Last week I visited Wittmund for the first time after completion of the new fence. The new situation for photographers has changed considerably compared to the old situation, with several great vantage points lost forever.
The old fence has been moved backwards along 90% of the runway. On the western part the fence was put back to about 650 meters from the runway´s centerline, while on the eastern part it was just put back about 40 meters to roughly 170 meters from the runway´s centerline. And although 170 meters is still a perfect photographic distance from the runway, some old shrubs and other vegetation may get in the way as this was left in place when they removed the old fence.
Photospots 1, 2 and 3 (counted from the left on the map below) still require only a 70-200mm lens for a full frame side shot. Spots 4 and 5 are located on an embankment, elevated about 5 meters from ground level. This provides a great photo opportunity for line-up and landing shots when runway 26 is in use, or dragchute shots when landing from the other side.
The new fence is considerably higher than the old fence, and requires a small ladder if you want to use your camera. The actual fence is about 2.00 meters high with about 0.5 meters of barbed wire on top of that. Total hight of the fence is about 2.5 meters, which seems to be the standard hight of most new fences around NATO airbases these days. Airbase security seems to tolerate photography around the fence, but they don't like high ladders. I was asked to put away my M-ladder, which stands about 1.80 meters high when set up in reversed V-shape. There doesn't seem to be much of a problem when using small 2 or 3 step "kitchen ladders", but these won't help you to clear the upper barbed wire.
I hope this clarifies the new situation around Wittmund, and I wish we can all contribute to establish a good relation between airbase community and hobbyists. So try not to spoil it. After all Wittmund is still a great airbase with unique photo opportunities, well within range for a good and easy day out. Most likely the base will get a lot more attention after TLP has moved to from Florennes to Spain, and Phantoms are getting closer and closer to extinction in Western Europe.
Happy shooting,
Iwan Bögels
