Hatfield Forest

Location
Hatfield Forest, Takeley Street, CM22 6NJ.
Grid Ref: TL540202 What3Words:///dolphin.gift.bandwagon

Directions/Parking
O signposted from B1256 (Takeley Street). It is recommended to approach from either the Birchanger Green Roundabout (take East exit to Takeley) or A120 Dunmow West Interchange (take Southwestern exit to Takeley)
Car parking in the Elgins Car park (free for orienteers on presentation of Entry Confirmation E-mail – please have this ready to display at the entrance to avoid delays). There is 650m walk from car park to the event centre. This route passes the lake, please ensure all young children are accompanied at all times.
Event centre at The Shell House CM22 6NH, TL540198, What3Words:///succumbs.hurtles.reefs
Care should also be taken when on route to the Start/Finish when crossing the car park/access road.

Please contact the organiser if you are bringing a coach or other large vehicle.

Map/Terrain Details
Ancient royal hunting forest managed by the National Trust. Large areas of mature runnable woodland and open parkland.
Map: 1:10,000, 5m contours, printed on waterproof paper updated for the event
Non-standard symbols used:
Small black square = small fenced enclosure
Green spots on rough open = recently coppiced area.
The various Out of Bounds areas MUST be respected to ensure continued use of the woods. Rides marked with red Xs on the map are closed. You are allowed to cross them but NOT run along them. You must not climb over the wooden fences at the ends of closed rides (sometimes fragile). The fence shown as uncrossable just north of the start must not be crossed.
Some ponds are now dry. The ditches in the widest rides tend to be hidden by brambles, in some cases difficult to cross so mapped as a hedge.
Extensive mowing of open areas has been taking place. This can mean that areas shown as rough open may now be open (and vice versa).

Registration and start times
Enquiries open from 10:00am. Start times 10:30am-12:30pm Start times will not be preallocated
Start and finish are located 350m from event centre.
From the finish follow the tapes to download at the event centre, taking care crossing the forest road.
Courses close at 14:30 - you must report to the download point by 14:45. You must report to download even if you retire to ensure all participants are accounted for.

Facilities
Information and advice, registration, dibber hire and download will be next to the Shell House in the visitor centre area.
Toilets and café in the visitor centre area
Guidance for beginners available from the Enquiries point.

ESSOL
Medals and trophies for Essex and Suffolk School Orienteering League 2023-24 are available for collection at Enquiries. The results are available on Essex Stragglers website https://www.stragglers.info/info/essol-essex-and-suffolk-schools-orienteering-league

Safety
Orienteering is an adventure sport and you participate at your own risk. A full risk assessment has been carried out. In particular be aware of the natural hazards such as thorns, hidden trips, open water. In places the runnable forest floor is littered with dead wood. Take care of tripping.
Please ensure that your clothing and footwear is appropriate for the time of year, terrain and anticipated weather conditions.
The Forest is open to the public and you may meet walkers, dogs and horses. Please show them respect. There are grazing cattle in the forest. Please keep your distance from them.

Dog restrictions
Dogs allowed in most areas but must be on a lead. Please respect the signage. Note there are grazing cows and deer in the forest.

Nearest hospital A&E
Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, CM1 7ET 01245 443673

Officials
Organiser – David Lumby Mobile:07818 454734

david.john.lumby@gmail.com
Planner – Eddie Banks (SOS)

Controller – Guy Lidbury (HAVOC)