This cache is located within Hatfield Forest, the last remaining Royal Medieval Hunting Forest in England. Part of a series of caches on National Trust land at Hatfield Forest, Essex the geocache trail at National Trust Hatfield Forest is an ideal way for people to explore and engage with this beautiful and historic forest.
The geocaches are hidden within the forest and are accessible from dawn til dusk during our summer season - see ‘Hatfield Forest - Every Step Counts’ below for more information.
Join the Trail to explore the forest and imagine how the forest has changed during its history.
Each geocache contains a log book for you to leave your name and comments, as well as some information on the immediate surroundings in the forest. The geocaches may be camouflaged with leaves and twigs, so please replace these when you have finished each one so that other people can enjoy the treasure hunt.
Good luck geocaching, have fun and tell us what you think in the log books or at www.geocaching.com
HATFIELD FOREST - EVERY STEP COUNTS
At Hatfield Forest, we currently welcome half a million visitors every year – that’s twice as many as ten years ago and a lot of footsteps on muddy paths! Winter provides a particular challenge in Hatfield Forest. The ground is mostly clay, so becomes very easily waterlogged. The paths become very muddy and the ground is easily damaged by lots of people walking over it. This is all very bad news for the Forest, as it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve. To manage damage to the paths we have to close some of them to let them recover. As part of this process we have decided to remove all our caches during the winter months.
Things to be aware of when setting out to find our geocaches:
1. The forest has uneven ground that may be muddy and slippery in wet weather. Wellies or walking boots are recommended!
2. As with any woodland area, there are lots of roots, fallen branches and other trip hazards – so watch where you put your feet.
3. Where you see a ring of posts or sticks around the bottom of a tree, please stay outside of these. Many of our trees are old and need their space! Lots of feet compacting the ground makes it difficult for the roots to do their job. Please give these magnificent ancient trees room by staying outside of any circles of posts or sticks.
4. Keep an eye on young children, especially close to water. Take care crossing stiles and look out for sections of barbed wire along the fence line.
5. Be aware of stinging nettles, brambles and holly (for your own comfort!) and tread carefully around delicate woodland flowers.
6. There are deer in the forest that roam freely. These graceful creatures are very shy but if you’re eagle-eyed you might spot them deep amongst the trees. Please close all gates behind you.
7. Free parking is available at Hatfield Forest for National Trust Members. A parking charge is payable for non members. Please do not park on the roads or paths as this blocks the way for other traffic.
8. Toilets and refreshments are available on site – please see the National Trust website for seasonal opening times.