Do we need to invest in security patrols, guard dogs, CCTV cameras?
The WIM Permanent O Course in Moors Valley is under attack from vandals who may strike at any time. Have a look at the photograph of the two S/I base plates. The front one is as it should be with clips and supports for the S/I red timing boxes, but the back one is smooth except for a lot of little grooves all round the edge. Those of you with a forensic mind will probably have guessed by now that this is not the work of people but the teeth marks of squirrels!!!
I had heard of some isolated damage to one post about a year ago but when Steve Mallison was planning the 2011 Boxing Day Canter he reported several attacks which sent me out on a lengthy(15k) hike round all 50 posts only to find 5 had been attacked with this one being by far the most spectacular. According the Forestry Rangers squirrels will gnaw through anything including wire and metal so even tough plastic is easy for them. I've replaced the damaged clips but all posts will need to be checked regularly before any events using S/I take place.
Having a Permanent Course also means that there is a permanent job to monitor it. Posts are occasionally torn out of the ground by human vandals, defaced by graffiti or just plain rot and need to be replaced. Each post having had the O sign and code numbers engraved on it has to be painted on all four sides (primer,white undercoat, white gloss,red enamel sector and black lining for code numbers. That was a bit of a job initially with 50 posts, but at least they were all together in the garage. I've now done this twice! Once they are put in place,thankfully by the FC Rangers, any painting has to be on site which means carrying paint brushes, paint etc, etc plus a stool all round the forest.
John Warren
Know your enemy