The Nower is a semi-natural woodland reserve with veteran trees, a large open grassland and remnant heathland, The Nower (meaning "at the slope or bank") lies on the Lower Greensand which is a line of low sandy hills sandwiched between the chalk slopes of the North Downs and the clay of the Low Weald. It is managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust on behalf of Mole Valley District Council.
At the top of the slope you'll find "The Temple", a roofed canopy with excellent views north towards Denbies Hill and Dorking and south towards the Weald.
The mixed woodland features trees such as elder, hazel and alder, as well as non-native species like Scott's Pine, larch, douglas fir, western hemlock and copper beech, which were planted in the past to provide variety in the landscape.
The area is a haven for a variety of bird species including nuthatches, treecreepers, woodpeckers and tawny owls, whilst reptiles such as grass snakes, slow worms, lizards and adders have been recorded on the site. We have never seen any! It is close to where we live so we often walk on The Nower and the children enjoy the rope swings on the middle path. It provides epic sledging if we happen to get snow. It can be muddy in places and is not suitable for bikes etc.
Another fact is the UK Wife-carrying race occurs here each year! From http://trionium.com/wife/
"Wife carrying originated in the UK over twelve centuries ago, on 8 June 793AD, when Viking raiders rampaged into Lindisfarne on the northeast coast of what is now England, destroying the monastary and most likely carrying off any unwilling local wenches. Such wife carrying (-off) continued intermittently for around 300 years. Wife Carrying was re-introduced into the UK by the UK Wife Carrying Race in 2008, after an absence from these shores of nearly 900 years."
The 12th UK Wife Carrying Race was held on 10.30am 3 March 2019 in fact we placed this cache the day before as we had our son's 6th birthday party on the Nower with Mimi at Forest School
"Wife carrying can be a dangerous activity, which can lead to any one or more of the following injuries: slipped disk, broken legs and arms, limb dislocations, neck and spinal damage, facial injury, skull fracture, hernias, and other sundry injuries and illnesses, and potentially including death.But please don't let this put you off!"
The winner of the UK Wife Carrying Race will win a barrel of local Ale (worth £150). Last placed finishers receive the ceremonial Pot Noodle and dog food. The carrier who completes the course with the heaviest wife will win a pound of sausages (for strength) and a ceremonial pat on the back from the other carriers.The oldest carrier will receive the tin of pilchards and jar of Bovril 'you know, from before the war.' The first-placed British winners will go on to represent the UK at the world championchips in Finland each year.
The cache is not on "The Temple" is it a short walk from this. Maybe sit down and take in the amazing views towards Dorking, Ranmore and Boxhill and you might strike it lucky ;)