We are often told (correctly, if somewhat ideologically), that geocaches should take us to somewhere "interesting", and not simply be placed just for the sake of it. My way of helping to adhere to this ideal is to base a cache around details given on an Information Board, plaque or similar feature about the area in which it is situated, or the person / building / location it describes. By definition, it is hoped that this information will be "interesting", and will help the cacher discover things that would often not be revealed by a traditional cache.
Jobs Close Nature Reserve was designated in 2004 and includes a pond and Arboretum which originally stood in the grounds of Jobs Close House. It is a small but lovely remnant of Knowle's history. This nature reserve has a wealth of hidden treasures in flowers, trees and wildlife with the occasional sighting of a spotted orchid. Purnells Brook runs through the park and history says this was a Saxon boundary brook.
The cache can be found at N52 23.ABC W001 44.DEF where
At the headline coordinates there is a board with information about Grassland Butterflies
Number of white spots in the black spots on the wing of the Gatekeeper = A
Small copper caterpillars feed on ... number of letters = B
The number of species of skipper, divide your answer by 3= C
Now go to N52 23.321 W001 44.636 to learn about butterflies who like brambles (and maybe pick some blackberries in the Summer)
How many species are named and pictured on this board? = D
The butterfly in bottom left corner of the sign. Number of letters = E
Now go to N52 23.299 W001 44.623 to learn about more butterflies
For how many months does the orange tip fly according to the board? Number of letters in your answer = F
The cache container is a short stroll away.
I hope that you find this an interesting variation on the caching experience. For a full list of all FYI caches in the series, please go to (visit link)
Do you know of any interesting / informative Information Boards? (I'm sure you do!). If you'd like to contribute to the continued expansion of the FYI series, please contact the CO and Series Owner, Airtomoreira, either via the Geocaching website, or at fyigeocaching@outlook.com for a series number, and some general guidelines on placement and the cache description page.