Didcot GeoCache Series
After our recently placed GeoCache Series at Great Western Park (GWP) (cache #1-11, 14, 17-19, 30-32, 35, 38), Didcot (cache #12-13, 15-16, 20-25, 29, 33-34, 41-42, 44), Harwell (cache #26, 36-37, 43), Chilton (cache #27-28), Sutton Courtenay (cache #39) and Milton (cache #40), we decide to place a few more caches in other parts of Didcot and surrounding villages, in order to honour local heros, and to reflect our rich local history, stories and heritage. We hope you will enjoy these new caches and may also learn something when you are caching, thank you!
Didcot #45 - Ladygrove Powerlines
Photo by Jonathan Rawle
The Ladygrove powerlines are high-voltage electricity transmission lines and associated pylons that run through the Ladygrove housing estate in Didcot, Oxfordshire.
Key Details
Location: The power lines cross the Ladygrove estate, a residential area home to around 7,000 people, radiating from the former Didcot Power Station site.
Local Action: In March 2021, South Oxfordshire District Council agreed to a motion to work with partners to explore the possibility of moving these and other high-voltage power lines underground, with a long-term goal of achieving this by 2050.
Health and Safety: The presence of the power lines has previously raised public concerns about potential health risks, particularly a possible link between electromagnetic fields (EMF) and childhood leukaemia, a topic explored in various studies. Health bodies state that EMF levels from overhead lines in the UK are below exposure limits and decrease rapidly with distance, with no conclusively demonstrated health risks from living nearby.
In a notable 2003 incident, a fence around the Ladygrove Lakes had to be earthed after it was found to be receiving an electric charge from the overhead lines, causing static shocks to people, including children on bikes.
Despite the historical concerns, the Ladygrove estate has been noted in the past for having one of the highest life expectancies of any council ward in England and Wales.
About this GeoCache:
This cache is a bison tube and hanging about 6 feet high on a tree off a footpath, which goes towards the greenland where the powerlines passing through overhead. Please be safe and careful, especially when visiting with GeoKids and/or GeoPets. Please expect muggles at most times of the day.
Please also respect the local residents when searching for the cache. You do not need to cross any fence or enter any private land.
Please also note:
Please bring your own pen, and open & close the cache lid carefully so the cache and log book can survive longer. You might need a tweezer to help retrieve the log paper.
Please also replace exactly as found due to obvious reason, and please be careful with the possible thorns, stinging nettles, and overhead tree branches! Long sleeves, trousers, and gloves are recommended.
You do not need to cross any fence or enter any private land.
Thank you and enjoy GeoCaching!
FTF: Congratulations to rosela, muddy legs and Mad H@ter for their Joint FTF on 23 December 2025!
