Orienteering and geocaching
Orienteering and geocaching are outdoor activities that allow people to explore their local area whilst having fun.
You can take part in orienteering or geocaching anywhere including forests, parks and town centres.
Orienteering
Three Brooks nature reserve trail
We have an orienteering trail around the Three Brooks nature reserve in Bradley Stoke.
The nature trail includes different habitats such as woodland, wetland, grassland, an orchard and hedgerows.
The trail is way-marked using oak posts. These have a number and a steel plaque with a picture of an animal or plant that can be found within the reserve.
Complete the trail
We have free resources to download which include:
- trail map and leaflet about the routes
- rubbing sheets to collect wildlife picture rubbings from each marker post
- information for teachers and group leaders
- a risk assessment guide for anyone bringing groups
You can also buy orienteering packs for individuals, families and groups from Bradley Stoke Library. Check opening hours before planning your visit.
The family and individual pack is £1 and includes:
- an orienteering map
- nature trail rubbing sheets x5
- crayon x1
The group pack is £10 and includes:
- orienteering maps x25
- nature trail rubbing sheets x24
- information for teachers and group leaders
- crayons x24
Warmley Forest Park trail
We have an orienteering trail around Warmley Forest Park and Siston Common in Warmley. It has 5 different courses of varying challenge levels.
The nature trail includes different habitats such as woodland, wetland, grassland and hedgerows.
The trail is way-marked and includes steel plaques with pictures of an animal or plant that can be found within the forest park.
Complete the trail
The trail distances range from 0.6km to 3.2km. You can also create your own routes using the teacher and group leader notes and maps.
We have free resources to download which include:
- trail map
- information for teachers and group leaders
- risk assessment
- rubbings sheets to collect rubbing of the wildlife pictures from each marker post
- post location descriptors
Geocaching
Geocaching is a treasure hunt using GPS. You can use a GPS device or phone to find hidden containers called caches all over the world.
There are thousands of caches across South Gloucestershire and finding them can make a day out in the countryside more fun with all members of the family.
You can find out more on the geocaching website.
Hiding a geocache on our land
You can also create your own geocache. There are hiding guidelines that have useful information about locations and containers.
Make sure you register your geocache and your contact details along with the geocache coordinates, name, type and details of how to access it.
If your location is in one of our nature reserves or open spaces we may consult friends or conservation groups that manage the site before consenting to your geocache.
Our guidelines
If you want to put a geocache on land owned by us you need to follow these guidelines:
- make sure the container is clearly marked with your contact details and a notice that says the content is harmless
- make sure that the cache does not damage or disturb special sites or monuments
- do not include food or drink
- do not include flammable objects such as lighters and matches
- do not bury your cache or hide it in an animal hole
- make sure trees, walls or fences are not damaged
- make sure there is no visual sign of disturbance once you have hidden the cache
Permission may be withdrawn if these guidelines are not followed.