Explorer, Survival Expert and Wildlife buff Ray Mears has done much to encourage folk to explore the Great Outdoors……I have to admit to being a fan. I would even encourage you to attend one of his lecture nights if you get the chance. But it is the results of his TV programmes that have done much to irritate me of late. To be truthful its not so much the programme but the young (and not so young) that have been tempted to emulate their hero. From the wilds of Scotland to our local woodland on the edge of midlands city you come across numerous shelters built in the Ray Mears style….
Some are rather crude other very professional and show signs of having been put to good use overnight. In principle I have no objections but I am sure Ray Mears would join me in saying that the brave explorer should leave no trace of their passing. Yet you come across a growing number of abandoned shelters. Time will eventually rid of these as they naturally disintegrate. But perhaps what is worse are the camp fires also abandoned and these cause much more of a worry.
It is great that so many youngsters are discovering the outdoors for themselves and if Ray Mears is the one to thank, then well done. But please Ray, stress that you leave no trace of the campsite when you move on.
AUTUMN
The autumn colours have yet to put in an appearance. The Gales of this last week have certainly stripped some trees, particularly the broad leaved, of their leaves. But these were leaves that have suffered most in this summers drought. The rains on the other hand that followed the gales have only served to re-set the other leaves that now look as if they are taking full advantage of their second life. Survival of a more natural kind!
It provides an interesting and different feel to the woodland. Autumn at ground level yet summer green above with just the odd leaf turning gold. No doubt the first frosts will change all that and overnight the colours will change.
15th October
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 