Undisclosed
Location - Kent. Cryptozoology Investigation |
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| There are some interesting reports over the years, both on the internet
and published for many locations across the North Downs in Kent in relation
to sightings of strange creatures. Big cat sightings and red eyed man-beasts
amongst them. At random we decided to spend some time exploring one of
these locations for some evidence of what may or may not be there.
It has been decided that to protect the site and any inhabitants the location will remain undisclosed. Aim: To investigate reports of sightings of unusual creatures on the North Downs. Background: We found the site to be off a country road high up in the Downs. It consists of a few acres of woodland which clearly has ancient history. There are deciduous and coniferous trees of some considerable age mixed with regularly coppiced woodland and recently cleared woodland. There is nearby evidence of centuries of occupation indicating that this site has been accessible for a long time. The site itself is crossed by public footpaths and therefore is open access currently. Previous reports of red-eyed 3-4ft tall monsters and eyes in the woods gave us this location. Research began prior to our visit and it was established that Wallaby have been reported at this location and in the general area. Enquiries then revealed that a Wallaby has green/yellow eyes when illuminated by a light source although some species of pig have red eyes in the dark. There are local reports of Wild Boar within the area within ten miles.
Apparatus: Video camera- Digital Camera- Voice recorder - Team: Kim Method: To investigate reported sightings in the area. Audio recordings to be made and study to be made of natural surroundings, tracks, trails and signs throughout and existent wildlife. To explore accessible areas and remain and decided location for quiet period and note findings. Photographs to be taken to record any evidence of wildlife or signs of unusual creatures. Establish possible evidence of existence of wallaby or wild boar. Investigation: We left our car at the roadside and walked into the woods on a trackway that clearly had been used by road vehicles. After about 50 yards this was found to have petered out and saplings were growing in the middle of the track. This made progress difficult and it was noticed that the coppiced woodland either side was quite impenetrable. This then gave way to newly cleared areas where a distinct track went across our path. Followed in one direction to the edge of a field we found ourselves on an established track in accordance with one of the known public footpaths. At this junction we found the first of three game bird feeders. For
anyone unfamiliar these are cylindrical and made of metal. They stand
about 3 feet high on small legs and contain corn fro game birds. Under
the cylinder is a spring which when moved allows a quantity of corn
to fall on the ground the enable the bird to feed. They are quite heavy
when full and should remain standing. It is unlikely the wind that night
would cause a full one to fall. This feeder was on its side and corn
had spilled out the top.
Returning on the established footpath passing our previous point of joining it we found that coppiced woodland was to our right and open fresh cut areas to our left. Again the woodland was impenetrable to humans or anything our size without damaging yourself or leaving some signs such as broken branches etc. The only deviation to this found was an established 'run' through the trees where there was only ground vegetation and the trees were clear up to about four feet in height. This is a common sign of permanent paths used by large animals so at this point we began searching the mud on the track for footprints in an attempt to identify any species that may be responsible. From this point on footprints would feature as part of our investigation into the site.
Some prints where quickly established to be from badger and a species of deer. This would account for the size of the run we found previously.
Further examples of these prints were found until we found ourselves at the junction of further footpaths. We were now in an established older part of the wood and trees of some age surrounded us. The bigger that the trees were made access between them easier. The footpath, still used by vehicles was becoming muddier so we changed our direction heading back to the road on another established track. Before moving off up this track we remained for some time beneath an old beech tree and found it to be teeming with insect life and there were signs of human activity here in the way of discarded litter and debris. A feeder was on its side here.
Further examination of the ground on the track on the way out would reveal other activity. Human shoe prints and horse hoof prints showed easily. Something else, though, was present here. We found evidence of bipedal (two legged) prints which were depressed well into the earth. After following them for some distance we found one which had some definition to it. This would appear to have a heel depression (proximal pad), a raised 'ball', a sole ( interdigital pad) and toes (digital pads). It was not possible to tell accurately if there were four or five toes but they appeared to diminish in size similar to a human foot. The print was wide though and easily fitted a human male hand. We had not taken a measure but the stride was further than was comfortable for Dave at 5'10” with a 33” leg. It was not able to see if there were any claw impressions.
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| Results | ||
We identified some of the tracks we found and this would indicate that this area is home to a species of deer and badgers. The established run we found supports the existence of deer. There was no evidence of wallaby or boar. The felling of the bird feeders would only be caused by a large creature or something able to jump on its hind legs in order to push a heavy object over. The presence of slugs on the spilled corn may indicate the culprits are the badgers as they feed on slugs and may have the presence of mind to realise that slugs are attracted to the corn. The unknown footprints have been researched as best we can and the closest for size and pattern we can come across are for black or brown bear although currently we are confused by the bipedal nature of the print. Bears will instinctively walk on four feet even if trained to walk on two in command. Only humans are naturally bipedal. Brown Bear Print
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| Conclusion | ||
| We set out to investigate reports of red-eyed man beasts on the North
Downs. We found evidence of natural inhabitants of the woods and failed
to find evidence of likely contenders for unknown reports.
We found tracks of an unidentified bipedal creature which possesses feet of the size of a bear / human and the weight of an adult human and the stride of a human of above average height. We anticipate returning at some future date more equipped for a detailed study probably during daylight hours. We were assisted in our research by local websites and newsletters and have been assisted since by one of the leading authorities in the field of cryptozoology and mythical beasts. Leading sources are being consulted over our findings. |
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