GC135VC Doffcocker Lodge (Traditional Cache) in United Kingdom created by curswig56

This cache has been archived.

curswig56: Ahh so long and farewell. You were a good cache

GC135VC ▼

A cache by curswig56 Message this owner

Hidden : 5/26/2007

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

A pleasant simple stroll around the lake - take some bread to feed the ducks!

Designated on the 8th June 1992, Doffcocker Lodge was Bolton's only Local Nature Reserve until the recent (2000) designation of Nob End in Moses Gate Country Park. The site is also a Site of Biological Importance grade B (SBI), chiefly due to its reedbed habitats and associated bird species; it is further protected as green belt land. The reserve is centred on a disused reservoir, originally created in 1874 by the damming of the Doffcocker Brook to provide a mill lodge. The lodge itself is now composed of two water bodies divided by a causeway, connecting Markland Hill Lane to the south with Moss Bank Way to the north. The reserve is widely used by local people for recreational activities. The larger of these water bodies, which covers 6.3 ha and lies to the east of the causeway, represents the main focus of recreational activities, including dog walking, bird watching and fishing. The main areas of wildlife interest on this eastern lodge are the stands of reedbed and marsh habitat. The smaller western lodge which covers 1.8 ha, possesses the main areas of wildlife interest, with much swamp and marsh habitat present. In 1989 a scrape was dug to the west of the lodge to provide additional wildlife interest, primarily for wetland bird species. The cache is close to the path which should be accessible all of the time to push chairs, buggys and wheel chairs. The cache is at ground level. There is parking just over 200 metres from the cache at N53º 35.381 W002º 28.442. The path is essentially flat. The site is available all year and 24 hours a day. If you plan to walk around the lake you might want to wear wellies in wet weather. Great place for children - but watch them near to the water. Watch out for muggles!