Raptor Viewpoint Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Car Parking N54' 17.169 W000'33.812
Many thanks to The Grim Jeeper, who provided the cache box, from the Grizzly gruesome bonus cache. In the cache for someone to place is another cache ready to go.
This is a great place to sit and unwind, especially if you are a Bird watcher.
Raptor Viewpoint was created by the Forestry Commission and the North Yorkshire Forest Bird Study Group to enable birdwatchers to view a wide variety of forest and other birds. There are spectacular views of Troutsdale and the Upper Derwent valley, an area used as a 'highway'by passing birds of prey (raptors).
Mammals: Wykeham forest is home to lots of mammals including foxes, badgers and roe deer. All have been seen from the viewpoint especially at daybreak.
Birds: Birds that are seen include, Goshawk, Common Buzzard, Honey Buzzard and Osprey. As well as birds of prey many other species use the area including interesting species such as bullfinch, common crossbill and siskin. As with all wildlife watching a patient wait is often required before something of real interest comes along.
Insects and reptiles: The adjacent forest area provides a good habitat for a range of insect and reptile species. Adders and common lizards are seen in Wykeham forest and amongst the insects it is good for butterflies such as the peacock
Habitats: Raptor viewpoint sits at the top of a steep escarpment on the northern edge of Wykeham forest. The forest is predominantly coniferous with a mosaic of high forest and felled and replanted areas. These latter areas are frequented by nightjars. The high plateau is generally acid with ling heather and bilberry whilst on the lower slopes limestones springs emerge. Common spotted orchid and twayblade orchid abound on the roadsides.
Thank you to the Forestry Commission for granting permission for the cache.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Orghyn craqhyn