Geocaching Policy
What is Geocaching (pronounced geo-khash-ing)?
Geocaching is a relatively new pastime which can involve whole families. A Geocacher goes to a location which has usually some special interest or beauty. At the location they hide a small waterproof box containing a few varied bits and pieces (of little value) a logbook and a pen or pencil. Using their GPS receiver, the cacher records the coordinates of their cache and returns home to log its existence onto a website. Another cacher will see the listing about the cache, enter the coordinates into their GPS receiver and go in search of it. When they find it the finder takes something from the cache and leaves something in return, and for posterity enters a log into the logbook. When the seeker returns home, he/she should log onto the website where they found the cache and pass on any comments they wish. These logs are important to the cache hider as it is part of their "reward" for hiding the cache. Of course in order to keep the game going, the seekers must also hide some caches too.
Bracknell Town Council’s approach
Whilst Bracknell Town Council recognises the value of Geocaching as a means of encouraging people to exercise and enjoy the natural beauty of their surroundings it is important that the pastime does not impinge on other uses of the Council’s recreation areas or create a danger to the public. The safety of wildlife and maintenance of the natural habitat is also a primary consideration. This policy is published in order to ensure that the activity can progress in harmony with the many other interests and legal constraints involved in the management of the Councils recreation areas.
Policy
• No caches may be placed on Bracknell Town Council managed land without the permission of the Recreational Facilities Manager.
• The Recreational Facilities Manager has the right to refuse both the proposed location and the type of container to be used.
• The Town Council reserves the right to remove unauthorised caches.
Guidelines for placing caches
• Geocachers must comply with all Bracknell Town Council guidelines and notices
• Geocachers must not cause any damage to trees
• Geocachers must not do anything which might cause a fire
• Geocaches must not be placed close to water where adverse weather may lead to them being inaccessible without entering the water
• For reasons of safety and security Bracknell Town Council discourage geocaching on their land during the hours of darkness.
• All caches must be placed in line with the Geocaching Association of Great Britain - GAGB Guidelines which follow:
 Cache containers must be clearly marked stating that the contents are harmless and giving the placers e-mail address or other contact method (e.g. GAGB contact phone number 07092 040 416).
 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 always park legally.
Procedure

If having read this policy and guidelines you wish to place a cache on land managed by Bracknell Town Council you should contact the Recreational Facilities Manager on 01344 420079 or enquiries@bracknelltowncouncil.gov.uk or
Brooke House
54 High Street
Bracknell RG12 1LL