Guidelines for setting up geocaches on council land
In order to place a geocache on council land you must apply for geocaching permission and follow our geocaching guidelines to ensure activities progress in harmony with the many other interests and legal constraints involved.
Geocaching guidelines
While there's public access through most land on foot, remember, no vehicle access is permitted off the public highway.
To place a geocache you must:
- obey all warning signs
- park sensibly, avoiding blocking entrances
- provide your contact details inside the cache container
- ensure the cache container is clearly marked, stating that the contents are harmless
- include only items deemed safe and acceptable for an unaccompanied child to find inside the cache
- retain responsibility for maintenance of the cache
- avoid damage to land and property; leave no signs of disturbance
- only cross fences and walls using a gate or stile
- protect our heritage; no cache may be placed in a way which risks damage or disturbance to any:
- Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
- Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM)
- Local Nature Reserve (LNR)
- other 'designated site'
- not hide caches in animal holes or runs
- be aware that caches may not be permitted in some specific locations, and may be limited in others (for example, Hob Moor which has ground nesting birds in specific areas)
To seek a geocache you must:
- avoid damage to fences and walls; cross only via a gate or stile
- leave no signs of disturbance to the cache site, the environment and wildlife
- park sensibly, avoiding blocking entrances; while there's public access through most land on foot, no vehicle access is permitted off the public highway
- obey all warning signs
- be aware that land management operations may temporarily close cache sites to avoid hazards to cachers (we can advise on the period of closure, and potential alternative cache locations if appropriate)
Geocaching events
The group proposing to organise a geocaching event must apply for permission, contact our Environment and Community Team in the first instance.
Permission for geocaching
When you apply for permission to place a geocache on council land, our Environment and Community Team will check the location and identify which Service Areas is responsible for the decision to grant or reject your proposal.
If your proposal is rejected, you may negotiate an alternative location with the Service Area.
We reserve the right to refuse or rescind permission for geocaching.
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