DofE Expedition Area Complaints

Please pass this information on to your DofE staff and teams

We have recently received complaints from residents and landowners in the following three areas and we therefore respectfully ask that if you are visiting these areas for your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expeditions you heed the specific advice given.

The Charity remains committed to ensuring participants are given appropriate training on the Countryside Code and respectful behaviour when in local communities or using campsites. An article in issue 23 of the DofE Magazine by Peter Fleet, Director for London Region also reminded Leaders of these aspects of training.

As many of our Licensed Organisations undertake this year’s Expeditions, please ensure that as well as covering all the relevant aspects of behaviour with your participants before they go on expedition, should they be in the areas below that they are particularly sensitive to locals’ concerns.

Thank you for your continued support of the DofE and may we take the opportunity to wish you very enjoyable expeditions over the coming months!

Chartridge/Braid Wood/Chesham Area of Buckinghamshire

We remain committed to promoting the principles discussed above, and respectfully ask that all groups visiting the area are sensitive to the area and its residents.

Little Baddow, Essex

Footpath near New Lodge Farm, Little Baddow, Essex (GR: 768 068)

We have had reports that groups have unwittingly diverted off the footpath between Grace’s Lane & Chapel Lane causing stress and inconvenience to the local residents and livestock.

As a result please avoid using this footpath for DofE Expeditions and instead use the footpath to the East via Blake’s Wood or alternatively via Waterhall Meadows Nature Reserve to the West. 

If it is not possible to use alternative footpaths, please exercise extreme caution to ensure that groups remain on the footpath at all times.

Waltham Abbey

Waltham Abbey area, Essex (GR: TL 383021)

We have respectfully been asked that the area immediately next to Eagle Lodge is not used as a checkpoint by DofE Leaders who have allegedly been staying for hours beside the lodge with vehicles, chairs and picnics.

Where possible, safe and easily applicable, please use a different checkpoint. However, if this is not possible, please be respectful to the residents and don’t park vehicles, set up chairs etc and please don’t stay longer than is absolutely necessary.

With our thanks for your cooperation.