ben's interweb

[Ed: this is SO much what Ben would have been involved in...and it is on Dartmoor, possibly close to where the photo on the previous Land InterWeb page was taken. 

Actually, this didn't take place as planned due to too much water for elderly pirates to negotiate!

This is from the Right to Roam people:]

FORBIDDEN ISLAND TRESPASS (Sat, Feb 24, 2024)

[This] month we’ll be kicking off our events for the year by highlighting one of the weirder deficiencies created by the current CRoW Act: access islands. These are areas of land which the public theoretically has a right to roam over (part of the 8% of land where, since the passage of CRoW in 2000, we do have a right to access) but to which there is no lawful means of actually reaching. So, bring your boats, rafts, stepping stones, wings, armbands, rubber rings to Dartmoor on February 24th and join us while we sail across the tempestuous trespass seas to one such island, for a day of mischief, magic and enchantment. You can sign up to the event here.*

[Ed:I am going: there is a coach leaving Plymouth railway station at 10.15, and I am going to drive up for that (Scamp can't come on the trespass, so he will stay in the truck until we return at 4 pm).  If anyone would like a lift, you are more than welcome.  There are also coaches going from Newton Abbott and Totnes.  Here are the latest details from Right to Roam:]



Ahoy there, fellow traveller! Just over one week to go until we TRESPASS TO THE FORBIDDEN ISLAND on Dartmoor. We will be revealing the location for our adventure next week but in the meantime here’s some things to think about …
The Creative Bit
We want to raise awareness of 'access islands' - land on which we have a right of access, but in order to get to there we have to trespass - and the absurdity of our current access laws in England. So… join us in a creative and joyful collective imagining of a journey across a sea of trespass to our forbidden island. How can you prepare for this voyage? Our theme is maritime so, come dressed as a pirate, sailor, fish or mermaid! Give yourselves the wings of a seabird or a sea plane, or make a helicopter hat... get creative, be playful and help us to highlight this absurdity. Whatever you decide to do, come and have fun - we are making a serious point, but in a beautiful, creative, and peaceful way. Let's sail this trespass sea together in style.
The Safety Bit (and more to follow)
The trespass is not in a particularly remote place, and there won’t be any huge long walks. But it is open land, in places rocky, in places a little boggy - it is Dartmoor! So, start thinking about prepping to be out for five to six hours without permanent shelter. And it’s February so prep for the cold and wet conditions. You are going to need warm layers and waterproof clothing, hat and gloves. Sturdy boots or wellies, walking poles if you use them. Food and hot drinks and any personal medication you need.There will be a team of volunteer stewards on hand on the day to assist as needed.
Accessibility and Facilities
We may need to cross stiles and ladders to reach the access island. Unfortunately due to the location and nature of the event we can’t provide better access for those with limited mobility. The location also does not have public toilets nearby. Please make sure not to leave any toilet tissue on the moors.
Dogs
We think dogs are brilliant and important companions for many outdoors. However as this is a campaign action involving an element of trespass, it’s important that we don’t exacerbate existing tensions. Please make arrangements to leave your dog behind on this occasion. Thanks for your understanding.
Travel and Timings
We are expecting quite a crowd. It would be helpful if as many people as are able can use the coaches we are providing from Newton Abbot, Totnes and Plymouth to help relieve pressure on car parks. You can book coaches on the Eventbrite Page (just follow the “reserve a spot” option again). https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trespass-to-the-forbidden-island-registration-801943664087
Coaches will be departing from train stations (Newton Abbot, Totnes and Plymouth at 10:15, arriving at the (as yet undisclosed) location for the start of our trespass at approx.11am. Please make sure that you are on board the coaches by this time as they can not wait. Coaches will depart Dartmoor at 3pm, eta at train stations just after 4pm. If you are driving (note point above about limited parking and taking a coach if you can), please aim to arrive at 10:30 LATEST in order to park and make your way to the start of the trespass.
We will be sharing more information via Eventbrite and our social media channels next week, so keep your eyes peeled for that.
Thank you, please continue to spread the word - and we’ll be in touch again next week.
The Stars Are For Everyone and Right to Roam x

¡Que haya luz! Kerenza ha yeghes da! Dad/Grandpa/Andrew x