Prehen Woods
The wood at Prehen, acquired by the Woodland Trust in 2003, is predominately beech with an oak canopy and hazel/holly understorey. There is good beech and oak regeneration. Prehen Wood is home to at least 60 different types of plants, including bluebells, lesser celandines and wood anemones which bloom in profusion each year. Birds such as sparrowhawk and long-eared owl live in the wood, as does the endangered red squirrel (every day local volunteers put food out in special feeders to make sure they stay). The entire wood has Tree Preservation Order status and was designated a Site of Local Conservation Nature Importance in the 1990s. The wood has terrific views overlooking the city and River Foyle with free public access across all of the site and waymarked routes.
History
Prehen Wood is a remnant of the extensive woodland that once covered much of the east bank of the River Foyle from the Craigavon Bridge into County Tyrone. Prehen Wood was once part of the Prehen House Estate, which in 1876 totalled 358 hectares (885 acres). At the outbreak of the First World War the estate was sequestered by the government, because the last of the Knox family married a German National.After the War the estate was sold off in pieces, including the remaining woods, which were sold in 1929 for timber production.A local outcry ensued about the imminent destruction of the woodland and the editor of the local paper took up the cause, calling for some timber to be left standing. Prehen Wood was spared.
Present
In 2003, with a lot of support from Prehen Historical and Environmental Society, the Woodland Trust acquired the wood at Prehen to ensure this wonderful ancient woodland site would be conserved for the benefit of future generations. It is a wood for all seasons providing year round enjoyment for thousands of visitors. Spring brings an amazing array of woodland flowers, only matched by autumn's stunning colour. Privileged visitors may even catch a glimpse of some special wild inhabitants. There are several walking routes waiting to show you the way.
Taken from "Discover Northern Ireland: Prehen Woods"
The Cache
This cache is a 4-stage Multi and the cache is not at the listed coordinates. These are for the entrance to the woods from Summerhill Road.
The first three stages of the cache are small pill bottles disguised with black electrical tape. Each stage contains a clue to the next with the final stage being a medium sized ammo box.
Although there are good paths in the woods they are designed for low impact on the environment so can be rough in sections and muddy after rain. A good pair of boots/wellies is recommended and I would advise against buggies or wheelchairs. A good cache for older kids though.
GPS reception at Stage 3 and the final can be a bit dodgy so I've provided spoiler photos and detailed clues. Take them with you in case you need them!
The total walk should take 40-45mins with extra time required for finding the caches.
Many thanks to the Woodland Trust for permission to place this cache.
The Series
This series is based on the Irish calendar of 12 months and 4 seasons. A new cache will be placed each month and will contain a clue in the logbook that will lead to a season cache.
This cache is placed in April and is the Spring cache.
To find this cache you must find all three of the other caches (February, March and April). If you miss one you will not be able to complete this cache.
For more information on the Irish calendar check out Wikipedia.
PLEASE ONLY TRADE UP OR EVEN.
TBs MOVE BETWEEN CACHES AND REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF THE PERSON THAT RELEASED THEM. I DO NOT COUNT THEM AS TRADE ITEMS.
IF YOU WISH TO TAKE SOMETHING FROM THIS CACHE PLEASE DON'T LEAVE A TB IN IT'S PLACE. THANK YOU.
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