of the runway (which used to be a giant layby) was restricted was because officially because they didn't want the grass verges to be disturbed any more.

Also - is it confirmed yet that the 15s will be relocated to Mildenhall?

[crashman]

Regarding the SSSi in the triangle by the viewing area, i asked RAF Lakenheaths MOD Police Liason today, it is indeed a SSSI and there is no accses to this area and if anyone is caught they could face a LARGE fine, this is due to a rare plant or insect Growing/Living there.
He also spoke about the field where the landing lights are, he said this belongs to lord someone, who will not let anyone onto the land, and they could get in trouble if caught on there, so just be aware, particulary if the viewing area is shut.

Crash

[tonkatom]

I have been in the field with the landing lights a few times with at least 3or4 other people and have never been bothered.
Lord someone ought to get himself a digital slr and make good use of his field!

[PaulHP]

This leaflet explains the SSSI: http://naturalengland.etraderstores.com ... orp9.0.pdf

And the USAFE take on it: http://www.lakenheath.af.mil/news/story ... =123206655

[mcewenfan]

Lord Iveagh, has been chairman of Elveden Farms Ltd since 1992 and has transformed the 22,500 acre Suffolk estate into a multi-faceted, diverse and profitable business.

And at 22,500 acres has a fair bit of land around here. I think it also includes Lakenheath airfield and possibly Mildenhall as well.

[Gary]

56RQS will still operate from Lakenheath while runway is closed.

RAF Lakenheath jets temporarily move to RAF Mildenhall

Posted 6/28/2011 Updated 6/28/201

Release Number: 020611

6/28/2011 - ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- RAF Lakenheath F-15s will be temporarily housed at RAF Mildenhall while runway repairs are accomplished.

"We have taken proactive steps here to mitigate the noise footprint on surrounding communities," said Sqd. Ldr. Richard Fryer, RAF Mildenhall station commander. "A minimal number of missions will be flown to reduce noise but still maintain essential operations and training. Additionally, the aircraft's flight paths have been adjusted to avoid unnecessary noise above and around Ely Cathedral."

RAF Lakenheath's runway will be closed until approximately July 18. The HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters will continue missions from RAF Lakenheath and will not relocate to RAF Mildenhall.

Info from RAF Lakenheath

[davedubya]

So have the 15s relocated yet?