Diploma Weekend

We had a great weekend to finish off the year at Hatfield Forest.

The weekend was dedicated to our Diploma students who have just commenced Level 2 of the programme.

For most, level one was completed in the summer and the weekend saw the commencement of level 2 practical skills.

This included axe skills led by JP where the different types of axe and there uses was covered. Of course safety aspects, carving and axe use techniques were also covered as well as sharpening techniques.

In the afternoon Pablo gave an introduction to bird tracking.

Having a course weekend at this time of year wouldn't be complete without the requisite festive drinks and chicken curry cooked up by JP himself.

Thanks to all those who came along and our new assistant Austin who provided the base-camp assistance.

Diploma Weekend

We had a great weekend to finish off the year at Hatfield Forest.

The weekend was dedicated to our Diploma students who have just commenced Level 2 of the programme.

For most, level one was completed in the summer and the weekend saw the commencement of level 2 practical skills.

This included axe skills led by JP where the different types of axe and there uses was covered. Of course safety aspects, carving and axe use techniques were also covered as well as sharpening techniques.

In the afternoon Pablo gave an introduction to bird tracking.

Having a course weekend at this time of year wouldn't be complete without the requisite festive drinks and chicken curry cooked up by JP himself.

Thanks to all those who came along and our new assistant Austin who provided the base-camp assistance.

Countdown to the Forest Tracker Course

The finishing touches are being put on the latest in our tracker courses; the Forest Tracker.

The Forest Tracker course to be held this weekend will be a pilot to see if everything works out. Our discerning clients will be none other than the Woodlife Trails crew and selected trackers from around Britain.

Expectations will be high and there will be little room for error. So, what can the participants expect?

This tracker course focuses not only on the delivery of some new tracking techniques especially designed for British woodland environments but it will concentrate on surveillance and trailing techniques. Throw in a new Immersive Zone-in Technique, some paleo-movement, sensory tracking and bird-track ID and it promises to be an interesting weekend.

Putting this into practice is key and a special exercise where participants will be trailing wildlife for an extended period has been developed which we believe will enhance senses to new heights or should I say return them to what they were 12,000 years ago.

Difficult? You bet it will be but then again this is a level 3 advanced course. Good luck to everyone coming along.

Countdown to the Forest Tracker Course

The finishing touches are being put on the latest in our tracker courses; the Forest Tracker.

The Forest Tracker course to be held this weekend will be a pilot to see if everything works out. Our discerning clients will be none other than the Woodlife Trails crew and selected trackers from around Britain.

Expectations will be high and there will be little room for error. So, what can the participants expect?

This tracker course focuses not only on the delivery of some new tracking techniques especially designed for British woodland environments but it will concentrate on surveillance and trailing techniques. Throw in a new Immersive Zone-in Technique, some paleo-movement, sensory tracking and bird-track ID and it promises to be an interesting weekend.

Putting this into practice is key and a special exercise where participants will be trailing wildlife for an extended period has been developed which we believe will enhance senses to new heights or should I say return them to what they were 12,000 years ago.

Difficult? You bet it will be but then again this is a level 3 advanced course. Good luck to everyone coming along.

WIC October 2013

Once again we had a great Wilderness Immersion Course at Hatfield Forest last weekend.

The weather wasn’t too kind to us and it poured both Friday and Saturday nights but there was enough of a dry period to allow us to do some sessions on the trail during Saturday.

With mist and fog on Saturday night and the rain I didn't really expect much in the way of sightings ; but during the Sunday debrief I was proved wrong as sightings and of badger, fox and fallow came in. We populated our sound map with tawny owl calls, mutjac barks, and badger territorial fighting to name but a few.

A tracking walk turned into a fungal foray as JP expertly guided everyone through the ins and outs of ‘shrooming. At one spot we counted in the region of 15 different species of mushroom.

Many thanks to the participants, John, Ian, Andrew and Jen and of course to the regular crew who provided camp administration and delivered some excellent sessions.

WIC October 2013

Once again we had a great Wilderness Immersion Course at Hatfield Forest last weekend.

The weather wasn’t too kind to us and it poured both Friday and Saturday nights but there was enough of a dry period to allow us to do some sessions on the trail during Saturday.

With mist and fog on Saturday night and the rain I didn't really expect much in the way of sightings ; but during the Sunday debrief I was proved wrong as sightings and of badger, fox and fallow came in. We populated our sound map with tawny owl calls, mutjac barks, and badger territorial fighting to name but a few.

A tracking walk turned into a fungal foray as JP expertly guided everyone through the ins and outs of ‘shrooming. At one spot we counted in the region of 15 different species of mushroom.

Many thanks to the participants, John, Ian, Andrew and Jen and of course to the regular crew who provided camp administration and delivered some excellent sessions.

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The aim today was to get to Harlow. This we did easily by lunch-time and decided to go into the Moorhen pub for lunch.

We emptied the elsan and topped up the water and found a secluded spot just after the moorings to moor up. We decided to stay in this spot for the night which meant it would only be a 6 hour trip back home.

It was nice just to kick back, have a leisurely meal and take in the beauty of the River Stort, our home river.

The aim today was to get to Harlow. This we did easily by lunch-time and decided to go into the Moorhen pub for lunch.

We emptied the elsan and topped up the water and found a secluded spot just after the moorings to moor up. We decided to stay in this spot for the night which meant it would only be a 6 hour trip back home.

It was nice just to kick back, have a leisurely meal and take in the beauty of the River Stort, our home river.

Sept 13–Day 6

We stayed at the mooring just after Acton Lock, Hackney for the day as we wanted to visit London Zoo.

The Zoo was a little disappointing. Some areas seemed run down and a little tired. The Zoo’s emphasis on conservation didn’t really wash with me and we both came away with mixed feelings.

Pub!! That was the answer and the Fox received it’s  second visit in as many days.

The next day it was early up-time as we sought to turn round. This is always a mission in a 58 foot boat, but there are winding holes or turning areas marked on out trusty Nicholson Guide.

We didn’t have to go too far when we saw an opportune turning point not marked. We made a three-point turn and headed back along the Regents canal.

We stopped at Victoria park to allow the dogs a run and had a hearty breakfast, resuming our short journey along the Regents, and then back up Ducket’s Cut to join the River Lee.

The three locks at the end of Ducket’s are extremely hard work with heavy gates and we were glad to cruise along the unending industrial part of the Lee.

We fuelled up at Lee Valley Marina and continued along the Lee during intermittent showers and gusts of wind.

It wasn’t the wind that caused the next major problem. It was the speed of the river entering the lock at Picket’s lock. A feisty lock at the best of times; this time it swung the boat violently against the side of the lock. A crash was heard in the cabin and 3 glasses met their demise!

Narrowboating is a contact sport so we weren't  too bothered about yet another scratch on the gunwale.

By the time we reached Waltham Town lock, we were very tired. It was nice to have a shower, light the fire and settle down with a glass  of wine.

[Technical]

[Fuel – 75 litres. Full. 60% 40%. £85.]

[Emptied 1 Elsen]

Sept 13–Day 6

We stayed at the mooring just after Acton Lock, Hackney for the day as we wanted to visit London Zoo.

The Zoo was a little disappointing. Some areas seemed run down and a little tired. The Zoo’s emphasis on conservation didn’t really wash with me and we both came away with mixed feelings.

Pub!! That was the answer and the Fox received it’s  second visit in as many days.

The next day it was early up-time as we sought to turn round. This is always a mission in a 58 foot boat, but there are winding holes or turning areas marked on out trusty Nicholson Guide.

We didn’t have to go too far when we saw an opportune turning point not marked. We made a three-point turn and headed back along the Regents canal.

We stopped at Victoria park to allow the dogs a run and had a hearty breakfast, resuming our short journey along the Regents, and then back up Ducket’s Cut to join the River Lee.

The three locks at the end of Ducket’s are extremely hard work with heavy gates and we were glad to cruise along the unending industrial part of the Lee.

We fuelled up at Lee Valley Marina and continued along the Lee during intermittent showers and gusts of wind.

It wasn’t the wind that caused the next major problem. It was the speed of the river entering the lock at Picket’s lock. A feisty lock at the best of times; this time it swung the boat violently against the side of the lock. A crash was heard in the cabin and 3 glasses met their demise!

Narrowboating is a contact sport so we weren't  too bothered about yet another scratch on the gunwale.

By the time we reached Waltham Town lock, we were very tired. It was nice to have a shower, light the fire and settle down with a glass  of wine.

[Technical]

[Fuel – 75 litres. Full. 60% 40%. £85.]

[Emptied 1 Elsen]

Sept 13–Day 4

A tiring day today. The locks were hard work, the wind and current were against us and it rained quite heavily in the afternoon.

We started out and got in the wrong lane for the electric lock at Tottenham. That meant it took nearly 40 minutes to go through the heavy manual lock.

We provisioned at Lee Valley Marina, Springfield. This is a handy stop for gas, diesel and water.

Just after we turned onto the Hertford arm we stopped at Rahims cash and carry, another useful stop if you like all manner of Asian food. They had a supply of vegetables and groceries as well.

After the Hertford arm we turned sharp right on to the Regents canal. This part of the Regents canal is also slow with deep locks. Here it rained heavily and we decided to call it a day just after Acton lock. As soon as we moored up the rain stopped!!

Google maps showed us where there was a Tesco Direct – for wine (of course.) On the way back we had to shelter from the rain in The Fox- a great little trendy pub that even allowed our crew members in; Billy and Erin.

We retired for the night with a spaghetti bolognaise meal and glass of vin rouge. Bliss.

Tech details today:

[Gas bottle full – cost £19.99]

[Water full]

[Fuel half – start 3/4]

Sept 13–Day 4

A tiring day today. The locks were hard work, the wind and current were against us and it rained quite heavily in the afternoon.

We started out and got in the wrong lane for the electric lock at Tottenham. That meant it took nearly 40 minutes to go through the heavy manual lock.

We provisioned at Lee Valley Marina, Springfield. This is a handy stop for gas, diesel and water.

Just after we turned onto the Hertford arm we stopped at Rahims cash and carry, another useful stop if you like all manner of Asian food. They had a supply of vegetables and groceries as well.

After the Hertford arm we turned sharp right on to the Regents canal. This part of the Regents canal is also slow with deep locks. Here it rained heavily and we decided to call it a day just after Acton lock. As soon as we moored up the rain stopped!!

Google maps showed us where there was a Tesco Direct – for wine (of course.) On the way back we had to shelter from the rain in The Fox- a great little trendy pub that even allowed our crew members in; Billy and Erin.

We retired for the night with a spaghetti bolognaise meal and glass of vin rouge. Bliss.

Tech details today:

[Gas bottle full – cost £19.99]

[Water full]

[Fuel half – start 3/4]

Sept 13–Day 3

We set off from Waltham Abbey about 10am after a great sleep. The previous evening saw us in a local pub called the Crown; the first pub I’ve been in for a long time that doesn’t do microwaved meals. In fact, I don’t think it did meals at all!

We didn’t hang about too long. Maccy D’s was calling!

M25 seemed at a standstill. we weren’t too bothered as we went underneath it.

The ever present rain didn’t deter the trip as we continued down the Lee through Enfield lock and down towards the industrial area of Tottenham stopping off for a pint at The Navigation (Harvester) pub near Cheshunt.

Billy decided to go for a plunge just before we moored up at Stonebridge Lock. We picked him up quite easily.

We had a little weed around the prop shaft and had to stop just passed Enfield.

Moored up at Stonebridge lock.

(Both Gas bottles empty)

Sept 13–Day 3

We set off from Waltham Abbey about 10am after a great sleep. The previous evening saw us in a local pub called the Crown; the first pub I’ve been in for a long time that doesn’t do microwaved meals. In fact, I don’t think it did meals at all!

We didn’t hang about too long. Maccy D’s was calling!

M25 seemed at a standstill. we weren’t too bothered as we went underneath it.

The ever present rain didn’t deter the trip as we continued down the Lee through Enfield lock and down towards the industrial area of Tottenham stopping off for a pint at The Navigation (Harvester) pub near Cheshunt.

Billy decided to go for a plunge just before we moored up at Stonebridge Lock. We picked him up quite easily.

We had a little weed around the prop shaft and had to stop just passed Enfield.

Moored up at Stonebridge lock.

(Both Gas bottles empty)

Hannah (Skipper)

Pablo (Crew)

Billy the Bichon (Crew)

Erin the Colliedor (Crew)

Hannah (Skipper)

Pablo (Crew)

Billy the Bichon (Crew)

Erin the Colliedor (Crew)

Sept 13–Day One

We left the mooring at Stortford at 1100. Usually we can get to Harlow in a day but the route planner said we should end up in Roydon if we were to make this 8 day trip.

The daily check revealed no problems except the usually prop shaft bolts a little loose. These are tightened every day before we set off for the day. Oil and water are checked too.

It was nice to get beyond Harlow. This is the limit of weekend trips so I won't dwell too much on the first part of the journey.

On going through Roydon lock, we were invited to a lock party. There were a number of other boaters already there. After a bit of dinner we went along and were introduced to Steph, John, Vijay, Harry, Danny & Gill. (Sorry if the spellings are a little out).

We knew Harry from the Moorhen moorings but it was great to meet other boaters on this part of the river. You never know when you need a hand.

Needless to say,we stayed at Roydon lock overnight.

Sept 13–Day One

We left the mooring at Stortford at 1100. Usually we can get to Harlow in a day but the route planner said we should end up in Roydon if we were to make this 8 day trip.

The daily check revealed no problems except the usually prop shaft bolts a little loose. These are tightened every day before we set off for the day. Oil and water are checked too.

It was nice to get beyond Harlow. This is the limit of weekend trips so I won't dwell too much on the first part of the journey.

On going through Roydon lock, we were invited to a lock party. There were a number of other boaters already there. After a bit of dinner we went along and were introduced to Steph, John, Vijay, Harry, Danny & Gill. (Sorry if the spellings are a little out).

We knew Harry from the Moorhen moorings but it was great to meet other boaters on this part of the river. You never know when you need a hand.

Needless to say,we stayed at Roydon lock overnight.

Woodfest 2013

The weekend was Hatfield Forest’s annual event, Woodfest.

This year was bigger, better, and busier. The showers didn’t really dampen any of the proceedings as most of the time the sun was out and it was fine and warm giving JP the opportunity to demonstrate bow drill.

The music during the event was great and the main stage was packed during the evening, and the Morris dancing was a big hit as it usually is here a t Hatfield.

We set out our stall and as soon as we did we were inundated by people looking at out nature exhibits and now famous Table of Death.

This year not only did we have Mr Spock the Ashy-faced Barn owl but also Barny the British Barn owl.

Thanks to everyone who visited the stall especially those who showed and interest in our October Tracking Courses.

Places are going soon, so don’t delay in booking up.