becca&dan

I've just read the logs we left. They were filled in by Becca, who's the more tolerent half on the partnership :-). Maybe they could have been a bit more contructive. After reading through the posts here I think we'll send out a mail to the owner for some of the caches suggesting some improvements to the wording and suggesting some alterations to the hides/ locations. As for the other caches I think we'll put in a formal email to the moderators to get this checked out - as the locations are quite good, but break the rules on several counts. Interestingly as well as only one logged find they also have a huge number of owned travel bugs -odd

We recently did a number of caches set by a fellow cacher, they were...er..interesting to say the least. The cache info was riddled with spelling mistakes and often made no sense. The cache titles and clues bore very little relevance and to the actual cache. Some of the cache hiding locations cut it very finely towards vandalism and the locations left a lot to be desired - defiantly not attractive spots. The guy obviously has a lot of enthusiasm and we shouldn't knock him for it. But after a day fighting through random caches we began to resent him a bit and looking at the logs it seems we aren't the only ones that feel that way. Although I suppose everyone wants something different from caching is there any course of action that could/should be taken?

If there are to be new tags what will happen to the old ones? I have only just started out setting caches and TB and have brought 6 TB's. Of this 6 I have only set one off so far. Someone suggested that the old TB's should have a sticker put over them to update them to the new design. I HATE THIS IDEA. sorry! I think it would ruin the look of the TB and end up sticky and horrid. I think the new design is cool, but don't ruin the TB's in the name of progress. Thanks, Becca

Don't worry minstrelcat you're not alone any more. There another two kent cachers online now and slowly working our way thorugh the forums. Mind you beccas still mighty anoyed her shoes got a bit muddy on the lose youself in loose cache - serves her right for not bringing her boots mind. Dan

Yes is was a dramatic post by me - but I’m only trying to make everyone aware that there is a potential problem and it's up to the whole caching community to act responsibly. At present I am only aware of BBOWT (Banbury, Buckinghamshire and Oxford Trust) having banned caches from their land - I’m not sure that many other Trusts have yet become aware of Geocaching or any caches on their land (I’m guessing it’s only a matter of time however). I am also aware of the way that Trusts can sometimes operate and there is need to prove that caching is a valid activity, that it's participants can be trusted and that the Trusts themselves have something to gain from allowing it on their land I totally agree that communication is the key to successful caching on Trust (or any other property) and that this communication needs to work both ways. I'm hoping that Kent WT can set a bit of precedent for caching on it's land and act as an example for the other Trusts. If there are any cachers out there in Kent that would like to get in touch with me directly to discuss this in more my email is dan@kentwildlife.org.uk. Thanks for bringing the link to my attention Mancunian Pyrocacher, V. usefull dan

Geojeeping could be a major problem for Geocachers as a whole. I work for one of the Wildlife Trusts and i am looking at placing caches on some of our reserves - i know of some really nice spots that will make perfect caches. However in researching the idea i have already come across some trusts that have problems with vechiles on their land as a result of caching (bearing in mind reserves often contain very rare and fragile habitats and wildlife). These Trusts have now decided to remove any caches they find. just the add to the problems the cache they had problems with was also buried, meaning big sections of reserve were regulary being dug up and there was no permission sought from the land owner at any time. If geojeepers stick to tracks where they have legal access then i can't see much of a problem but as soon as they go 'off road' or on non officail routes then they may find that all caches are banned from the land owners property. this could inculde Wildlife trusts, RSPB, Forestry Commision etc etc. As this organisations become more aware of caches on their land and of damage cuased they will also become more active in hunting them down and removing them - possibly even prosecuting people. Any comprisons to geojeeping in America are in my mind completly irelevent as the situtaions are completely different. a jeep won't cause much damage to a 3000 hectares site, but will cuase considerable damage to a 30 hectares site. Geocahcers need to be responbile for their actions in the countryside and work with organisations where possible to ensure this great sport continues to grow and be enjoyed by others - or you will caching becomes increasingly difficult.