Prepare, wear, and bring

For activities in Wytham Woods it is important to have the right kit for the activities you are going to be doing. For a stroll along the main paths in summer you may want to protect yourself from the sun. In other conditions and for longer periods, you may need waterproof boots, scratch resistant clothing, and bug deterrent. This packing list assumes you are going to be going off the main tracks. If you are camping, or residential, there are extra lists at the bottom.

Prepare

  • Make sure you have appropriate clothing, shoes and kit – see kit list.

  • Check whether you have had a tetanus jab in the last 10 years.

  • If you have a smart phone you could download the Alltrails app - it shows you where you are in the Woods. You need to register but not sign up to the paid version. The free one is fine.

  • Download a plant ID app - you’ll have fun using it in the Woods. We like Seek by iNaturalist.

Wear

Trousers that can resist plants (brambles, nettles, thistles etc) and insects (some can bite through thin fabric!), and are long enough to be tucked into your socks or boots. NB Jeans are uncomfortable when wet but lose jeans are a good bug deterrent (they can’t reach you!).

Socks that trousers can be tucked into in order to keep out ticks and other insects. Those bare ankle socks look cute but you’ll regret it!

Tops that can protect you from insects and sun in the summer. Long sleeves and covered mid-riffs reduce the bug risks.

Shoes or boots that protect ankles from insects and scratches. Trainers are fine in dry weather, but may get damaged. Sandals are not a good idea even in hot dry weather. Walking boots or wellies are great, and definitely needed in winter. If you are going in wet areas such as pond margins and the fen, then wellington boots are nicest! For a few days, go for walking boots.

Warm and waterproof layers. Even the nicest day can turn cool, especially in the evenings, and if you get wet you are likely to get cold. In the winter it can be really cold so bring layers - fleece is better than cotton. And if you are outside for a few hours and it is likely to rain, waterproof trousers can make life more comfortable.

Hats! Woolly hats for cold days and evenings, and sun hats for sunny days (baseball caps are great). This is the one thing that can make a big difference to your comfort.

Bring – in a rucksack (to keep your hands free)

  • Water bottle with water for drinking, washing hands, and washing a scratch if needed.

  • Snacks for the length of time you are staying. And a hot drink if you want. If you are residential you can make drinks.

  • Lunch if needed, depending on your arrangements.

  • Something to sit on on the ground. Your waterproof jacket will do.

  • A sun hat / warm hat.

  • Notebook and pencils for writing and drawing.

  • Mobile phone if you use one, fully charged, and charger if staying overnight.

  • For mobile users - phone number of the organisers, and of any friends you are coming with.

  • A strong plastic bag is useful for storing your gear or sitting on.

  • A mask to wear indoors if Covid numbers are high.

Your own pharmacy (please ensure you are not allergic to any substance that you bring with you)

  • Any personal medical requirements you may have.

  • Hand sanitizer if you are fussy about clean hands as we may not be able to wash hands before lunch!

  • Antihistamine tablets in case you get an insect sting.

  • Antiseptic cream for scratches and bites. Plasters if you use them.

  • Insect repellent if you are going in the fen for fieldwork (we’ll let you know beforehand if you are).

  • Sun cream if you would normally wear it given the conditions.

  • Personal medication, sanitary provisions as needed.

Optional items you may want to bring

  • Binoculars

  • Camera

Camping list (if you are camping!)

  • Tent, unless we are providing one for you

  • Sleeping bag and an extra blanket if it is going to be cold

  • Sleeping mat - we have a few that can be borrowed - book in advance

  • Pillow

  • Torch - head torches make life much easier

  • Spare clothes

  • Washing kit

  • Towel

  • Warm layers for tops, heads and legs - woolly hats are really useful at night

  • Hot water bottle - unless it’s very warm, it’s always nice to have one!

Residential list (At the Wytham Woods chalet or a hill end dorm)

  • Sleeping bag

  • Pillow slip

  • You need to bring your own towel - there are showers!

  • Spare clothes

  • Washing kit

  • A torch is useful so that you don’t have to wake others in your dorm

Please note that our courses do not carry any formal accreditation