Lactodorum

Okey Dokey

Micro Whether we like it or not we have to try to apply the current guidelines and they are definitely "down" on Virtuals except in exceptional circumstances. An interesting plaque is definitely not an area where a virtual will be listed (Note to SP: See, I managed to avoid the "A" word ) Personal preference doesn't come into it (unfortunately ) when Reviewing (no "A" word again!)

Tell you what. If you can organise a whip round to pay my travel and accommodation expenses I might even do that.

Yes, right! And perhaps Eckington and I should personally visit every cache as part of the review process. I am well aware of the rule about holiday caches, and in this case (as in the case of every other apparent holiday cache that gets approved) the placer had made arrangements for a local cacher to maintain and look after it. Often these arrangements are made known to us in Reviewers' Notes which are removed as part of the approval process. If a cache is in the wrong place, due possibly to a wrong datum being used, the first couple of DNF's will sort it out. In the case of GB caches, I can pinpoint a cache using Memory Map software and can generally spot such a mistake and in these cases I e-mail the placer before releasing it. Unfortunately these maps do not cover Ireland and I have to rely on much more sketchy data. All users are contactable by e-mail through their profile. I will not pass comment on your other suggestions.

Normally cache advertising isn't allowed in the forums but as moderator of this one I'm making an exception for myself I've been in contact with head of the Countryside Management division of the Cheshire County Council who has himself placed 3 new caches as part of Step Into Cheshire, an event on the 18/19th September designed to encourage people into the Cheshire countryside. The caches are here, here and here. Not only that, but he has agreed that subject to the usual requirement for Eckington and I to run caches past them first, general permission has been granted to place caches on Cheshire County Council land. I quote from his e-mail to me: and I couldn't have put it better myself! So get out there and support this event and enjoy caching in Cheshire. Hopefully sometime in the future local geocachers can get together with Cheshire CC to organise a full blown geocaching event. I know there's support from the council side.

Ah memories!! I did this blighter (well my "friend" did ) almost a year ago and I can still remember it well. What with the scramble up to the cache site and the trek back up to Monsal Head, it nearly killed me!! I see the owner lives in Australia so it's as well it doesn't need too much maintenance. Of course I could never approve it these days

What HH said! If it's a commercial enterprise (i.e. not charitable) and you HAVE to pay to get in, the cache shouldn't be allowed. If it's a charity then we can be a lot more flexible. Many so called private estates have public footpaths running through them so you can get in for free. Assuming permission has been granted by the landowner caches are likely to be allowed there.

I've had a quick look for any nearby multi's that have been archived but can't see anything likely. The nearest ones are both over 2 miles away.

Good point

I'm having trouble as well. I've asked the reviewing community for their comments. If I learn anything useful I'll pass it on.

You'll be gratified to know that reviewers from around the world are reporting similar problems Fortunately I was able to clear the queue this morning before it all collapsed

There's already a well established UK Database that is in regular use. It is extremely popular with UK cachers. It was developed to fill just such a gap in the GC.COM site.

E-mail contact established!

As it's very early days with this new development and proper communications have still to be established I have little extra information to share (if any!). I don't yet have an exact picture of the extent of the area covered but I do know that the New Forest is NOT covered by the agreement. I will not be pushing for other areas to be included (e.g. Scotland) until we have proved this particular arrangement is working, so patience is still required by all. As for the sprawling forests of the South East being invaded by tupperware toting hordes this weekend (what a picture that conjures up ) I would advise against it. There's already a bit of a backlog in the "queue" that Eckington and I will be working on before considering any new ones. As I said - a little bit of patience please.

After lengthy negotiations I have reached an agreement with The Forestry Commission, South East England District whereby for an initial trial period of 1 year, they will allow geocaching to take place in their forests. This is subject to certain conditions which are basically those already agreed with the North Wales district but with the addition that no caches will be allowed in leasehold woods, SSSI’s or SAM sites. You will realise that these conditions will have little practical restriction on cache placement as they already form part of our own guidelines. There are certain practical things to work out with the cache review/listing procedure but they are for Eckington and I to sort out. The only impact on cache placers will be that the review process may take a little longer than usual. During the trial period they will be assessing the impact geocaching has on the environment and forestry operations and will gain a better understanding of how it all works in practice. This is excellent news and my thanks go to everyone who has contributed to getting this agreement. I would also like to thank the Forestry Commission people for the positive way they have worked with us and I trust the trial will prove so successful that they will be able to make the arrangement permanent. Finally I would urge you NOT to start flooding us with caches on FC land until we have got things working smoothly!!

This sounds very much like "lack of maintenance" and the cache should be looked at with a view to getting it archived. You could post a "Should be archived" note which will eventually find its way to me. Alternatively just send me the details and I'll check it out.

Unfortunately I'm getting the error while reviewing caches so I'm afraid any caches in the review queue will take longer than usual before I can get to them. Sorry if you have to wait

Drop me an e-mail with links to the relevant caches and I'll get the transfer sorted.

Unfortunately the link hasn't worked for some time (ever since Streetmap changed their service). I guess the code needs re-doing.

Which is the precise reason why "Holiday" caches are not allowed any longer unless arrangements have been made for someone else to maintain the cache. As for the "Sewing Box" I'd have no problem with you taking it over. As you say you visit the area regularly that is good enough for me. Drop me an e-mail with the details and I'll get it sorted.

In principle I don't have a problem. In fact it's already been done. Let me have the details and we'll get it sorted. Peter

Now we don't normally allow cache advertising here but I'd just like to stop any nasty rumours that either Eckington or I had anything to do with "approving" this one We also generally aim for a faster "delivery" time than 48 hours ! Many congratulations and when will her FF (first find) be? Could be a new record for Deego to note - UK's youngest geocacher Well done

Buried? In a wall? I would never approve it.......

You raise a very valid point HH As well as the normal GC.COM guidelines that every cache submitter knows by heart , when Eckington and I are reviewing caches we bear in mind the following guidelines developed by GAGB. I stress that these are only guidelines and we are not bound by them. However they do represent good common sense and anybody complying with them are unlikely to have trouble getting their caches listed. Hope this helps.

It's apparent that many people are unaware of the considerations that Eckington and I take into account when reviewing caches for listing. As well as the normal GC.COM guidelines and the requirements of certain Forestry Commission areas (both mentioned in other topics pinned to the top of this forum) I thought it would be useful to mention the guidelines developed by GAGB (the Geocaching Association of Great Britain). I quote from the GAGB website.: These guidelines have been written for several purposes: as a set of suggested guidelines for presentation to landowners as a starting point for those landowners who wish to add their own "local" guidelines as a "best practice" for those placing / seeking caches The GAGB Guidelines: Ensure the cache container is clearly marked, stating that the content is harmless and giving the placers e-mail address or other contact method (eg GAGB contact phone number) Only items that would be deemed safe and acceptable for an unaccompanied child to find should be placed in a cache. No cache should be placed in such a way as to risk damage or disturbance to any Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) When placing a cache, the onus is on the placer to seek the permission of the landowner. Caches should be placed in a way that they will not be accidentally found by non-geocachers. No items of food or drink of any kind should be placed in the cache. Caches should not be buried. Holes should not be dug in order to place a cache. Caches should not be hidden in animal holes or runs. Cache containers should not be placed inside a polythene bag. Fences should never be crossed (other than through a gate or by a stile) when placing or seeking a cache. No caches should be of a commercial nature, either in location or content. Maintenance of the cache is the responsibility of the placer. When leaving the cache site, after hiding or placing a cache, there should be no visual sign of disturbance. No cache should be placed in or on a dry stone wall. Please do not bring geocaching into disrepute, never drive your car anywhere other than on the highways and byways, and always park legally.