This is to remind all activators of the requirement that all equipment must be located within the boundaries of a reference when operating.
To establish reference boundaries, GxFF recommends using DEFRA’s Magic Map. For Northern Ireland references consult DAERA map viewer.
Please bear in mind, car parks, roadsetc. may not always be inside or part of the reference, it is your responsibility to check!
To maintain the integrity of the program the National Coordinator or Log manager can request documentary proof of valid operation.
Team GxFF implemented two changes related to this from 1st Jan 2022.
The first was the introduction of random checks for valid operation, the second was to verify the location of all operators who wish to activate a reference from their home address.
Neither of these should place any great additional burden on activators.
For /P operations, many people already post photos to the GxFF or WWFF Facebook Group, where these do not show a verifiable location, the addition of a suitably detailed screen shot from a GPS programme, google maps, OS App etc. would suffice as proof, should that activity be selected for checking. We would recommend that adding this becomes the default for any activator who use the Facebook Groups.
If you are not going to create a post, you should take and keep a screenshot of your activating location and station setup at the location these normally have a time/date stamp info attached. Again we recommend that you send these in with your logs as proof of location should it be required.
Inability to provide proof of operation within the boundaries may result in the activation being declared void especially if the reference is stated to be “Pedestrian Activation Only”.
In the case of activating from home, activators are requested to contact the co-ordinator directly with the reference their home is in and their address. This is a one off verification process to validate future QSOs.
There’s no suggestion that there are issues with GxFF operations, but the more rigorous approach to checking location data, brings us in line with some other branches of the WWFF program.
If you know any activators who do not avidly follow the Facebook Grps, or check gxff.uk please pass on this information.
Why is this being revised in September 2026?
Many of the GxFF references double as references for other programs.
It has been noted on a few occasions that, on the description page for some references used by “other programs”, the activation method is listed as “Automobile or Pedestrian.”
While this may be acceptable when activating the reference for the “other program”, it is not necessarily valid for GxFF. After reviewing the reference on the map, it may become apparent that the car park, road, or other area from which the reference is being activated by “Automobile” is outside the designated GxFF activation area.
For example, activating a reference from a car park that is excluded from the GxFF activation area, simply because there is a sign stating “Welcome to XYZ Nature Reserve,” at the car park entry would not constitute a valid GxFF activation.
The fact that a location provides access to, or is associated with, the referenced site does not automatically make it a valid GxFF activation point.
The activation must comply with the GxFF area and access requirements.
This distinction is important, particularly where references are shared between multiple programs, as an activation method that is valid for one program may not necessarily meet the requirements of GxFF.
73/44
GxFF coordinator