Finding Your Way in the Forest

There are few more rewarding skills to master than that of reading theland, sun and stars to navigate effectively, much as our ancestors would have done. The very act of trying to find your way in this manner brings you closer to nature, as every minute detail of the hills and forests becomes a crucial clue as to where you are and where you are headed. Here are a few simple tips to help you on your way.

The Sun

The sun travels in a predictable arc across the southern sky in the UK, so by knowing what time it is, it’s possible to accurately determine which way is south and from this north, east and west.

If you have an analogue watch (the kind with hands), a simple method for finding south is to point the hour hand at the sun. The point halfway between the hour hand and 12 o’clock will be south. During British Summer Time from April to October, you’ll need to use the point midway between the hour hand and 1 o’clock. If you only have a digital watch, you can still try this by drawing a picture of a clock face and using that instead of an actual watch.

The Stars

The constellation Ursa Major, or ‘The Plough’ is shaped a little like a saucepan and can be seen on clear skies throughout the year in the UK. The two stars that make up the edge of the ‘saucepan’ furthest from its slightly crooked handle point towards Polaris, the North Star. By following an imaginary line from the pointers, approximately five times the distance between the pointers, you will find Polaris. Contrary to common misconceptions, Polaris is not the brightest star in the sky, but can still be found easily.

Plants and Mosses

Many people will have heard that moss grows more on the northern side of trees and rocks. This is not strictly true, as it grows better in shady areas which could include a south facing spot that is well hidden from the sun. Nonetheless, a large amount of moss in one spot rather than another can be a useful clue.

The prevailing wind in the UK is from the southwest. Armed with this knowledge you can interpret the ways in which trees and bushes grow on exposed hilltops to roughly determine which way this is. Vegetation will generally grow away from the prevailing wind, giving a distinct leaning shape to trees in particularly exposed spots.

Find Out More

For more information on using natural signs to navigate, try the expert advice offered by Tristan Gooley. His website (www.naturalnavigator.com) and books including The Natural Navigator offer fascinating details on the subject.