Asomodai
AF-UK patch owner
- Jun 14, 2017
- 3,146
- 1,054
Site Name: Bush Valley Airsoft
Contact details: 07521137849
Website Address: N/A
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Arts---Entertainment/Bush-Valley-Airsoft-1497906973621629/
Site Address: Runham Woods, Maidstone ME17 1NQ
My battle buddy and I popped along to Bush Valley Airsoft on 27/10/18 as part of their grand reopening. The site closed down over a year ago and this was the first time it has opened since. Previous online reviews had been mixed, my battle buddy had been before and hadn't liked it much, but I have seen some positive reviews of the site.
Only the Medium sized woodland section of the site was open, the valley section was left out. Either due to the low turn-out, or because it was overgrown. The woodland section is fairly similar all the way through, new growth trees which are pretty dense and difficult to see through, lots of buildings and features. Short to medium engagement distances, no water features and uneven terrain throughout (though not much in the way of true hills). Entrance to the site is easily missed so drive slow and look for an Awning through a gate.
Good:
Site Ownership: The site is family owned and run, making it fairly unique in the Airsoft world, they have a commitment to making the site the best it can as they have ultimate control of what goes there with no landlord peering over them. Whilst it is somewhat basic, the ambition is definitely there.
Informal: If you want a laugh, informal game then this is the place for you. It's easy going, no serious players and play was done at a gentlemanly pace for the most part. If you are feeling unfit then this is a good place to go!
Food: Good burger place on site. Free breakfast roll and decent burgers and chips. Good prices too.
Good times: Sometimes you have a great time without being able to put a finger why that was the case. On this occasion myself and my battlebuddy, although fighting colds and arthritis we both had a fantastic time. Being able to relax whilst playing, the overall friendliness of the staff, and low numbers meant that whatever we did meant that we made a noticeable difference to the progress our side made in battle.
Marshalling: Generally positive. There were more marshalls per person then in any site I have been to. Some of them seemed a little rusty or inexperienced (Confusion with some battle rules and spawn points in early games), but they were very friendly and approachable and made sure you had a good time! When it became obvious one of the teams were being out-classed they stuck some more experienced people on that side. The Marshals had common sense which is unfortunately lacking at many sites. Complaints were listened to and acted upon.
Clientele: Everyone was friendly, seemed like there were a fair few returning regulars which was surprising considering the long lay-off from the last skirmish. There were fist bumps, no mega serious players and everyone appreciated someone who was willing to go for a suicide run to force play along
Average:
Chrono: A mandatory chrono was in affect, DMR limits are low at 400 FPS.
Safe Zone: Though it was rather small and a little run down after not being used for sometime, it had more room then was used, cover for all the benches, bins and a roaring fire. It was right next to the car park as well.
Shop: Platoon stores ran the shop, they were great people who were quite knowledgeable, the selection was somewhat limited to common platforms. Though they had a good selection of what platforms they supported. RIFS and pistols were available. They also run the shop at Cool Under Fire which was slightly larger.
Bad:
Parking: Parking was very limited even with just 30 odd players turning up. If they want to expand, more capacity will have to be found somewhere.
Game modes: Felt that more game modes would have been appreciated, had standard infection and capture the flag, but the rest were just fighting to kill all the other team in a random spot. Needs more work and organisation.
Toilets: Two portacabins close to the battlezone. Not the best.
Limited sniping opportunities: If the woodlands are the only area in use, bolt action snipers will have a hard time. The amount of new growth trees means that is hard to play long distance without hitting foliage. DMR would be the better choice. There is only one true natural path through the woodlands.
Conclusion:
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Bush Valley. We paid an introductory price of £15 as it was the first skirmish in over a year so it was good value. There are a few niggles they need to work out with the organisation of the day and they need to reopen the "valley" part of the site. It is heartening that a family run venture like this exists in Airsoft and as such the site has BAGS of potential. If they can work hard at upgrading the parking facilities and safe zone to allow more numbers then the skies the limit.
I had quite possibly the best personal performance playing airsoft here.
If you are looking for an informal atmosphere with sensible people, I do recommend giving the site a try.
Bullpup Watch: Terrible, only one and it was my AUG!
View attachment 39526
Contact details: 07521137849
Website Address: N/A
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Arts---Entertainment/Bush-Valley-Airsoft-1497906973621629/
Site Address: Runham Woods, Maidstone ME17 1NQ
My battle buddy and I popped along to Bush Valley Airsoft on 27/10/18 as part of their grand reopening. The site closed down over a year ago and this was the first time it has opened since. Previous online reviews had been mixed, my battle buddy had been before and hadn't liked it much, but I have seen some positive reviews of the site.
Only the Medium sized woodland section of the site was open, the valley section was left out. Either due to the low turn-out, or because it was overgrown. The woodland section is fairly similar all the way through, new growth trees which are pretty dense and difficult to see through, lots of buildings and features. Short to medium engagement distances, no water features and uneven terrain throughout (though not much in the way of true hills). Entrance to the site is easily missed so drive slow and look for an Awning through a gate.
Good:
Site Ownership: The site is family owned and run, making it fairly unique in the Airsoft world, they have a commitment to making the site the best it can as they have ultimate control of what goes there with no landlord peering over them. Whilst it is somewhat basic, the ambition is definitely there.
Informal: If you want a laugh, informal game then this is the place for you. It's easy going, no serious players and play was done at a gentlemanly pace for the most part. If you are feeling unfit then this is a good place to go!
Food: Good burger place on site. Free breakfast roll and decent burgers and chips. Good prices too.
Good times: Sometimes you have a great time without being able to put a finger why that was the case. On this occasion myself and my battlebuddy, although fighting colds and arthritis we both had a fantastic time. Being able to relax whilst playing, the overall friendliness of the staff, and low numbers meant that whatever we did meant that we made a noticeable difference to the progress our side made in battle.
Marshalling: Generally positive. There were more marshalls per person then in any site I have been to. Some of them seemed a little rusty or inexperienced (Confusion with some battle rules and spawn points in early games), but they were very friendly and approachable and made sure you had a good time! When it became obvious one of the teams were being out-classed they stuck some more experienced people on that side. The Marshals had common sense which is unfortunately lacking at many sites. Complaints were listened to and acted upon.
Clientele: Everyone was friendly, seemed like there were a fair few returning regulars which was surprising considering the long lay-off from the last skirmish. There were fist bumps, no mega serious players and everyone appreciated someone who was willing to go for a suicide run to force play along
Average:
Chrono: A mandatory chrono was in affect, DMR limits are low at 400 FPS.
Safe Zone: Though it was rather small and a little run down after not being used for sometime, it had more room then was used, cover for all the benches, bins and a roaring fire. It was right next to the car park as well.
Shop: Platoon stores ran the shop, they were great people who were quite knowledgeable, the selection was somewhat limited to common platforms. Though they had a good selection of what platforms they supported. RIFS and pistols were available. They also run the shop at Cool Under Fire which was slightly larger.
Bad:
Parking: Parking was very limited even with just 30 odd players turning up. If they want to expand, more capacity will have to be found somewhere.
Game modes: Felt that more game modes would have been appreciated, had standard infection and capture the flag, but the rest were just fighting to kill all the other team in a random spot. Needs more work and organisation.
Toilets: Two portacabins close to the battlezone. Not the best.
Limited sniping opportunities: If the woodlands are the only area in use, bolt action snipers will have a hard time. The amount of new growth trees means that is hard to play long distance without hitting foliage. DMR would be the better choice. There is only one true natural path through the woodlands.
Conclusion:
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Bush Valley. We paid an introductory price of £15 as it was the first skirmish in over a year so it was good value. There are a few niggles they need to work out with the organisation of the day and they need to reopen the "valley" part of the site. It is heartening that a family run venture like this exists in Airsoft and as such the site has BAGS of potential. If they can work hard at upgrading the parking facilities and safe zone to allow more numbers then the skies the limit.
I had quite possibly the best personal performance playing airsoft here.
If you are looking for an informal atmosphere with sensible people, I do recommend giving the site a try.
Bullpup Watch: Terrible, only one and it was my AUG!
View attachment 39526
Last edited by a moderator:
