GC822DK SDGT Wildlife Reserve Management @ Graffham No.3 (Cache In Trash Out Event) in South East England, United Kingdom created by SouthDownsNPA

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GC822DK ▼

A cache by SouthDownsNPA Message this owner

Hidden : Sunday, February 24, 2019

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

Volunteer with a friendly group for some fresh air and exercise.

Why: To preserve and re-establish areas of woodland on the downs. Helping to increase the varieties of wildflowers, butterflies and moths (including the rare Pearl Bordered Fritillary and Drab Looper) and the endangered Hazel Dormice.

Where: Graffham Down, near Midhurst

When: Sunday 24 February 2019, 09:45-14:00

This event is a part of the South Downs GeoTour. Attending this event will help you complete your GeoTour Passport and help to support the conservation of the National Park. Don't forget to bring your GeoTour Passport.

What is it all about?

The challenge is to clear the rides to help both improve public access and habitats. The work will involve cutting back small trees, gathering and burning pre cleared areas close to the South Downs Way. The task is hugely important, clearance work allows sunlight to penetrate through the canopy and reach the field layer, which provides the necessary conditions for growth of wildflowers, herbs and grasses which create food and habitat for a variety of butterflies and invertebrates. Without clearance work, the tree canopy and shrub layer would stop sunlight reaching the ground. Clearing the tracks will encourage more visitors to the site, inviting them to step off the South Downs Way for a few moments to explore the sights, some nearby geocaches and a spectacular view north to Black Down (the highest point in the South Downs National Park and a hiding place for one of our #SDGeoTour geocaches!)

There will be moderate physical effort and bending and lifting involved, so here’s a great opportunity to get outdoors, meet new people and help conserve your local patch.

What do I need?

No specific skills are required just enthusiasm for the task and a willingness to work with others - it’s a team effort and we want you to have fun! You will be joining the Graffham Down Trust and the South Downs National Park Authority in helping to conserve your local area whilst meeting new people and enjoying a day out too.

You will need to bring old clothes, sturdy footwear (preferably steel toe-capped), waterproofs or sun protection depending on the weather, plenty of drinking water and packed lunches. We will meet in Graffham Village, next to the church (grid ref. SU 928 167) at 9:45am, there will be Land Rovers to take you up to the site. Alternatively, you could meet us on site (grid ref. SU 920 162) at 10am. It’s 3 miles from the bus stop and car park at Cocking Hill, check the waypoints for details. Please note, there are no toilets or facilities at the CITO.

Limited tea, coffee and cake will be provided at break time.

Please write a note to log how many people can attend.

If you need any more information please contact geocaching@southdowns.gov.uk or call Jonathan on 01730 819287. On the day you can reach Chloë on 07387 109656 or Jim on 07718 559675.

Risk Assessment

• Follow instructions from the task leaders
• If you are unsure or not confident about using certain hand tools, ask the task leader for instructions
• Keep tools stored safely and tidily when not using them, when putting them on the ground, make sure they are visible and do not create a hidden trip hazard
• Work slowly and carefully to avoid slips, trips and falls on the uneven ground
• Make sure you are wearing gloves and appropriate clothing (i.e. long sleeves) to protect you from cuts and stings when handling vegetation
• Avoid working alone and always tell somebody which area you are working in, stay within sight of the group
• Work carefully around the fire and follow instructions from the task leader
• Do not try to carry heavy or awkward loads, use a wheelbarrow, ask for help or leave the item where it is
• Be aware that this is a public site and keep an eye out for walkers, dogs, etc.
• Make sure to report any near misses or accidents to the task leader. The task leader is also able to administer First Aid

More information

Graffham Down Wildlife Reserves

The Site lies on chalk and, therefore, within the grassland it supports a good range of chalk-loving plants including orchids, eyebright, hemp agrimony, vetches, treffoils and herbs. A thin layer of acidic soil, over the chalk in small patches, supports a limited chalk heath community with wood sage, ling (heather), broom and gorse. Of special note is the presence of columbine (the wild form of Aquilegia), a plant only occasionally found on chalk in woodland. The scrub is varied too - you will find spindle, buckthorn, wild roses and honeysuckle. This plant community supports a wonderful array of butterflies.
(visit link)

Public Transport: Nearest bus stop: Cocking, South Downs Way (next to Cocking Hill Car Park)

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