Populus Alba & Canescens Traditional Cache
RSK175: I think in light of the newly erected fencing it would be prudent to archive this cache. Thanks everyone who supported this hide and I hope you enjoyed the walk on this beautiful common.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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Outney Common is a great place to spend an afternoon with the family. It has well defined paths which circumnavigate the golf course and marshes alike. Both walkers and golfers have been able to enjoy the recreational facilities of the common by keeping to their particular areas and so it would therefore be unwise to venture across the fairways without due care and attention to flying golf balls!
I think that Outney Common is one of the jewels in Bungays’ crown. The 390 acres of heath and fen land sits on the banks of the River Waveney on the western edge of the town. I don't make that statement without foundation for I was fortunate enough to spend my youth in this town and grew up on these rich pastoral meadows and heath. The river at this point creates a sprawling loop and in so doing encloses this area of recreation natural history and farming. On the far banks, the wooded Bath Hills rise up from the flood plain to make a perfect backdrop. This was once the domain of the ancient Roman’s who used the hills to grow vines now it is the home of deer, foxes, badgers and a plethora of Britain’s birds. As a boy in the 1960's my mates and I would walk the banks of the meandering Waveney fishing for the plentiful roach, chub, perch and dace. Nowadays it is not uncommon for walkers to spy otters hunting in the clear waters and the flash kingfishers taking small fish.
The lush grass of the marshes has become the summer grazing ground for young Friesian cattle. The common also has a fine 18-hole golf course with plenty of gorse and a mixture of pine and birch trees to test the golfer’s accuracy. The well-drained land means that it is a very comfortable course to walk and rarely suffers from excessive water. In early spring the course is at its best, with the abundance of gorse in flower and some lovely views over the surrounding marshes. The wide variety of wildlife will serve to distract the most ardent golfer from their game, and the only distraction from noise comes from the skylarks that sing overhead.
The Common has a long history and its story is complex and yet fascintating. It has been surrounded in controversy for centuries as far as it's ownership is concerned. That dispute between the town and the group of people who evolved as Common Owners ended in a public inquiry in 1979 which finally decided ownership in the Ownners favour. Anyone wishing to know more of its history then I can recommend you read Terry Reeve's potted history called 'A Common Privilege' published by Morrow and Co. ISBN 0 948903 53 8.
If you decide do take the fantastic riverside walk on the marshes there is a chance you might encounter cattle but don't let this deter you from enjoying the walk, just be mindful of the fact if you have dogs with you.
Please note that the cache can be found without going onto the marshes.
The cache is small and contains a log and pencil. In winter the location is fairly exposed so please use caution if 'muggles' are a foot!
Good luck!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Frrx naq lr funyy svaq.
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
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