Thanks to you all for coming to this event. As you will appreciate it is not highly technical but those mown paths take a while to sort out. The weather took its toll and competitors looked very hot as they passed the map exchange.
We put the map exchange towards the middle of the map to give a different variety of loops in part 2. The aim with the points score was to reflect the distance run. So, where there was a preponderance of kites in the plantation there were lower scores.
Six competitors scored 500 points with Matt Speake leading the way (and making tracks through the undergrowth!) in 32 mins. Well done.
The vegetation was simplified as the map was made as a resource for school groups and visitors to the Arboretum. Many of you noticed some training kites that mark where permanent course posts will be installed. Katherine Forsey, the education officer, has completed a Teaching Orienteering course and uses the area near the outdoor classroom for introducing the map and simple courses. (She also offers lots of other environmental/habitat activities for schools and youth groups) www.kewatch.co.uk
Peter and Christine Roberts