Put the GPS away and get out the maps

Gadget-lovers will have to revert to map and compass for a while as the Ministry of Defence conducts a jamming exercise near the High Weald later this year.

Ofcom, which oversees radio communication in Britain, says it has been told that Global Positioning System signals will be blocked for up to two hours at a time over a two-day period in October. The area affected is just to the South of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex.

The jamming tests will affect GPS receivers within a 1km radius from the Ninfield Study Centre, operated by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, north of Bexhill.

Hours when disruption to the signal are possible are from 8am to noon, and 1.30pm to 3.30pm on 14 and 15 October. There are several footpaths through woodland and farmland in the area.

Information during the jamming trail can be obtained from the exercise’s manager on 07776 484226.