These are the details of the new land owner’s agreement negotiated with both the DNPA and our Groundspeak reviewers. The covering paragraph in italics is the most important one from the reviewers’ point of view as it enables them to publish caches within SSSI’s without specific permission for each cache and this has been the main stumbling block throughout.
The DNPA guidelines are very similar to the old letterboxing ones and we should have no problems with them. I asked them to add the dry stone wall rule as I have seen far too many damaged by caches. However, damage is likely with caches placed near to a wall, so these should also be avoided or a very clear statement made in the description to say that the cache is not in the wall.
Please refer to the Geocaching Guidelines on the DNPA website (included below). Please note that caches placed on common land within the National Park are permitted within SSSI areas without specific permission being required. Dartmoor is home to a range of important species of ground-nesting birds and caches must be positioned so as not to disturb sensitive wildlife or placed within archaeological sites. Caches placed on CROW access land may require landowner permission and you are advised to check with DNPA.
Geocaching Guidelines for Dartmoor:
- Geocaches may be placed on land where there is public access but not on the new access land that became available under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, unless you have the landowner’s permission.
- Geocaches should be placed away from archaeologically and ecologically sensitive sites.
- Ensure the cache container is clearly marked, stating that the content is harmless and giving the placer’s email address or other contact method. Only items that would be deemed safe and acceptable for an unaccompanied child to find should be placed in the cache.
- No cache may be placed in such a way as to risk damage or disturbance to a Scheduled Monument.
- No items of food or drink of any kind should be placed in the cache.
- Caches must not be buried, and holes must not be dug in order to place a cache.
- Please do not place caches within dry stone walls.
- Caches must not be hidden in animal holes or runs.
- Cache containers must not be placed inside a polythene bag. Grazing animals have been known to die after eating discarded polythene.
- Fences, walls and hedges should never be crossed (other than using a gate or stile) when placing or hunting for 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 a cache, there must be no visual sign of disturbance.
- Please do not bring geocaching into disrepute, never drive your car anywhere other than on public roads and always park legally.
- Always go properly equipped for the terrain and weather conditions, and follow normal practice for safety in the outdoors.
Dartmoor National Park Authority cannot accept any legal liability for any loss or injury suffered whilst you are engaged in geocaching.
Please leave any comments under the New Land Owner’s Agreement topic and not here
