Long description
This little-known forest on the edge of suburbia has many different kinds of trees and wildlife, including sika deer, badgers, rabbits and squirrels, as well as newts. Part of the area is mixed forest, another part is open grassland and a third part has gorse, ferns and ponds. While the older trees are mainly birch, there are lots of other species such as oak, ash, holly, blackthorn, and hawthorn. Areas of meadow within the wood have many meadow flowers such as rosebay willow-herb, and support many butterflies. Birdlife includes peregrine falcons, various finches and warblers and even jays.
These 8 hectares have been the subject of a protracted battle between development and conservation. The survival of the wood is now assured.
The above co-ordinates will lead you to a granite rock in an open area in the middle of the forest. This is only 10 minutes walk from my house, and I often come here in the evening with my dog. This rock is a good place to sit for a while and listen to the sounds of nature.
Calculate the Final Co-ordinates
Someone has carved two "calendrical" letters into the rock, seemingly using an angle grinder! These two letters will provide the information you need to find the final stage where the cache is hidden.
Using the system A=1, B=2, C=3, etc., what is the number corresponding to the first letter? Call this number W.
Using the same system, what is the number corresponding to the second letter? Call this number X.
How many "strokes" (or lines) were used to carve the first letter? Call this number Y.
How many "strokes" (or lines) were used to carve the second letter? Call this number Z.
Now, you may find the cache at the following co-ordinates:
N53°16.[Y-X][W+X][X]
W6°13.[X+Y][Y+Z-W][Z-W+X]
Check: the six digits you've calculated should sum to 29.
Now, cross the path and make your way through the woods to the final location.
Pheasantberries
Among the many edible plants in this forest are some pheasantberry bushes (Leycesteria formosa). You can find some nearby at N53°16.034 W006°14.031. These are native to the Himalayas, and also known as "Himalayan Honeysuckle". In summer they bear beautiful red and white flowers or "bracts" shaped like hanging pagodas. In autumn they have brown berries, which astonishingly taste like burnt caramel or chocolate. In fact, in German they are called Karamelbeere. Needless to say, no wild foods should be eaten unless you are absolutely sure you have positively identified the species and know it to be edible.
Note on Trading
Normal trading rules do not apply to this cache. If you find something that takes your fancy or would be useful to you, please take it even if you don't have anything to trade.