The Emperor Penguin is the tallest and heaviest of all the penguins and is endemic to Antarctica. Its diet consists primarily of fish, krill, and squid. While hunting, the species can remain submerged up to 18 minutes, diving to depths of 535m (1755ft). In order to do this the Emporer Penguin has the ability to reduce its metabolism and shut down non-essential organ functions. The Emporer Penguin is the only penguin that breeds during the Antarctic winter, they trek 50–120Km over the ice to breeding colonies which contain several thousand individuals. The female lays a single egg, which is incubated for just over two months by the male while the female returns to the sea to feed; parents subsequently take turns foraging at sea and caring for their chick in the colony. The lifespan is typically 20 years in the wild, although observations suggest that some individuals may live to 50 years of age.
This is a series of caches that have been set around the footpaths of Badminston Common, an area of mixed heath and woodland, with the intention that they are found with what I hope will be helpful hints. You should not have to stray more that a few of feet from the footpath to reach each cache.
Some points to note, there maybe, from time to time livestock roaming/grazing in the area, be mindful of where they and you are and if you have a dog with you keep it under control, the same should be said of little cachers too!
Much of the eastern side of the common can become flooded after prolonged rain, although still walkable, wellies or good boots will be essential.
Nature has a nasty habit of pushing up stinging nettles and thorn bushes at the most inconvenient of places, usually where a cache was hidden earlier in the year. I haven't placed any of them deliberately so that you get stung/scratched, if this happens, blame Mother Nature!
Public transport is available as far as Blackfield, use BlueStar #9 and get off at Blackfield Crossroads. There are a number of shops/takeaways in the village if needed as well a garage for fuel.
The most important thing, have fun!
Happy caching!
Many thanks to Team Flynnie for the assistance in setting this series, your help has been invaluable.