This is my second Geocache designed and located to encourage you to discover the areas neaby.
Claybrookes Marsh is SSSI status saving it from destruction and described as one of the most important areas for rare invertebrates in the county. And Brandon woods to the east of the A46 is a huge ancient woodland worth exploring, both areas offer many different wildlife habitats.
I have been visiting these areas for over a decade now and have seen it change over the years and through the seasons. Its been my Wildlife classroom. On almost every visit I've encountered something new and I've had to discover what it was. For example and most recently a St Marks fly and a Bombyliidae (Beefly)
If you park at Oak Tree Road you will have an enjoyable walk through the Claybrookes Marsh (SSSI) Go through the large metal gates and turn left onto the first visable path you see, which goes up a slighht bump. You will see the Silt Lagoons and the Reedbeds. Follow the path in the rough direction of the GZ keeping to the path, and the trail will take you right under the A46, then onto the GZ.
On the way back I encourage you to explore and enjoy more and see if you can find the Reedbed Walkway. There should be another GC nearby worth looking for perhaps?
Also I discovered why they changed the name from Herald Way Marsh to Claybrookes Marsh, see if you can find out too? you might need to search online for the answer
You will need wellies if its been raining and be careful as it can flood in the wetland habitats.
The area where the GC is located in is called The Bogs on some maps and I know little about, I haven't really fully explored the area just yet (I'm working on it). But I discovered a nice location for the Geocache, here you can rest and take a seat and listen to the wildlife.... then maybe get disturbed by something very loud and fast thath might make you jump!
Brandon Marsh is a huge ancient woodland covering 178 acres, so plently of space to discover and get lost in. I've spotted many a Muntjac Deer here. Also mentioned in the Doomsday Book as woodland in 1086 and is a designated Planted Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS). Theres a dedicated friends of Brandon website worth looking at and learning more.
Tweezers maybe required for this one and bring your own pen.
On very few occasions I heard motorbikes in the area, so be careful and on your guard.
Good Luck and enjoy.
congratulations to Ordos for thr FTF!!