Delivering orienteering in one of the country's finest gardens
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Harlow Carr Gardens in Harrogate, Claro Orienteers (CLARO)
Overview
On 28th September 2024 Claro delivered what is believed to be the only event of its kind in the country – a full regional event entirely within a stunning RHS garden. Many of us have walked around amazing gardens and considered how wonderful it would be to orienteer there. The Northern Sprint Championships consisted of a double sprint with most competitors running the same gaffled courses. Outside this Claro also provided courses for newcomers, juniors, grander veterans (85+) and an accessible course.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr is a diverse landscape, that blends woodland with carefully designed planting, rock gardens, play areas, ponds and a wonderful maze of little squiggly paths. This mix creates a highly technical, fast-paced and fun orienteering environment that is particularly well-suited to sprint racing.
Permissions and the importance of building relationships
Securing permission to use Harlow Carr was a process built on patience and strong relationship-building. Initially Claro engaged with the Events Staff who were keen to extend their summer holiday programme of events aimed at families. These played an important role in demonstrating how orienteering could work within the gardens, while also helping to build trust with the RHS team and address any concerns around potential harm. Over the course of a few years the staff at the gardens came to value these orienteering taster days which proved very popular with both adults and children.
Maintaining open communication and being responsive to the RHS team’s concerns remained key throughout.
Environmental considerations
On the afternoon of the sprints, the orienteers were gathered for a briefing so that everyone could appreciate the privilege and unique nature of the event. The map had been meticulously drawn and updated by Quentin Harding to ensure it fully reflected all areas orienteers could use and not use. The courses were planned with great care to ensure, whilst enabling full enjoyment of the gardens, participants were not tempted to transgress. In the event, everyone was respectful at all times. Claro were even able to borrow a mobility scooter for one participant to enjoy the Accessible course. The cafe opened late especially for us and a meal and prize-giving enjoyed. By holding the event just before the gardens closed to the public there was little interaction and no complaints sustained.
Landowner requirements and feedback
The requirements set out by the RHS focused strongly on protecting the gardens and reducing impact on their visitors.
Through much careful thought before the event, these expectations were successfully met. Feedback following the events has been very positive, with increased confidence from the landowner in how orienteering can be delivered within such a sensitive and high-profile environment.
As a result, there has been a willingness to host future events at RHS Harlow Carr Gardens, alongside continued interest in their holiday family taster days. The Head of gardening’s initial concerns, particularly around participants standing on flower beds, diminished as understanding and trust developed.
Image credits: Wendy Carlyle
What were the key learnings from this partnership?
Reflecting on the experience at Harlow Carr, several lessons emerge. Offering something to them by way of taster days in their summer holiday programme, allowed trust to be built gradually and demonstrated the value of orienteering in a controlled way.
Clear communication, both in advance and on the day, was essential in ensuring participants respected the space. Flexibility in course planning was also crucial, given the ever-changing nature of the gardens. Above all, the strength of the relationship with the landowner has been the foundation for on-going success and future opportunities.
Top tips for clubs looking to orienteer in a similar landscape
Claro’s experience with RHS Harlow Carr highlights the importance of collaboration and persistence. Identifying the right contacts, offering taster sessions for garden visitors and emphasising both community engagement and environmental responsibility can all make a significant difference.
Designing courses that naturally guide participants away from sensitive areas, and investing time in building a mutual understanding, are key steps toward creating successful and sustainable events in managed landscapes. This partnership demonstrates how orienteering can be successfully delivered within carefully managed and high-quality environments, with thoughtful planning and strong collaboration.
You are welcome to contact Ruth Ker, Planner, through British Orienteering’s Access Officer at ggrant@britishorienteering.org.uk, for more information if you are looking to gain access to a similar area. The event can be explored through Claro’s website with routegadget, planner’s comments, photographs by Wendy Carlyle, short compilation films by Lois Parker, BOF’s blog and Tony Udris’ headcams. Also via an article in CompassSport magazine late 2024.
Many thanks to Ruth Ker and Claro Orienteers for sharing their experiences of orienteering within RHS Harlow Carr Gardens!
