Woodland Free Food

[Terry]

I've camped a number of times where you went, I know exactly what you mean by those silly "paths" going from the river to the top as well. Most of them are actually animal runs, there are some paths which have been "paved" with bits of brick and stone right in the middle of nowhere also. Someone took the time to do it but the throughways are strange there. A poacher i've seen on a number of early mornings manages to go places i've never been able to follow.
My ruck has always been on the heavier side and am not as fit as you by any means but I still cant see how he manages it

There are a few people living there semi-permanently, they try to stay off the beaten track but its too small an area to do it succesfully. There are also lots of ticks in the quarry area's (ask me how I know this!).

There are cows seasonally, a few farms nearby. The deer are "wild escapees" from the next door estate. There are mushrooms, apple tree's and hazel and walnuts (in season) in certain parts, strangely lacking in blackberrys, elderberrys and sloes like most of the surrounding area's. Not so many rabbits either. There are a few fish in the stream/pond at the far end. This is where you will see the lean to type shelters built by the "wood school" types and estate kids from not so far away.

Near to the cliff area there is also an old "dump" (trash area) which I guess is from the Estate, found some old glass bottles and a WW1 canteen (half rusted) there. Never dug into it to see if I could find more interesting stuff. The river washes up interesting things also but I'd be wary of using any of it due to pollution. It's too close to the city for me to consider it as a medium or long term BO location.

I dont believe it's possible to survive for extended periods of time on wild foods alone, this is why the human race became agrarians and herders. Am more than happy for people to prove that I am wrong, I dont expect to be able to apply it to myself though.

All the best

Ter