The other
caches in this series are:
The common and woods can be quite muddy during the winter
months, and the tree cover may be a problem in the summer (please
let us know if nettles and the like pose a problem and we may move
the hides).
You may find the odd dog walker, horseback rider, cyclist and
nature loving type muggle on your travels, but they are few and far
between. There is also a herd of deer that frequent the woods –
keep an eye out and you may be lucky enough to see them.
Although the paths are clearly marked, some have fallen trees
across them which makes it difficult to pass with buggies or
wheelchairs – sorry.
As is usual for a cache series, there is a bonus cache at
the end, the clues for which are to be found in the caches in the
series. You will find a number and letter combination in each cache
that will point you in the direction of the bonus, so make a note
of them on your way round!
Latton Wood & Common
In days of yore, Latton was an ancient parish bounded east
by Harlow and west by Netteswell, and like Netteswell, it was a
long, narrow parish, extending south from the river Stort. The area
was mentioned in the Domesday Book, when it was noted that there
were 3 Manors using the land, one of which – the Bury St. Edmunds
manor, was using it for the raising of “4 'beasts', 50 swine, 30
sheep, and 25 goats”. No stock was listed on the other manors. The
Domesday swine pastures probably lay mainly on the southern
uplands, where there is still woodland and common (and now some
caches!). In the 17th & 18th centuries, there was a thriving
pottery business in the area – hence the nearby ‘Potter Street’,
but these businesses were decimated by the rise of the Midland
potteries in the 18th century. Today, the woods and common are
there for us to enjoy. There are many paths through and around the
woods and across the common, with designated footpaths to take you
further afield.
From the parking
coordinates, you should use the subway under the A414 which will
take you to the common and woods – please do not try to cross
the road – use the subway.