Getting there
The cache is an A5ish click-lock box in a camo bag, the best route to find it is from the Veteran Trees cache or from Bakethin Nature Reserve Car Park, past the sewage works (this is a great food source for insects and birds!).
The route is surfaced except for the last 10-20m, and if coming from the north there are a few steps down through the wood.
Woodland Edge
This cache is at the edge of the Bakethin Nature Reserve at the head of Kielder Water and overlooks the River North Tyne where it feeds into the reservoir. There is ancient semi-natural woodland along the riverbank, which graduates into scrubby native woodland as it goes up the hill, eventually reaching the edge of the commercial conifer plantations. This gives a mix of species at different ages providing food and homes for a wide variety of animals. Large rocks on the sunny bank are popular basking spots for adders (so keep dogs and kids on a short lead here and do not approach adders) and other reptiles. The older trees along the river are home to bats, which feed on Kielder’s prolific midges particularly at dusk. The shorter, bushy trees are great nesting sites for songbirds in the spring, and their berries feed flocks of thrushes in the autumn. Red squirrels build their dreys around the upper trunks of the conifers and the remains of pinecones they have chewed to eat the seeds can be found on the forest floor.
There is also the sewage treatment works in this area, which make sure that the water leaving Kielder village is clean before it enters the river and reservoir. There are many natural micro-organisms and insects in the circular tanks which are part of this process, and they are an excellent and reliable food source for wildlife, even in the depth of winter.
Kielder has the darkest skies in England, and on a clear night this can be a good spot to see the universe appear in the southern sky before you.
Find out more at www.visitkielder.com
Living Wild Geocaches
This cache is one of a series placed as part of Kielder’s Heritage Lottery funded Living Wild project to help people discover some of the special wildlife, habitats and history of Kielder Water & Forest Park. These places are recommended by the people in the know - the rangers and volunteers - and let you find some of their favourite places for yourself.
Please visit www.visitkielder.com for more information and events.
Local information
Expect NO mobile phone signal at Kielder. Anything you do get is a bonus!
You may be able to get WiFi at the trailhead and in Kielder village.
Check the weather reports for Kielder as the weather can be more extreme than elsewhere. Dress appropriately and bring supplies.
Between mid-May and late-September, effective insect repellent is heartily recommended!
During the winter (roughly October to February half terms) Kielder can be very quiet indeed and you should ring ahead to check whether pubs, visitor centres, cafes, shops etc. will be open if you plan to use them. In an emergency, there is usually someone at Kielder Waterside Park.