|FIELDNEWS|
EXPEDITIONS | TRAINING | RESEARCH
VOLUME 13 - MAY 2010
Sam McConnell: desert expert & trainer
 Sam's a bit of a legend when it comes to deserts: he worked as a desert guide in the Namib and Kalahari for over ten years, spending time with the San Bushmen and the Himba of the Kaokoveld. In 2002 he trekked solo and unsupported across the Namib Desert, from the Skeleton Coast to the Dead Vlei - the subsequent documentary was broadcast worldwide and he was awarded a fellowship at the RGS. Since leaving southern Africa (a civil war, a light aircraft crash and run-ins with big game later) he has worked for various companies as an expedition director, leader and medic as far afield as Patagonia. For the last five years he has been concentrating on running expeditions, treks and the desert leadership programmes in the Sinai, where last September Sam finished his 101st desert expedition. This summer Sam will be running Fieldskills' one-day desert safety course, sharing expert knowledge and a passion for the desert environment.
Bicycling to Bishkek
 Expedition cyclist Ken Roberts has reached the Republic of Georgia, having cycled across Europe and Turkey. Setting off from Somerset last September on a four year journey across the six principal inhabited continents, his next goal is to reach Kyrgyzstan’s riot-torn city of Bishkek, then onwards east across China to Hong Kong and the edge of Asia. “There’s been a few epic days already, but the first real challenge is to cross Asia – and a chance to put into practice some of the training I’ve had from Dom and Nigel at Fieldskills, be that crossing deserts in Uzbekistan or heading south later in the year through the tropics to Australia.” You can follow Ken’s progress via his website www.acrosscontinents.org and find out more about The Outward Bound Trust he’s raising funds for.
University fieldwork safety to off-road driving: a varied month of training
 The Fieldskills team took part in the recent USHA (Universities Safety & Health Association) conference detailing Fieldskills’ specialist training for university staff and students preparing to carry out fieldwork. This proved a timely event given USHA’s new guidelines on the provision of fieldwork safety training. Many universities already undertake Fieldskills training as part of their training provision but these new guidelines bring fieldwork safety even more to the fore. A team planning to drive from Amsterdam to Cape Town have recently taken advantage of bespoke Fieldskills training. To help them get their trip underway they completed a 3-day course learning off-road driving skills, first aid and trip planning.
Course Focus
ENVIRONMENT-SPECIFIC TRAINING
 Many of us find ourselves in unfamiliar environments whether it’s on holiday, carrying out fieldwork, on expedition, or when travelling as part of a Gap Year. Learning the basics of such environments gives greater awareness, and ultimately leads to a more fulfilling and enjoyable experience of them. We run courses for people visiting tropical forests, deserts, mountains, and savannahs around the world. Courses are designed to teach you how to stay safe, deal with day-to-day health and safety issues, practical skills needed, and how to work with groups in these environments.
SeaGals
 On the 1st June four gals will row the seas around Great Britain non-stop and un-aided as part of the Anglo American Boat Race. Facing big seas, strong currents and giant ships the SeaGals will raise money for Help for Heroes, and attempt to become the first women to ever row around Great Britain. The team is comprised of four diverse and incredibly skilled ladies: an expedition leader & manager, a Royal Navy Nurse, a Guinness World Record holder, and a TV producer & director. ‘Go Commando’ is the trusty vessel which the gals will circumnavigate GB (it’s already been across the Atlantic twice). Dom knows one of the SeaGals, Belinda, from the RGS ‘Jungle Panel’ and nearly going on an BSES Amazon expedition together: you can read more about the SeaGals, and donate to Help for Heroes on their website www.seagals.co.uk. Good luck gals!
BSES Internships
 Five Office-Based Internship Positions with Expedition Leader Role are up for grabs. BSES is currently recruiting for five 12-month internship roles in the areas of Expedition Planning (2), Fundraising, Marketing and Membership. Each internship culminates in a month-long placement as an assistant leader on a summer expedition. Positions would suit recent graduates or similar. For more information about the roles and how to apply please see their website. |
