Rucksack/Backpack – 50L minimum (60-70L better) with good back support and a waistband. Hold alls/suitcases would be okay but you will be walking across a field to get to your tent so we need to be able to carry them and not wheel them along.
Rucksack waterproof cover (optional) – This will help to keep your kit dry.
Small day rucksack 20-30L – Used for your surveys to carry your water and equipment, so ensure a comfortable fit. A waterproof cover for this although not essential, is highly recommended due to the unpredictable nature of the weather on site.
Waterproof plastic bags and/or dry bags – To keep your kit dry – use small zip-loc bags for valuables (or buy specialist dry bags but these are not necessary). Silica gel packets can help prevent moisture damage.
Sleeping bag – It gets very cold at night so 3 seasons at least, sleeping bag liner will also help especially if you feel the cold.
Sleeping mat – Also important for warmth to keep a layer between you and the ground for example, thermarests are great for this instead of a roll mat and tend to be a little more comfortable.
Hiking boots – For trekking. Walking boots should be comfortable with good ankle support – please no walking shoes, the ground is very uneven and you will need boots to help your ankles. They need to be water proof and quick drying, as they can get wet and muddy. They also need to have a good grip.
Wellington boots – Please check the weather for the week ahead and the week you are due to be attending. The estate can get very wet and muddy throughout the year and if the ground is wet then wellies will be essential for your comfort and keeping your feet dry. These can be a cheap pair but will still be a worthwhile investment!
Footwear for camp – You will need to keep your feet dry in camp. We recommend a pair of TEVA style sandals, flip flops or old trainers, something that is only worn in camp.
Quick dry towel – Quick dry travel towel is best. A standard bath towel will take longer to dry.
Water bottles or platypus /camelback hydration system – You must have the capacity to carry at least 2L of water with you (can be in multiple containers).
Head torch/head lamp – Essential as there is no electricity at night in the camp and used for the night time surveys. We recommend a strong headtorch for seeing wildlife at night.
Spare batteries – For head torch, camera etc. Batteries not available to buy on site.
Watch with alarm – You will need to wake yourself up early for surveys. This does not need to be expensive, a simple cheap watch will be fine.
Waterproof jacket – You need a lightweight waterproof jacket, and consider waterproof trousers dependent on the weather forecast.
Notebook and pencils – Required for field work and for taking notes during lectures.
Use quick drying, lightweight materials. It is a good idea to keep one set of clothing clean for your travel to and from site. This is based on a 5 day field course, if you are staying for 2 weeks please consider this when deciding the quantity to pack.
Label your baggage, clothes and kit; there are many volunteers, and some may have the same or similar items to you. Unfortunately valuables are very occasionally at risk, so please only bring what is vital.
3-5 t-shirts – Loose fitting is best, must cover shoulders. Quick drying material best
2-3 long sleeved tops – Shirts are a good option. To be worn on surveys to protect arms. Quick drying.
2 fleece/thick tops – This is for nights in camp – it might be a good idea to have a thinner fleece and a thicker fleece so that these can be layered – it will be colder than you expect!
1-2 pairs trousers – Lightweight and loose fitting, quick drying material is best. Trousers that zip off at the knee are a good idea, as they can be turned into shorts. Cotton trousers are not suitable for field surveys, but these can be worn around camp. Trousers are required for some surveys.
1-2 long shorts – Lightweight and loose fitting, quick dry is best.
Underwear – Please bring enough for the full expedition. This should be comfortable fitting.
Sports bras – We recommend sports bras, as these will be more comfortable when out of camp.
Hiking socks x 5 pairs – It is very important to keep your feet dry, so a clean pair of socks will be needed daily. You will be able to hand wash these on site, but if you don’t wish to then bring more.
Nightwear – This should cover your shoulders and knees. It may get cold over night, many students opt to wear thermal leggings and long sleeves as a base layer under sleepwear.
Hat with a brim or peak – This will protect your face from the sun.
Woolly hat/fleece socks – If you feel the cold you may wish to bring these to help keep you warm while sleeping.
Please bring ‘green’ or biodegradable toiletries to minimize the impact on the environment. Most biodegradable soaps are multi-use. Sanex 0%, Lush, The Body Shop, Ecover and many health stores offer ’green’ detergents.
Toiletries – Tooth brush, tooth paste, hair and body wash (biodegradable for washing).
Insect repellent – ‘Mosi-Guard’ and ‘Skin so soft’ by Avon are effective, environmentally friendly insect repellents that do not contain DEET. DEET products are not recommended so we can minimise our impact on the environment and you will not be able to handle any animals on surveys if wearing this. See: www.alternativeinsectrepellent.co.uk/
Antifungal foot powder – It is important to keep your feet dry, so it is recommended to use antifungal powder at the end of each survey and after washing.
Sun cream/sunblock – Minimum SPF 30. If possible use ‘coral-friendly’ sun cream to minimise impact on environment (use natural sun blockers such as Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide, instead of the chemical ones).
Sanitary towels/tampons – Please note you won’t be able to buy any on site. Bring some even if you don’t think you’ll need them.
Biodegradable clothing detergent (Optional) – If you bring the recommended quantities above you shouldn’t need to wash your clothes onsite but if you would prefer the option to, it is recommended to bring biodegradable detergent.
Staff will be carrying medical kits and the medical provision on site is excellent. However, there are some items listed below you will also need to carry yourself. It is essential that you bring your own medical kit.
Spending money is an optional extra to cover personal on-site expenditure only. There may be a chance to visit the Knepp shop.
Once you are on the expedition you will be provided with 3 meals per day. If you would like to have extra snacks outside of this you are recommended to bring snack bars or protein bars with you.
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