Lomography

RAF Predannack Where Planes Go To Die
written by kernow_and_cambria on September 17th, 2009 , 10 comments (8 votes)

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Located deep in the South of Cornwall, within spitting distance of the Atlantic, lies RAF Predannack. I had seen some images taken by a friend of mine from a previous visit and knew I had to check it out for myself. Predannack holds around 20 military and rescue planes and helicopters in a varying state of decay and destruction. Once used as an RAF Base during WW2, it is now used for fire and safety training, although I’m not sure if it has been in use for a while.

As it is a military installation they have made quite an effort to keep regular folk out, with high fences, barbed and electric fences, brambles and marshes, and a host of snakes and other creepy crawlies to put you off. Although a walk of around 30 minutes along a bridle way you soon almost stumble into the place. You are instantly greeted by a white and red plane which we couldn’t resist climbing aboard and into the cockpit

We easily spent 2 to 3 hours wandering around snapping photos and climbing into Harriers and Sea King helicopters. Every hedge we turned around confronted us with another metallic beast.

I especially like the fire training units, which look like some sort of mechanical beasts from Star Wars. Also a pair of helicopters that have been toppled over that resemble some sort of giant insects clambering to their feet. Even though it’s a bit of a trek, you need a map and a picnic, it’s well worth a visit, even just to realize your childhood dreams of being a fighter pilot!

We’re currently planning a night shoot at Predannack to see how these beasts react under the cover of darkness. That’s if we can find the place again…