SILVER NNAS NAVIGATION AWARD

This is suitable for those who have attended a Bronze NNAS course or have attained a basic knowledge of navigation skills including some compass work.
The Silver Award will go over the skills needed for the Bronze Award plus more in depth compass work and techniques. On completion of this course/ award you will be able to navigate confidently and to plan and follow walks away from paths and tracks. You will also gain a nationally recognised award with a certificate on passing the assessment day. If you just want to do the course without the assessment that is fine.

SILVER NNAS AWARD – THE LEARNING OUTCOMES (additional to those of the Bronze Award)

Devise a strategy for a navigational stage, to break it down into ‘coarse’ and ‘fine’ navigation and to use clear features en route to check that they are ‘on course’.
Understand and apply the following components of a navigational strategy ‘aiming off’, ‘attack points’, ‘collecting features’, simplifying navigation, and apply them in varying terrain.
Demonstrate an understanding of contour features, both large and small, on the map and on the ground.
Demonstrate an understanding of the navigation physical and factors affecting route choice.
Judge distance accurately on the map and on the ground.
Plan a safe walk or route involving Silver award skills and strategies.
Employ simple relocation strategies when lost.
Use a compass to follow accurate bearings and to check the direction of footpaths or other linear features on both map and ground.
Demonstrate knowledge of the effects of fatigue and physical discomfort brought on by navigating in demanding countryside and/or extreme weather condition. Knowledge of basic first aid is also expected.
Demonstrate knowledge and application of the Countryside Code and current access legislation as for the Bronze level together with an appreciation of basic environment factors in mixing ‘man with nature’(e.g. footpath erosion and methods of dealing with it), and responsibilities towards other countryside interests like farming, forestry and conservation.