Park O 2 and AGM Bedelands Farm, AGM & Prizegiving Sat 06 June, 2026

Report

We started planning Bedelands at the end of winter and have had the pleasure to watch the area come to life in the spring and early summer with fields transforming from a quagmire to beautiful wildflower meadows and the woodland carpet transitioning from endless blankets of leaves to bluebells and wild orchids and finally an abundance of new tree seedlings.

Last week's rain made it possible to get the stakes into the sunbaked soil, which was a blessing, dry stream beds started to have flowing water again and ponds began to replenish, although some water features remained dry across the mapped area.

Many thanks to everyone who turned out on a rather inclement day, I hope you enjoyed the courses and had a glimpse of the beauty of the nature reserve.

Thanks to the SI team, who managed to keep the tent standing despite the strong winds

Chris and David, your speedy turn round on mapping and web updates was impressive and much appreciated.

Special thanks to:

Marky, you have been the best mentor, thank you for taking me through the planning and for your endless patience answering my queries or getting side tracked by a bird or plant along the route.

Neil, thank you for your guidance, the map updates and for your assistance setting up, I have learned a lot.

Karen, your negotiations to secure the land permissions so that the event could go ahead and your advice on risk assessments were invaluable.

Garry, your assistance collecting controls at the end of a wet and windy morning, it was appreciated more than you know and I look forwards to seeing the route choices on route gadget later

RouteGadget

Is a web app for sharing and comparing orienteering routes. You can draw your own route or upload a GPS track from your watch. It also allows you to watch an animated replay with a simulated mass start.

Pre event info

A short junior warm up session will take place at 10:15. Everyone is welcome

This event will be followed by the Annual General Meeting and Prizegiving. Do stick around to find out what the club has been up to, future plans and to see if you're in for a prize or certificate!

The AGM will start at 12:30 and usually takes about an hour or so. Details here. It's suitable for juniors to attend.

There are a number of vacant roles that the club needs to fill (Chair, Secretary, Publicity Officer, Social Secretary, Permanent /virtual O Course coordinator). If you're able to spare a bit of time to help - do let Clive know.

The AGM will be held at Bedelands Football Club where we have access to toilets but no kitchen facilities. If you are staying for the AGM, please bring your own drinks and a picnic style lunch (no nuts). No muddy footwear inside please.

Ian Curtis will be undertaking his coaching assessment and is looking for some adult coachees for an hour (fast, slow and in between all very welcome). The focus will be upon map memory and focussed at TD 4/5. The session will start prompt at 9.45 from the car park included in the ParkO details, and will complete in time to allow you to compete in the ParkO.

Please let Ian know in advance if you can attend via email

Location Info

Nearest town: Burgess Hill

• Postcode: RH15 8AQ *
• Lat,Lng: 50.96654,-0.12535
• Grid Ref: TQ317202
• Google Map
• Streetmap (OS 50k)
• Bing Map (OS 50k)
• OpenStreetMap

* Postcodes are not very precise in some areas, so don't rely on them for an exact location.

Directions / Parking

Parking at Leylands Park next to Burgess Hill Town Football Club, Maple Drive, Burgess Hill RH15 8DL
There is a height restriction of 2m (6'6") so taller vehicles will need to park in nearby residential roads.

w3w: charge.lend.latter

Public Transport

Buses: 33, 35A and 35C stop at Burgess Hill Town Football Club.

The nearest train station is Wivelsfield circa 500m from Burgess Hill Town FC

Course Information

Yellow 1.4k, 20m climb, 12 Controls.

Orange 2.1k, 30m climb, 15 Controls

Sprint 2.8k, 30m climb, 17 Controls

Entry Details

Entry via Racesignup.co.uk. Newcomers are welcome and eligible for a free trial session - if you'd like to reserve a map or discuss the event please email our membership secretary.

Entry fees: Sprint £5.00, Orange £2.50, Yellow £2.50 (SO Juniors free - use code SOJuniors)

SI card hire: Seniors £1 (£2 for SIAC), Juniors 50p (£1 for SIAC)

Registration open

From 9:45 to 10:45

Start Times

From 10:00 to 11:00 Courses close at 12:00

Map Details

1:5,000
5m Contours
September 2025 By Chris Hooker, using Lidar Data.

Printed on Waterproof paper

Terrain Description

The Nature Reserve consists of meadows set in ancient woodlands containing hedgerows and ponds, with the River Adur and a large mill pond running along the northern Border. Ongoing conservation work has ensured that large sections of the woodlands are open and runnable, this is interspersed with sections of bramble, dense vegetation and open meadows. A network of streams flow through the reserve, some shallow, with leaky dams used to control winter flooding, others presenting very steep sided gullies. A number of ponds are present in the area. The site holds SNCI status (Site of Nature Conservation Importance) supporting a profusion of wildlife including the protected Hazel Dormouse and has won awards for its wild flower meadows.

Dog restrictions

The area is popular with dog walkers, please keep dogs on leads in the parking area and on the recreation grounds in the start and finish areas. Keep dogs in sight and close by; use a lead if dogs do not always return when called. Clean up after your dogs. Poo bins available on site.

Facilities

None.

Please bring your own water.

Miscellaneous

Safety Bearing – South.

The area is popular with dog walkers, hikers and cyclists, please give them plenty of room to pass.

The Southdowns Orienteers AGM follows this event at Burgess Hill Town Football Club from 12:30hrs.

Contacts / Officials

Planner: Gail Thompson with Marky Saunders

Organiser: Adviser Neil Crickmore

Controller / Event Adviser: