Hi Tony
you sound like a local chap. i have lived round here all my life... i use to live on Gore-Cross which is the hamlet as the imber ranges meet lavington. yea you have got to be carful up there i agree. some of the monuments are things i go to look at... they had practice trenches from the first world war and al sorts of interesting things.
keep a eye out for a book called The Field Archaeology of the Salisbury Plain Training Area it is a interesting read..
as for safety on the plain goes
I always watch out for others. i learnt to Ride, push and motorbike, drive, up there and alot of other people do so i am always on the look out.
Plain points
1. Never go up there when the red flags are flying.
2. always stick to the highway and by ways. (MOD maps are better than OS for this) and plan ur route
3. offroading is a game of going slow not fast.
3. always take the correct equpment,
4. keep a eye out for others in, (i have found a few people in trouble before now)
5. you also shouldn't pick anything up.
6. never go it alone if there isnt anybody going out with a 4x4 with atleast take a m8....(he can guide you through hard bits, dig when ur stuck etc.)
If you stick to these you shouldn't go far wrong. and it will also keep the Range Warden happy.
Kit i carry
1. spade, pick axe, digging equipment,
2. change of cloths and water proofs
3. touches more that one is better or spare batterys.
4. maps i carry 1:50,000 of the hole plain and 2 1:25,000 east and west. Compass, i carry one bearing compass and one map reading one. and OS GPS as backup
4. rope, chain, bunge cord, cable tyes, high lift jack,
5. mobile Phone, charger, i also carry a CB most farmers and other off roaders carry them.
6. First aid kit, i carry a full army
7. Food, (sad i know but i carry 2x24hr ration packs, hexi, etc)
8. water both for you to drink and for your vehicle
9. vehicle recognition panels ( they are bright so ur 4x4 can been seen)
10. tools, bulbs, jack, booster kit, pump, oil, coolant, wd40, bow saw, bodge tape, vehicle repair stuff etc.
Dont get put off by this there are LOTS of interesting places you can legally drive. get muggy and stuck.... as per picture.