IT HAS been shrouded in secrecy that has intrigued us all for decades - but MOD Shoebury plays an essential role in our national security. 

The vast military base at Shoebury and Foulness has tested weapons - and even a section of Downing Street wall following the mortar bomb attack of 1991. 

Now, urban explorers have lifted the lid on the mystery with their video on the site. 

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The location of the military base, near Southend, was chosen because of its closeness to London and its direct access to major shipping routes.

Today, it is a place where weapon systems used by the Army, Navy and RAF are thoroughly tested through firing, shaking, rattling, rolling, dropping, heating and freezing equipment and munitions.

It’s also where expired ammunition is disposed of safely and where bomb disposal or Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) training techniques are taught during military training courses which recreate realistic scenarios involving live ammunition.

YouTuber from DE-eVOLVED, Martin Halliday, said: “I made my way towards the start of the Wakering stairs to the public footpath that runs from just past East Beach, along a very long trail that leads to Wakering Boat Yard.

Echo: DE-eVOLVED - Martin Halliday explores MOD ShoeburyDE-eVOLVED - Martin Halliday explores MOD Shoebury (Image: DE-eVOLVED)

“The path isn’t well documented locally but there are plenty of signs, although some are unreadable due to plantation and a hazy fog that covers them, with others also missing.

“Along the way I passed some areas of historical importance including a mock-up of the Atlantic Wall and a not-so-well-documented pillbox. Sadly, I wasn’t able to access the pillbox as it meant leaving the footpath.

“The walk itself was extremely interesting. It was also very quiet with some beautiful wildlife.”

The vast site stretches from Shoebury for more than 11 miles up to Foulness Island. 

The site covers more than 9,300 acres with another 35,000 acres when the tide goes out. 

There is more than 60km of road, another 60km of tracks and 21km of railway track. It is home to more than 200 private residents living in around 100 homes. 

The site, which consists of 21 operational firing ranges for ammunitions testing, brings around 300 jobs to the Southend economy.

Some parts of the site are open to the public from time to time to demonstrate what is going on at its testing centres, but certain areas of the site are very dangerous as they are where live weapons drills are taking place.