Calafate Cache Traditional Cache

This is an easily accessible geocache, in an area where invasive calafate plants are being controlled and monitored. Gecoachers are encouraged to help the Department of Agriculture keep track of invasive plants by recording and sending their positions to us. The cache is easy to find and the area gives good views of Stanley harbour and the racecourse.

This Geocache was placed by volunteers from Falklands Conservation's Watch Group. The children spent an afternoon mapping the position of invasive calafate plants to enable them to be sprayed and monitored by the Department of Agriculture.

The Geocache is situated behind Stanley Racecourse, and makes a nice stroll with views over the harbour. Geocachers are encouraged to log the position of any calafate plants and send the coordinates to biosecurity@doa.gov.fk to help us control spread of this invasive species.

There are calafate ID cards in the cache to enable geocachers to identify and subsequently record sightings of this prickly problem.

Calafate was introduced to the Falklands less than 100 years ago, but has spread rapidly and now covers thousands of acres of land. The thorny bush smothers native flora, and changes habitat structure. It has a major impact on agriculture as the thorns lodge in fleeces, injuring shearers and reducing wool value. Furthermore the spines injure sheep's mouths spreading a disease among sheep called orf. The spread of calafate is hastened by birds eating the berries and distributing the seeds.