Formonthills - Knapweed Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

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 Please note that as this cache has now been archived by a reviewer or HQ staff it cannot be unarchived.

You can read more about that here - (click link)

Regards

Ed
Professor Xavier - Volunteer UK Reviewer
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Hidden : 4/17/2016
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Formonthills is a young woodland with lots to offer.  A total of 80,000 trees have been planted with the help of the local community, with wildflower meadows, wetland areas, abundant wildlife, several circular walks, and a commanding position offering spectacular views.  Don't forget to look out for sculptures along the way.  A mix of hard path and grass tracks take you on an exploration of this hillside with excellent views.




Knapweed is often mistaken as scottish thistle and you can certainly see why. Ok so it is smaller and doesn't have those jaggy leaves and stems, but the colour and shape is definitely a striking resemblance.

This wild flower(sometimes called Hardheads or black Knapweed) Centaurea nigra is one of our toughest meadow plants with its wire-like stems as it grows amongst the long grass. A good source of nectar for insect life and a great provider of seeds for birds.

Although thistle-like, common knapweed can be identified by its slightly spherical black/brown flower head, growing alone, topped with an inflorescence of purple, pink or (more rarely) white. The bracts are triangular in shape. Its leaves are linear to lance-like in shape with incomplete lobes. Greater knapweed - a close relation - is similar but its flowers are more garish and oppulant and its leaves are fully lobed.

This lovely wild flower can be found throughout Britain. Knapweed can be found widely in meadows and other grassland habitats including uncut road verges.

In flower, June to September. Foklore states that in days gone by eligible young women would put a plucked knapweed flower in their blouse close to their heart. When as-yet unopened florets began to bloom it would tell her the man of her dreams was near.


I found a ball of grass among the hay (1832)
John Clare

I found a ball of grass among the hay
And progged it as I passed and went away;
And when I looked I fancied something stirred,
And turned again and hoped to catch the bird—
When out an old mouse bolted in the wheats
With all her young ones hanging at her teats;
She looked so odd and so grotesque to me,
I ran and wondered what the thing could be,
And pushed the Knapweed bunches where I stood;
Then the mouse hurried from the craking brood.
The young ones squeaked, and as I went away
She found her nest again among the hay.
The water o’er the pebbles scarce could run
And broad old cesspools glittered in the sun.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

UVAG; ybpx a ybpx obk ol obhyqre haqre jbbq ARJ PNPURE UVAG; nyjnlf unaql pneelvat fcner cncre vapnfr gur ybt obbx vf shyy be jrg. nyfb unaql sbe jbexvat bhg gubfr zhygv pnpurf.

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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