The Old Croft Traditional Cache
jimbothenav: Sadly this cache has been muggled a few times now so there is little point in replacing it yet again. I will set a new cache somewhere else in the area.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This traditional cache is in the NW corner of the Wards Wildlife Site where a croft once stood and is placed only a few metres off the path that circles the wetlands.
The Wards Wildlife Site is a large square area of boggy land lying between Elgin and New Elgin immediately to the south of the Aberdeen-Inverness railway line. While rather untidy in appearance, the site is an important habitat for many birds and animals. It is an important area of green space right in the heart of Elgin and despite its urban setting attracts a host of wildlife. Observant visitors will see routinely buzzards, herons, snipe, wild ducks and roe deer. In the summer the area is awash with rare plants and insects.
Visitors are able to follow an all-weather path around the perimeter that allows good views of the local wildlife. The 1-mile path around the Wetlands should take about 20 minutes to walk and is suitable for buggies and wheelchairs.
Parking is available at the Scout Hut (N57º38.515 W003º19.175) or along Edgar Road (N57º38.322 W003º19.235).
In the NW corner was a small croft that once farmed the Wetlands, growing barley for local whisky distilleries until it was abandoned in the 1960’s. The croft’s buildings quickly disappeared but, if you look carefully, you may still see traces of them along with the old fruit trees and berry bushes that made up the croft’s orchard. The previously drained barley fields have been deliberately allowed to return to boggy wetlands to provide this important natural habitat. I am grateful to the Moray Council for permission to place this geocache.
The cache is in the NW corner of the wetlands where the croft once stood and is placed only a few metres off the path. As the Wetland paths can be quite busy (very popular with local dogs walking their muggles) care is needed to avoid being seen.
The cache is a 1 Litre snap-lock box.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Haqre n fgbar oruvaq na nonaqbarq cvrpr bs snez znpuvarel
Treasures
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