Southampton Common is a large open space to the north of the city centre of Southampton. It is bounded by the districts of Shirley, Bassett, Highfield and Portswood. The area supports a large variety of wildlife, including the largest recorded population of the internationally rare great crested newt. It is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Southampton Common currently includes 326 acres (1.32 km2) of woodland, parkland, rough grassland, ponds, wetlands, nature trails, a paddling pool, a children's play area, a model yachting pond, a covered resevoir and a fishing lake.
The history of Southampton Common can be traced back to a dispute over land rights in the 13th century, which was resolved by the Borough purchasing the land and declaring it common land. It became a public park in 1844.
The designation as Common Land allowed neighbours to use the land for fuel, clay, and taking berries and other wild, natural food. The most important use was for grazing, however, and there was a cowherd who was paid to be responsible for the cattle on the common. He was given accommodation in an inn on the site of today's Cowherds pub.
The nearby Winn Road was home to Captain Edward Smith, Captain of the Titanic.
***Due to some difficulties with GPS coverage due to tree cover, a few spoiler photos have been uploaded to help with locating the cache. The photos should be helpful but don't show the exact location**