After a spell of strong autumn winds, woodland can look perfectly normal from the path while hiding dangerous damage overhead. A widow-maker is a term used for a dead or broken branch, or sometimes a damaged tree, that could fall without warning. Your challenge is…
Being comfortable outdoors in cold, wet weather starts with choosing the right clothing before you leave. Waterproof outer layers, suitable insulation and sensible footwear can make a significant difference, but clothing also needs to suit the conditions and the activity. Your challenge is to prepare…
Fog and mist can change a familiar woodland surprisingly quickly. Paths that were easy to follow a few minutes earlier may become harder to recognise, distant landmarks can disappear, and it becomes more difficult to judge how far away things are. Even a woodland you…
After a spell of heavy rain, some parts of the ground dry quickly while others remain muddy for days. You can often predict where the water will collect before the rain even starts, simply by looking at the shape of the land, the soil and…
Rainfall affects everything from ground conditions on a walk to how quickly streams and rivers can rise. Making a simple rain gauge gives you a way to measure what’s falling where you live, rather than relying on how wet the ground looks. For this challenge,…
There are many ways in which nature gives us signs of wind direction. Wind leaves clues behind, even when the air has become still. Trees may grow in unusual shapes, grasses can become combed in one direction, and loose sand or fallen leaves may collect…
Have you ever looked at the sky before heading out and wondered whether the weather was about to change? Learning to notice what’s happening above you is a useful outdoor skill, particularly when you’re walking, camping or spending a day away from any shelter. In…
