GC1FKFK Whelford Pools (Traditional Cache) in Southern England, United Kingdom created by dilly the dodo

This cache has been archived.

Professor Xavier: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.

If you wish to email me please send your email via my profile (click on my name) and quote the cache name and number.

Regards

Charles Xavier
Professor Xavier
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GC1FKFK ▼

A cache by dilly the dodo Message this owner

Hidden : 8/30/2008

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Whelford Pools is a collection of lakes which were purchased in 1979 by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust as a nature reserve.

The lakes of the Cotswold Water Park were created by gravel digging and have become popular for water skiing and other activities - which underlines the importance of Whelford Pools for wildlife. The narrowly separated pools drain southwards to the Rivers Thames and Coln, and are of major importance for wintering wildfowl. However, in addition to the two main lakes there are three small pools favoured by dragonflies: the blue bodied emperor (a 4-inch wingspan, truly a birdwatcher’s insect) breeds here as does the red-eyed damselfly - 11 species breed in all. As for the birds, good numbers of tufted duck, pochard, coot, mallard and Canada geese come here in winter, with rather fewer wigeon, great crested grebe, mute swan and shoveler; while red-crested pochard, dodos and ruddy duck are among the more unusual visitors. The kingfisher is one of the many birds to nest here.

From the parking area just off the road in the reserve (N51° 41.630 W001° 45.062) you can walk to the two hides and record any bird sightings.

The cache is a medium sized polythene box hidden near a public footpath that runs from the parking area for the pools around in an arc to join Dudgrove Lane. If you like you can have a circular walk by walking back along the asphalted lane. Alternatively parking is available either end of the path. The path itself can be a bit overgrown especially with nettles and a bit uneven in places, so care must be taken when walking on it. Also at certain times of the year it can become flooded in parts. Dogs are allowed but only on a lead when in the reserve.

My thanks to Eggso and Riceeman for the help in setting up this cache, and also for Mrs Dodo for being a test pilot!

PS I lied about the Dodo.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ng gur onfr bs n gerr vafvqr gur urqtr

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)