Where NOT to free camp?

[Sweep]

A two part question.

First rather specific.

I have a vague memory that somewhere online I read a bit of advice not to camp where there were "feeders" of some sort.

I may have misremembered this advice but on a recent trip I camped in a wooded area where there were plastic blue pots of some sort suspended maybe a metre or so off the ground on wooden stilts. I had no idea what these might be (devilish system for spraying poison in the middle of the night onto free campers?) but camped anyway and came to no harm.

What were they? Something to do with animals of some sort?

Should I have been worried?

Also, while we are on the subject, any other places to be avoided for free camping?

[mercurykev]

Sound like feeders for pheasants:

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=pheasant+feeders&safe=off&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=CeJ2UYnwCYSDO7XjgegL&ved=0CDYQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=709

The implication is probably that where there are feeders there will be game keepers who might not like people camping. Depends on the location though e.g. in Scotland probably not that big deal.

[andrew_s]

The other problem about camping by pheasant feeders (apart from gamekeepers) is that there will probably also be a fair number of rats or mice to nibble holes in your gear..

[Sweep]

well done mercurykev, that's exactly what they were.

I didn't see any gamekeepers during the night or become aware of any rats. Nor was I shot.

I was in a very large clearing where there were maybe two or three of them but I wasn't that close to them.

It was in the SE of England.

I didn't erect the tent - just bivvied - arrived late, left early.

I may use the place again if I can find it - may be difficult as I had two gaps in fences (deliberately left) /undergrowth marked on the GPS to help me find it - was a bit of a maze - but unfortunately the GPS has lost them.

I stress that I broke nothing/climbed over no fences to get to the spot - just followed paths and tracks.

Thanks again - great helpful expertise on here - ask and ye shall know.

[Sweep]

PS.

My first question very quickly and ably answered.

On my second question:


>>Also, while we are on the subject, any other places to be avoided for free camping?

Any views?

[BeeKeeper]

Avoid places where someone might be shooting with rifles in the evening or early morning. Years ago we camped in Spain in a remote wooded area and were woken by the arrival of a wildlife removal squad. They were most concerned we might get shot which was at least reassuring. Had they not seen us the risk of being shot was hopefully small but not a risk you should take lightly.

[Barrenfluffit]

Next to an SNCF railway line; trains do run overnight on sunday it seems.

More seriously places overlooking police stations and military sites would be unwise. Also area's where someone hooning around at night would expect to be clear.

[helsinkifox]

I read on a cycling journal the author camped at the end of a remote-looking vehicle track - during the night some youths came along the track in their car which caused consternation - no harm came but the author said that in future he realised NEVER to camp where there is vehicular access. Your biggest fear is humans. Bears.... well, you can punch them on the snout and give them a good kick in the goolies!

[Fasgadh]

In wooded areas, early morning and late evening are the times roe deer stalkers are about.

[bidi]

In wooded areas, early morning and late evening are the times roe deer stalkers are about.

Out of curiosity, is there a deer stalking season?