Bicknacre Foot and Bike Trail 4. Coppiced Hornbeam Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Red Duster: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.

If you wish to email me please send your email via my profile (click on my name) and quote the cache name and number.

Andy
Red Duster
Volunteer UK Reviewer for geocaching.com
UK Geocaching Information & Resources website [url=http://www.follow-the-arrow.co.uk] www.follow-the-arrow.co.uk[/url]
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Hidden : 4/2/2012
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

This is the fourth cache on a trail along bridle ways in Bicknacre. It is family and dog friendly and can either be done by foot or bicycle. The whole trail should take about an hour. The hides have deliberately been made to be quite easy to find as the emphasis is on getting the family out together to enjoy a walk or bike ride. Beware the paths can be very muddy in winter or after heavy rain. This is a popular area for dog walkers, joggers and horse riders so plenty of muggles around.



As you approach the geocache site you will see a coppiced Hornbeam. The wood of the Hornbeam is very hard and dense and was often used to make the cogs of windmills. It also makes very good firewood due to its high calorific value. Tap the trunk of the tree and you will get a hollow sound. This Hornbeam was cut about 40 to 50 years ago and the size of the coppice stool (the base of the tree from which the new wood emerged and was cut is referred to as the stool) gives an indication of the age of the tree – if you measure the width of the stool, its age is approximately 100 years for every yard (just over a meter) of stool. How old do you think this Hornbeam is?

If you want to spend more time in the area the trail is right next to Thrift Wood, 48 acres of ancient woodland leased and managed by the Essex Wildlife trust. The woodland consists of Hornbeam coppice and Oak standards and Birch, Ash, coppiced Sweet Chestnut and a number of Wild Service tree. The reintroduction of coppicing has enhanced the plant and animal life in the woodland and in the spring there is a colourful display of bluebells and wood anemones. There is plenty more to look out for: the woodland butterfly, heath fritillary; an abundance of grey squirrels and rabbits; a number of birds including Woodpecker; and the woodland teems with Wood Ants and a wide range of other insects.

Visit: Essex Wildlife Trust to find out more about Thrift Wood.

This cache is a nano - please bring your own pen and tweezers would be helpful.

Cache placed with the kind permission of Essex Wildlife Trust.

If you park at the entrance to Thrift Wood you may wish to do the trail in reverse order, starting at cache 5 in the series.

Other Caches in the Series:

Bicknacre Foot and bike Trail - 1 Fairy Tree (New):- GC2XA4A

Bicknacre Foot and Bike Trail - 2 Witches' Briar (New):- GC2ZE6W

Bicknacre Foot and Bike Trail - 3 Magnificent Oaks(New):- GC2ZE7B

Bicknacre Foot and Bike Trail - 4 Coppiced Hornbeam (New):- GC2ZE7F

Bicknacre Foot and Bike Trail - 5 Ditch and Bank (New):- GC2ZE7R

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Zntargvp. Erfg n juvyr naq ybbx ng gur pbccvprq ubeaornz.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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