1 of a series of caches placed within sight of each of the 6 Noon Columns across the National Forest, by kind permission of the Forestry Commission. If you can’t see the column, you’re not at the correct location!
The column is situated in the main car park for the Sence Valley Forest Park, so you will need to be very careful of cars, especially if you have children with you. You will also need all your anti-muggle stealth skills in full working order to retrieve & replace this cache without being spotted – pick your time of day carefully and look nonchalant! Please re-hide carefully & check it isn't visible.
You will also need to note the number written on the log to complete the bonus cache in this series: GC26G6Y High but not Noon.
The car park is open during daylight hours only. While you’re here, why not visit the other caches in the vicinity?
Congratulations to Fingolfin_UK for being FTF
Part of the National Forest Company’s LANDshapes project, this Noon Column is made of English Oak, the sun will shine through the vertical slot for 10-15 minutes at ‘true’ noon on midsummer and midwinter’s days, creating a line of light in the shadow cast by the column. ‘True noon’ in the Leicestershire and South Derbyshire Coalfield Zone occurs at 1.04pm in summer time and 12.04pm in wintertime.
This cycle links the sculpture to the passage of time – celebrating the past, present and future of the Forest. Created by internationally renowned artist David Nash, this sculpture celebrates the diverse industrial heritage of the local landscape through its charred façade and surround of crushed coal and brick. The sculpture is one of six that reflect and interpret the distinctive nature of the six landscape zones that make up The National Forest.
Mining in the Leicestershire and South Derbyshire Coalfield has imprinted a strong industrial character on this zone. Relict coal and clay workings and derelict land were recurring features of the area at the turn of the millennium. Urban and industrial influences remain strong and settlement is typified by irregularly defined towns and villages featuring rows of traditional brick-built miners’ cottages and clusters of new housing. The agricultural landscape is open and rolling with gappy hedged fields. Previously a sparsely wooded zone, new woodlands are increasingly featuring in the landscape.