Unexploded ordnance dug up near former munitions factory in Warrington

Multiple WWII-era mortar shells were unearthed during council maintenance work on Risley Moss, a vast peat bog and nature reserve in Warrington. The discovery prompted an immediate closure of the park to ensure public safety while bomb disposal experts assessed the site.

Alongside the mortar rounds, storage tubes used for transporting munitions were also uncovered. A specialist bomb disposal team from the Royal Logistic Corps attended the scene, safely removing the items for disposal. Once the area was declared safe, the park was reopened to the public.

Why is Risley Moss contaminated with UXO?

The presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) at Risley Moss is linked to its proximity to the former Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) Risley, also known as Filling Factory No.6. This facility played a crucial role in Britain’s WWII munitions production, filling bomb casings and artillery shells with explosive materials.

ROF Risley operated extensive proofing ranges for testing munitions and designated disposal areas for waste and defective ammunition. Historical records indicate that the burning grounds, where munitions were destroyed, covered parts of what is now Risley Moss.

In the 1990s, the British Army conducted UXO surveys across sections of Risley Moss County Park, recovering thousands of items – primarily expended ordnance. However, as this recent discovery shows, some hazardous remnants of wartime activity still remain.

The ongoing UXO risk in the UK

The UK is home to thousands of tonnes of unexploded ordnance, ranging from small practice shells to large wartime bombs. Areas near former military sites, airfields, and munitions factories are particularly at risk, as historical records and previous discoveries demonstrate.

Construction projects, land redevelopment, and even routine maintenance work can unexpectedly uncover UXO. Without proper risk assessments, these discoveries can pose serious safety hazards and cause costly project delays.

Mitigating UXO risks on your land

To manage the risks associated with UXO, Brimstone UXO offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to the needs of developers, landowners, and contractors. Our expertise includes:

• UXO Risk Assessments – Detailed evaluations to determine the likelihood of encountering UXO on your site.
• Non-Intrusive and Intrusive UXO Surveys – Advanced detection methods to locate buried ordnance before work begins.
• UXO Investigations and Clearance – Safe identification, removal, and disposal of discovered ordnance.

By identifying and mitigating UXO risks early, we help ensure the safety of your project, workforce, and the wider community.

Brimstone UXO is committed to raising awareness of UXO risks and providing industry-leading solutions. Stay up to date with our latest insights, case studies, and safety updates by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

If you need UXO risk mitigation services, contact Brimstone UXO today to discuss how we can support your project.