Core Copse (Devon League Event 2)

Sun 6 Dec 2015

Info updated: 09th Dec
Type of event: Local-(D)
Type of terrain: Forest

Results

Please also see the photographs at the foot of the page.

Report

Planner's Comments

I was so pleased the weather held off for the Core Copse event; the area was already wet and another downpour would have made the courses even tougher. I enjoyed planning again (after a break of a few years), though CC has severe limitations. The positive (and few constructive) comments were much appreciated.

To those who punched the wrong control, I had 12 flags in a fairly tight area just before the finish - and if you just 'saw & punched' without checking descriptions and/or numbers then you were likely to make a mistake.

The long leg on Blue and Brown produced many route variations (as hoped), but most seemed to slog the long way round the track. In my opinion the closer you kept to the paths close to the red line, the better; then come straight down the hill through the light green to the knoll.

My thanks go to Jonty who planned the White and Yellow and contributed to the Orange and Lt Green, then put out and collected many stakes; to Nick who 'controlled' with a light but constructive touch; and Carol who tested some courses in the planning stage and also put out/collected more than her fair share of controls. Thanks too to Tim and his teams for their efficient administration, and to the others who helped collect in controls. We were off site by 3.00!

Congratulations to the course winners - all were close to the expected times, possible excepting the Blue course. John Pearce

Organiser's Comments

The Core Copse event -which had a new map updated by John Pearce -was well planned by John with a helping hand from Jonty Eaton-Hart who planned the junior courses. I feel the event ran smoothly throughout with thanks to the rain and wind gods for holding off. We had a big turnout and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I would like to thank all my helpers without whom this event would not have happened.

Please remember everyone to offer your support to future events, the next being the Christmas Novelty on 27th December at Escot Country Park. Thanks once again for a good Devon event and I will see you all at Escot. Tim Gent

Controller's Comments

With an experienced Planner in John Pearce, who also remapped the area, there was little for me to do. We did look in some detail at the controls that were close together, some of which were needed to meet technical difficulty requirements, and they all met BO Planning Guidelines. It was good to see Jonty involved with Planning and the Orange course in particular was interesting to see – more challenging than I would normally expect.

The Blue times were longer than ideal, surprising as the length, difficulty and terrain looked OK, but some found it a little tough. One challenge of Core Copse is to determine from the contour features seen, which are significant enough to be mapped. Distance estimate can be particularly crucial in these areas.

There were a disappointing number of retirals and mis-punches, but a whole range of reasons. Always check the description and code! Also a reminder that you must download, even if retiring please.

Many thanks to all involved with helping at the event. Nick Hockey

Pre Event Information

This is the 2nd of DEVON's League events and has courses suited to all ages and abilities, including newcomers.

We are no longer parking in the field so will be along East Hill Strips just before the filed. Registration is still in the field, down the track.

Planner's notes:

The area was subjected to storm damage last year and therefore is much greener than previously. Non standard IOF symbols apply to these areas:brown crosses indicate rootstocks which are accurately mapped when alone or in small groups.Larger areas of windblown are shown with regular brown crosses on light green where a way can be found through or on dark green where totally impassable.Most courses naturally skirt round these blocks.

The White course crosses a few fallen trees and is therefore NOT SUITABLE FOR PUSHCHAIRS.

The area will almost certainly be muddy and slippery on steep slopes- studded shoes will be essential on Green,Blue and Brown courses.

A river/fence crossing proved to be too difficult to build and therefore the Blue and Brown courses double back on themselves instead of going into the southern block. This is not ideal, but these courses will proveto be quite challenging enough particularly if the conditions are wet, and are therefore rather shorter than usual.

Fields are crossable where shown without the black OOB screen.

The map is a new survey based on Lidar and is at 1:10,000

Location

Nearest town: Ottery St Mary

Grid Ref: SY127950
Postcode:
Latitude: 50.74770
Longitude: -3.23944
Google Map (aerial) - Bing Map (OS)

Directions / Parking

Signed left off A3052 just before Bowd Inn, immediately right following orienteering signs to White Cross and along East Hill Strips to right turn down rough track and into field for parking (all signed). Grid reference: SY129948

Parking information: We can no longer park in field due to wet weather predicted so parking will be along East Hill strips just before competition area . Registration is still in field down lane .

Registration & Start Times

Registration 10.00 am until 12.00 pm

Starts 10.30am until 12.30pm

Course closes 2.30pm

Course Information

Colour coded courses: White, Yellow, Orange, Light Green, Green, Blue, Brown

Also we hope to put on a string course which is free.

Explanation of colour courses

White are very easy with all controls on paths. They are mainly used by 6-10 year olds and family groups.
Yellow use simple linear features like paths, walls and streams. They are mainly used by under 12’s and family groups.
Orange progress to basic use of the compass and route choice. They are ideal for novice adults or experienced youngsters.
Light Green are ideal for improvers as the navigational difficulty begins to increase and uses simple contours and point features.
Green are used mostly by experienced under 18’s and adults wanting a short but challenging course with a very hard navigational difficulty.
Blue are a longer, more physically demanding course in comparison to the green. The distances are more varied between controls and the course attracts experienced orienteers.
Brown & Black are very physically demanding and have a very hard navigational difficulty. They are for experienced orienteers only.
Score means visiting as many controls as possible in any order in a specific time, like 45mins.

Entry Details

Punch type: SI
Hire fee: £1.00

Contacts / Officials

Organiser Tim Gent

07735541751(M) 01395 276815

Planner John Pearce

Controller Nick Hockey

Safety and Risk

A comprehensive risk assessment will have been carried out by the organiser, but participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety during the event. If you wish to report any safeguarding concerns to our national governing organisation, British Orienteering, please email .

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Image Gallery

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