Is this land safe?

On the face of it, something of an odd question. A track leading onto chalk down....a familiar landscape here in the south of England.

And yet... Just a few feet away, a sign saying 'Keep Off. Military Firing Range' The clear implication being, stay away, there may be unexploded ordinance here.

In other places around the world, in former conflict zones, landscapes that are used by the local population don't have signs, and the people living there run the risk of detonating unexploded land mines, running the risk of significant injury, and even death.

This afternoon I walked, with some 600 people, 34 kilometers over Salisbury Plain, to raise money for HALO, an organisation seeking to protect lives and restore livelihoods for those affected by conflict.

They continue to play a major part in removing landmines, but  are also increasing their role dealing with the broader debris of war – small arms, improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance.

I have a small blister that will heal over the next few days. The consequences of standing on a landmine last for a lifetime.

If anyone fancies making a small donation, here's the link

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/john-callaway