Defence Fuels Group

The Defence Fuels Group (DFG), part of the Defence Equipment and Support, lies within West Moors Parish on the Northern outskirts of the Village. It is  responsible for the efficient and effective provision of fuels, lubricants and industrial gases to our Armed Forces world-wide.

 It procures aviation, marine and ground fuels as well as lubricants and industrial gases for all 3 Armed Forces, ensuring that they are delivered or made available to the correct quality and quantity wherever and whenever they are needed. It is the expert technical focus on all fuel matters and its scientists set and monitor the specifications of fuel, lubricants and gases for use by the MOD. It is also the MOD licensing authority for fuel installations, and provides the discipline lead for fuel safety. At West Moors, it operates a storage and distribution facility for oils, lubricants and automotive fuels, and fills jerricans with fuels for use by HM Forces in the field.  The Defence Fuels Group is also responsible for fuel storage at other locations in UK and overseas.

 The Defence School of Petroleum is also located within the West Moors site. The school is responsible for providing the necessary training for Military Petroleum Operators enabling them to learn the technical aspects of fuel and acquire the practical skills needed to store fuel in an operational environment.

 Since 1995 the DFG has also hosted the Dorset Fire and Rescue Service’s training school on the site. A team of instructors provide a comprehensive and complex assortment of "core", technical training including basic recruit training, casualty care, specialist appliances, incident command, hazardous materials management, leadership and driving. The instructors also provide peripatetic training to support station and area based training.

 The site is operated under stringent Safety Regulations complying with all the appropriate Health and Safety as well as Environmental regulations and maintaining regular contacts with the local Emergency Services.

 Most of the DFG site is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its habitat as a mosaic of dry heath, wet heath, grassland and scrub. The site is important for a variety of heathland specialist species and the DFG takes its conservation responsibilities very seriously. At the beginning of April 2006, a herd of British White cattle were brought onto the site to graze to control the gorse and restore the heathland. This traditional breed of cattle is well suited to grazing the less palatable heathland vegetation. The British Whites were loaned by a local grazier who specialises in grazing sites that are important for nature conservation, including heathland sites and water meadows. The DFG works closely with English Nature on this and other Conservation activities.

 The site as a whole provides employment for local people with the DFG itself employing approximately 180 members of staff, both Military and Civilian. Lodger units, who share the site, and ancillary staff increase that figure still further. The DFG also provides facilities for the local Army Cadets to meet and train.