Asparagus Fields Traditional Cache
zardoz6720: Cache archived to allow others to place caches in the area.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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When I first started looking at cache sites based on Formby history the topic of Asparagus growing cropped up again and again (pun fully intended.)
The crop developed as a result of the ideal growing conditions provided by the freely drained sands. The crop is grown on a long rotation of 10 to 15 years, after which the land becomes exhausted and is then used for rough grazing. It takes 3 years to develop Asparagus from seed to a productive crown and then can be expected to crop for 10 years in favourable conditions.
Harvesting lasts for about 6 weeks, starting at the end of April and finishing early June. It is estimated that there was about 200 acres utilised for asparagus growing around Formby Point in the early part of the 20th century, this is roughly 968,000 square yards or 125 football pitches ( if I’ve done my sums right ! )
According to a Coastal Survey conducted in 1966 production had fallen to about 40 acres. Nowadays there are a few isolated pockets of production left but is no longer a main crop for the area. The field in front of the cache (as you face the dunes) and the one to the right being some of the last fields to grow the crop.
Although not relevant to finding the cache it may be of interest a metal post with the letters B and F at Co-Ordinates N53 33.300 W3 05.765. This, and other posts, indicated the boundary line between the estates of the Formby's and the Blundell's.
Parking is available at Lifeboat Road Car Park Co-Ordinates N53 33.031 W3 05.720 however there is a charge (£3.50 at the time of writing May 2008.) You can however park on St Lukes Church Road for free, please note that this can get very busy particularly at weekends and bank holidays.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Haqre gerr gehax