Stan’s Patch Traditional Geocache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This cache takes geocachers from Nailsworth to the community of Rockness, some 46 houses which, historically, supplied labour for the land, mills and stone mines in the area. It’s a beautiful area with views across the valley, but what it didn’t have was a meeting place. So when the old orchard between Rockness and the Horsley Road came up for sale, with the proviso that its ownership stayed in the community, today’s residents leapt into action.
The Rockness Trust was formed in June 2008, and a successful application for a grant from Awards for All, part of the National Lottery, meant the land was bought in October of that year. Nearly two years on invasive trees have been removed, the site’s been landscaped, native hedgerows and trees have been planted and the community orchard is producing fruit and veg while providing a focus where residents can work together. The Patch is named after Stan Short, a previous owner who lived in or near Rockness all his life. It’s now reserved for wildlife, environmental and community use in his name - what a great idea! The south-facing land is worked by volunteer residents of all ages who grow vegetables and fruit, and who also welcome birds (there are plenty of bird boxes in place, including an owl box), bees and hedgehogs to their Patch. There are monthly work parties when it can busy with workers so the cache is placed just a short distance away. Access can be a bit steep depending which way you come, and parking in Rockness is ‘interesting’: you might be better off to leave the car in Nailsworth or on the road to Shortwood and hoof it up to Stan’s Patch. This cache is dedicated to Sly2's great-niece Phoebe Ella who's being christened today in Yorkshire :) Please make sure you return the cache as found.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Oruvaq naq ng gur onfr bs gur gerr ba gur evtug fvqr bs cngu nf ybbxvat qbjauvyy, nobhg gra cnprf cnfg gur fznyy tngr