Sapphire Traditional Cache
Professor Xavier: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it. Please note that as this cache has now been archived by a reviewer or HQ staff it will NOT be unarchived.
Regards
Ed
Professor Xavier - Volunteer UK Reviewer
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(micro)
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A lovely walk along the lovely Blackwater river with 4 caches to be found, as well as clues to be collected on the way for a multi at the end.
CONGRATS TO Jelly Baby Girl FOR THE FTF :)
This series of caches is our first and has been set out to celebrate my Wife Louise’s 40th Birthday on 12th September (hence the odd female names of the caches – they are all her first/middle name!)
The area has many happy memories for me playing over here as a child before The Meadows shopping centre and section of the A321 along here were built.
Total distance if you do all 5 caches is approx 2.7 miles and the route takes you in a loop.
Parking easiest at N51 20.328 W000 47.031 where there is the Shepherd Meadow Car Park which is free and has lots of spaces. The terrain is flat but can get wet/muddy sometimes as this is a flood plain area.
Shepherd Meadows and Sandhurst Memorial Park are Green Flag award winning neighbouring sites on the River Blackwater in Sandhurst. They are open to the public and provide a range of facilities and attractions for a variety of formal and informal activities. The site lies along the River Blackwater between Sandhurst and Blackwater and encompasses land both in Hampshire and Berkshire.
Shepherd Meadows is part of the Blackwater Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to important meadows and wildlife.
Flower-rich meadows are now rare and about one quarter of the species associated with herb-rich grassland in Berkshire can be found at Shepherd Meadows.
The meadows become a carpet of wild flowers and plants during the spring and summer months, with:
- Devil's Bit Scabious
- Birds-foot Trefoil
- Meadowsweet
The meadows are also rich in animal, insect and birdlife. There are over 600 insect and bird species to be found such as:
- Siskin
- Meadow Pipit
- Kestrel
- Spotted Flycatcher
- Woodpecker
The River Blackwater also attracts many waterfowl and wading birds, we have often seen a Heron here when we have visited.
Shepherd Meadows is named after wildlife artist David Shepherd and consists of 40 hectares (100 acres) of wet meadows and woodlands which is managed by Bracknell Forest Council for its wildlife value.
To find out more about this area then you can visit Bracknell Forest Council Website at Bracknell Forest Council
The caches have been placed here with the very kind permission of Bracknell Council and The Blackwater Valley Conservation team. Special thanks to the Site Ranger who has been very helpful with the planning and getting permissions for the caches.
As the area is of Special Scientific Interest please can you ensure that you do not stray away from the paths. The cache locations are all very close to the path and whilst they are camouflaged, they should still be easy to find. The sizes of the containers vary but there are no micros hidden in the dreaded ivy! There is no need to venture far away and please do not pick any of the wild flowers.
Whilst you are here why not check out the Raspberry Walkies series at Sandhurst Memorial Park which is next door and has a great play area for the kids.
No room for swaps in this caches unfortunately. Please replace it carefully and ensure it is hidden from the path. Use the stickoflage to cover it up properly. Dont forget to wave to all the workers in the offices across the river! ;) 14/4/13 Cache has been moved to a slightly different position due to twice being muggled. It was pretty obvious from the path on the other side of the fence. Co-ords should pretty much be the same so have not changed, hint updated.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Sbbg bs gur srapr cbfg oruvaq gur gerr