GC1GTAM Poor Common (Traditional Cache) in South West England, United Kingdom created by Zpyder

This cache has been archived.

zpyder: Well unfortunately it looks like the cache has gone. Sorry it took so long to archive but I'd hoped it might have resurfaced after a short break, but sadly not.

GC1GTAM ▼

A cache by Zpyder Message this owner

Hidden : 10/1/2008

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Poor common is found at the southern end of Ferndown. It is currently managed by East Dorset CMS, and features many well defined hard packed gravel paths suitable for push chairs/buggies. The suggested route does feature some slight slopes, but as the total distance is just shy of 1 mile, this shouldn't be an issue. It is possible to keep to the paths until at the cache, which is situated a few feet from the path.

THE SITE

Living just down the road from Poor Common, when I was younger I used to spend many an evening and weekend cycling in the forest and building camps. Then, about 10 years ago, a section of it was developed into housing, and due to restricted access, I didn't revisit it, until a year or two ago. Upon re-entering the woods I was impressed, as now the site is managed by the East Dorset Countryside Management Service, and a lot of work has been put in to improving the site.

Most noticeable are the hard pack gravel paths, and Rhododendron clearance. When I was in the forest and I was younger, I would only spot the (very) occasional dog walker. Now whilst walking in the woods, I see whole families, complete with new arrivals in buggies, and a lot more dog walkers! Being a bit of an ecologist, I am also keenly following the management and the intended restoration of the remnant lowland heath. The areas where the Rhododendron has been cleared may look a little desolate and damaged, however leaving Rhododendron at the site is much more detrimental to the overall health and biodiversity of the site!

ACCESS

There are multiple access points into Poor Common. For the purpose of the cache, I would recommend parking on Fitzpain road and using the path into the woods at N50 47.190 W1 53.574

Alternatively you can park at/near the Angel Inn (N50 47.503 W1 54.208) and also attempt the excellent Angel Lane multi-cache on Ferndown common.

THE CACHE

The cache is a small camouflaged 0.5L tupperware container.
In keeping with the name "Poor Common" the original/starting contents of the cache consist of things of use to cachers, these are:

Blank log book
2 different sized plastic clear sample containers (for micro's)
A travel bug and a geocoin that need to be helped on their way
A calendar keyring

I would respectively request that any trade items follow suit, and are either geocaching related, or of practical use, rather than small plastic toys and trinkets that just take up space.

When seeking the cache, please check to make sure that there are no children lurking and watching in the Rhododendron bushes!

Placed following GAGB guidelines