The cache is large enough for trackables and swops. Depending on the time of year watch out for nettles or bramble. The cache is within the boundaries of the nature reserve.
Welcome to Horsbere
Horsbere Brook Flood Alleviation Scheme was built in response to the 2007 flooding to protect homes in Elmbridge and Longlevens. After completion in 2011, the site has been managed, since 2014, as a community nature reserve as a partnership between Gloucester City Council and the Environment Agency. A variety of successful wildlife enhancement projects have been achieved across the site through the tireless efforts of volunteers including the Friends of Horsbere Brook and the regular geocache CITO events. Tree planting projects include:
New hedgerows
The planting of over 2000 trees as new hedgerows to provide protective corridors for wildlife onsite, nesting sites, food sources for bees in the spring and birds and small mammals in the autumn. Some hedges have already been laid since planting this encourages new growth on the trees, increasing the hedge density and habitat value.
Orchard
Local varieties of pear trees which thrive in the clay soils onsite were planted in 2015 adjacent to the railway.
Hazel Copse
Over 750 common hazel and cobnuts were planted as a copse which will be managed by coppice rotation to provide a sustainable source of hedging materials (stakes and binders) for use in hedgerow restoration across the city.
Community Woodland
Over 3500 trees were planted thanks to funding from the woodland grant scheme and woodland trust. The woodland contains native species such as oak, birch, field maple, hawthorn and cherry and has been designed to encorporate paths and glades - ideal spots for picnicking and reflection as the woodland matures.
Queen's Platinum Jubilee Woodland
4652 tree were planted to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022. The trees were dedicated to the Queen's Green Canopy Project which commerates the jubilee by bringing people across the country together to 'Plant a tree for the Jubilee' as a legacy for future generations.
The trees were planted and are cared for by the Friends of Horsbere Brook, community volunteers and geocachers and Gloucester City Council for people and wildlife to enjoy.
Species include oak, silver birch, cherry, alder, hawthorn, blackthorn, rowan and crab apple. They provide blossom for visiting pollinators, nesting sites and a food source of berries for birds and small mammals. Paths through the Woodlands allow visitors to explore them too.
Enjoy the trains while you sign the log sheet - Heritage steam trains often pass by on this line!