Orienteering
What is Orienteering?
Orienteering is a challenging outdoor adventure sport that exercises both the mind and the body. The aim is to navigate in sequence between control points marked on a unique orienteering map and decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. It does not matter how young, old or fit you are, as you can run, walk or jog the course and progress at your own pace.
The Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve Orienteering and Nature Trail
The first permanent Orienteering course in South Gloucestershire opened in September 2008. The course has been developed in the nature reserve in Bradley Stoke and is open to anyone to use. The trail features a special nature trail, which is ideal for schools, groups and families. The nature trail takes in a number of different habitats within the reserve, including woodland, wetland, grassland, an orchard and hedgerows.
The trail is waymarked using oak posts that incorporate a number and a steel rubbing plaque illustrating an animal or plant that can be found within the reserve.
The Orienteering map and information about the various courses you can use is available to download from this site (see the read more section on the right). You can also download five different etching sheets. The rubbing sheets have been designed to add to your Orienteering experience and is a great way to learn more about the wildlife on the reserve. There is also information for teachers and group leaders who may wish to bring groups out to use the course.
Packs for individuals and families cost £1 and include:
- Orienteering map x1
- Nature Trail rubbing sheets x 5
- Crayon x 1
Group packs cost £10 and include:
- Orienteering maps x 25
- Nature trail rubbing sheets (five habitats to explore x 24 sheets)
- Information for teachers and group leaders
- Crayons x 24
Both packs are available from Bradley Stoke Library (closed Wednesdays), close to the starting point of the course.
The Orienteering and Nature Trail was developed in partnership with the Bristol Orienteering Klub, British Orienteering, The Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group, BTCV and Castlebeck. The course has been funded by the BBC's Breathing Places grant and South Gloucestershire Council's Wild Roots project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.