Butterdean Wood, Gladsmuir
Saturday 29 February 2020
Results
It was great to see so many people including lots of first timers and new club members at this event. And weren’t we lucky with the weather?
Thanks to everyone who came and to the many teams of helpers (mappers, coaches, computing, meet-and-greeters, control collectors) involved in putting on a complex day – a junior training programme followed by a traditional orienteering event. And because the assembly area has to be some way from the wood it is an extra challenge to stage any event at Butterdean. There were a few glitches but we hope you enjoyed the event overall.
If you were asked to pass on your Butterdean map but would like a replacement to keep then pick one up at our next event at Binning Wood on 28th March.
The coaches clearly did a good job as there were some very eye-catching performances in the actual event by juniors who attended the preceding training session. Well done to course winners Cerys and Innes Wright and to Amelia Leishman and Emily Atkinson.
One phone, two dibbers, three boys and four fathers all got mislaid in the wood at different times: luckily they were all found safe and sound.
Saartje’s catering table raised £45 for Alzheimers Scotland. She would like to hear suggestions for the charity receiving the proceeds from our next event at Binning Wood on 28th March – where the cake will be chocolate.
Pre-event information
Butterdean is a flat wood mainly made up of conifers with patches of birch and ash. The wood is home to wrens, goldcrests and chaffinches as well as roe deer and some animal sculptures. It is managed by the Woodland Trust and East Lothian Council.
Courses:
White / Yellow / Orange / Light Green
Type of event:
Local event in the East of Scotland Orienteering Association (ESOA) series
Type of terrain:
A flat wood mainly made up of conifers with patches of birch and ash. There is an extensive network of tracks and footpaths. The wood is varied in density with some runnable areas and other patches being very challenging to penetrate.
Even at this time of year some patches of knee-high brambles are present so leg cover is recommended for all.
After this exceptionally wet autumn and winter the ground is very wet and most paths have extended muddy sections so stout footwear with good grips is essential. There are several areas of standing water within the woods away from the path network.
Keep clear of the ditch along the west side of the wood which is deep and currently full of water.
Several small coal pits within the woods are clearly fenced off and must not be entered.
Please do not enter the badger sett area in the west of the wood. This is shown as OOB (out of bounds) on all maps but is not marked on the ground.
Other Users:
The woods is very well used by the general public including dog walkers and families. Please respect their right to be there at the same time as you are orienteering.
Dogs:
Area is well used by dog walkers so dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The tracks are good but most of the footpaths have sections which are very muddy or uneven with roots so the courses are not suitable for buggies.
Location
Location:
Nearest town: Gladsmuir
Grid Ref: NT458732
Postcode: EH33 1ED
Please register in the play park in Gladsmuir village (NT458732, EH33 1ED) then walk a few hundred metres down the road to the wood. Please do not park at the wood itself – as the space is limited and we are asked to keep it clear for other users.
Directions:
Gladsmuir is on the A199 (the “old A1”) between Tranent and Haddington. Leave the A1 at the B6363 junction, east of Tranent (signposted Pencaitland and Longniddry).
Registration & Start Times
Registration:
This will be from 1:00pm to 3.00pm at the play park in Gladsmuir.
Pre-entry is not available, all entries will be taken on the day. The registration form can be downloaded and completed before you arrive.
Please try to come and start early if you think you might take a long time over your course or if you would like help or advice before running.
Controls will be brought in from 4pm.
Facilities:
There are no toilets in the area. The nearest public toilets are in Haddington and in Tranent.
Coffee and cake will be available at registration in the play park in return for donations to Alzheimers Scotland.
Start and Finish:
300 metres down the minor road to the wood. Please take care crossing the A199.
Start times will be from 1.30pm to 3.00pm.
Courses Close:
4pm – so it is essential that you report to Download by 4pm, even if you have not completed your course.
Junior Coaching:
The event will be preceded by a junior coaching session conducted by Sheila Strain. It will be suitable for younger juniors and those new to orienteering.
More details to follow.
Course Information
Map:
The map has been updated by Godfrey Beddard for this event. It is printed at 1:5000.
Courses:
| Course | Length | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| White | 1.3 km | Very easy |
| Yellow | 1.9 km | Easy |
| Orange | 3.3 km | Moderate |
| Light Green | 4.5 km | Harder |
More details about the colour coding is available on the Scottish Orienteering website.
Entry Charges
Entry is cheaper if you are a current 2020 member of a club affiliated to Scottish or British Orienteering.
Please make sure that your membership has been renewed for 2020.
| British/Scottish Orienteering member | Non-member | |
|---|---|---|
| Seniors | £4 | £6 |
| Juniors | £1.50 | £2.50 |
| Parent and Child (one parent with one child) | £2.50 | £3.50 |
| Larger Family Groups (one or more children accompanied by one or more adults) | £3 | £5 |
| Pair of Seniors | £5 | £7 |
| Pair of Juniors (no accompanying adults) | £2 | £3 |
Safety and Risk
A comprehensive risk assessment has been carried out by the organiser but participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety during the event.
See the detailed safety notes in the Terrain description above on this page.
Medical Conditions:
If you, or anyone in your group (including juniors), have a medical condition that first-aiders or health professionals should know about in the event of accident or illness during the course of the event please print off the Medical Form, complete it fully and bring it along to the event. You should complete a separate copy for each individual who has a medical condition. Please leave the completed Medical Form at Event Registration. If it is not in a labelled sealed envelope, it will be put in one and will be opened only in an emergency. It will be shredded immediately after the event if you do not claim it back.
Planners:
Main courses – Pete Younger
Junior coaching – Sheila Strain
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You can download a flyer here.
