KNC 3North AshdownThu 29 February, 2024

Report

I would like to thank you all for coming to the North Ashdown KNC.

Apart from being very wet underfoot, the area has improved considerably over the past few years and a lot of clearance work has been done this winter. As for the course, I wanted to avoid using a road crossing so stuck to the 2 sets and a changeover format. I also wanted everyone to have a shot at getting a few controls hence the cluster fairly near the start. And finally I tried to present you with a variety of potential starting controls and I have to admit that it was very satisfying seeing runners going in several directions from the start!

As always, these events can't run without the help of volunteers and so I wish to thank Jill and Steve for helping to set up the course today, Penny and Joe for SI, Neil, Darren, Garry and Will for control collecting and Mike for map printing.

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.

Location Info

Nearest town: Wych Cross

• Postcode: RH18 5JP *
• Lat,Lng:51.07256,0.04719
• Grid Ref: TQ435323
• 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

We will be using the large ‘Broadstone’ car park on Coleman’s Hatch Road which runs east from the Wych Cross traffic lights on the A22 about 2 miles south of Forest Row.

Post code RH18 5JP.
W3W: thighs.calm.minivan

The usual Ashdown Forest parking fees apply which are £2.50 for 2 hours and £4 for 4 hours. Pay by parking app such as RingGo, etc, or use the ticket machine in the adjacent Forest Centre car park about 200m to the west.

Public Transport

None

Course Information

60 minute score event.

Entry Details

Entry via Race Sign Up

BOF members fees: Seniors £6.50, Juniors £3.25, SO Juniors free.
Non member fees: Seniors £7.00, Juniors £3.25

Electronic punching (SI) chips are available to hire. SIAC (contactless): £2, non-SIAC (not contactless) £1

Registration

Briefing and walk to start at 7.25pm

Start Times

Rolling mass start at 7.30pm. Courses close 8.45pm

Map Details

North Ashdown 1:10,000
By Roger Maher 2020, with updates to Feb 2024

Terrain Description

We will be using North Ashdown to the north of Coleman’s Hatch Road only so there will be no road crossing. However, be aware that competitors may cross a quiet driveway at least twice during their run so please be alert to vehicles.

The area itself is predominantly open heathland on a north facing slope with a few small blocks of forest. It is mostly runnable with bracken now having died back, and areas of heather that will impede progress are shown with the undergrowth screen. There are a host of features providing plenty of attack points and a good path and ride network to aid navigation.

Controls have been placed on a variety of features with varying degrees of technicality and the changeover control is on an obvious junction. The course has been planned to give everyone the opportunity to collect plenty of controls whilst, hopefully, maintaining a suitable level of challenge for the fastest runners

Dog restrictions

No dogs allowed at this event.

Facilities

None

Miscellaneous

Start and finish will be close to the car park. There will be a briefing and short walk to the start at 7.25pm. It will be a rolling mass start with a punching start. Course is 2 sets of controls (70’s and 80’s) with a compulsory changeover control 90, located within 200m of the start. Juniors under 16 on day of event must be accompanied by an adult. Competitors will need some form of lighting (torch or headlamp). Whistles and backup lighting are strongly recommended. Cagoules may be made compulsory in poor weather. This is a public access area so you might come across members of the public. If so, please be courteous as usual, they are likely to be more surprised than you!

Conservation of the Forest

Ashdown Forest, as many of you will know, is a very special place. It is managed by the Board of Conservators of Ashdown Forest, an independent body. In recognition of the ecological importance of Ashdown Forest and to ensure its protection, it is designated as a European Natura 2000 site and as a Site of Special Scientific Interest under UK legislation. Ashdown Forest is also within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Conservators have duties laid down by statute which include the following:

• To regulate and manage the forest as an amenity and place of resort
• To conserve it as a quiet and natural area of outstanding beauty

The Conservators are keen to raise the public’s (and hence our) awareness of their legal duty and, within this, their aim of balancing the interests of all users of the forest.

Please have particular regard therefore to the other users of the area, including all walkers, dog walkers and riders, all of whom are also seeking to enjoy their activities peacefully. Slow to a walk, keep especially quiet and keep a wide berth at any point where you meet horse riders.

Flora: Please be mindful of the plant life on the Forest and avoid cutting through any dense areas of growth/shrubbery/gorse.

Contacts / Officials

Planner: Chris Hooker

Organiser:

Controller: