Bracknell

A special Bracknell event has been organised to launch a new orienteering course at Pope's Meadow in Binfield.

Wild Navigation is taking place on Saturday, September 15, from 1pm to 4pm. Starting from the car park off St Mark's Road, it gives participants the chance to explore the park with the new course across the meadow.

Berkshire Orienteers will be on hand to support Bracknell Forest Borough Council's rangers who helped to create the course with volunteers from Canon.

Orienteering courses have also been created in Lily Hill Park, Ambarrow Court and at 29 schools in Bracknell Forest, to encourage children and other members of the public to explore the borough's open spaces.

The project was initiated by the Berkshire Orienteers, working with the Council. It was funded by the Big Lottery Fund.

It is hoped that orienteering can now be introduced into the curriculum in the borough's schools.

The permanent courses have been fully mapped, and training has been provided to Bracknell schools. It is hoped that once orienteering skills have been mastered at school, pupils and young people's groups will be able to extend their experience in the safe environment of the borough's parks.

The courses were created by the Council's rangers with assistance from regular volunteers supplied by Canon - who wanted to help the local community and its environment.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "Orienteering is a great way to explore the countryside and find out more about the world around us while doing something healthy at the same time.

"I would like to thank the Berkshire Orienteers and the volunteers from Canon for their hard work in getting this worthwhile scheme up and running."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council