Fourth of Four is one of a series of 4 caches located in lovely examples of Surrey heathland. All four cover a 3 mile route which can be done on foot or by car or a combination of both.
This location is a Local Nature Reserve known as Bisley & West End Commons. The area covers 20 hectare and is a fine example of lowland heathland which enhances the connectivity of habitat that the local wildlife depends on. Depending on when you visit, your walk may be accompanied by the sound of gun firing from the ranges, and every now and again you come across a run of incongruous razor wire, erected to keep people out of the danger area and contain the herd of red deer. As you wander along winding, uneven tracks that are often damp even in dry weather, you come across patches of woodland, including mature Scots pine, oak and holly, along with old hazel coppice stools. Reptiles are common here and there is evidence of foxes and roe deer. The birds don’t seem to notice the background noise and you are likely to see and hear a wide variety of common species, such as the linnet, whitethroat, stonechat, lesser spotted woodpecker, garden warbler and skylark. In summer you will also see many butterfly species, including grayling and white admiral.
The path the cache is located on runs alongside HM Prison Coldingley. Opened in 1969 as a category B prison, it is now a category C men’s prison with a focus on resettlement, preparing inmates for life outside the prison system and has a capacity of 513.
Bisley & West End Commons are owned by Surrey County Council and Managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust. This cache has been placed by kind permission from the Land Management Advisor for Natural England and the Estate Co-ordinator for Surrey Wildlife Trust.
The area is adjacent to MOD land which will have a fence, byelaw sign and warning signs at all entrances which should ensure you do not stray into any potentially dangerous areas. However, live firing may have taken place in the past so please do not touch or pick up any metal objects.
Unfortunately, the area is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. There are ground nesting birds in the area so dogs must be kept under effective control and out of vegetation. Parking is available at the prison.
The cache is located within the multi trunk tangle of the little tree with catkins. You are looking for a camouflage bag with a box inside.
You may exchange any of the items in the cache, except for the turtle (or the logbook or pen!). This cache might have enough space for a small travel bug to rest between journeys