Have you seen this box? Who put it there? And what is it for?
An LALG member has asked us to help him find out about this intriguing mystery box, which he spotted on the Greenway. The mystery has been solved - see end of article
He describes its location:
“From Hillbrow in Letchworth walk down the small entry to the playground area. Pass through the kissing gate, as on Letchworth Greenway Path. Ahead to corner of garages on right. Take half left on Greenway Path to small footbridge in hedgerow. Cross the footbridge. Immediately turn right on what is used as a dog walking path.
After about 16 metres the box is on the right. It is about a metre from rough land and about 2 metres off the ground. OS Explorer 193 TL 206318.”
He added:
“I’ve had some suggestions as to its purpose. But all agree that it is not a bird box, nor a refuge for small mammals.
The Estates Manager of Letchworth Heritage Foundation has confirmed that this box has not been placed in the hedgerow by the Foundation.“
"I had not noticed on picking up the small box this morning the box was solid, not four sides and roof pinned. That there was a screwed on cap as per this second photo.
"In the time gap from my last visit of inspection a cap had been screwed on but I cannot see why that cap was screwed on after pulling away the box from the roof. All visits previous to today had the dowel in the plastic roundel to view.
I have sent image to Natural History Museum plus the sketch plan. Long term delays on enquiry replies as staff working from home.
On my morning perambulation I went out of Hitchin via Letchworth Greenway. This was in the main to check up on the box.
I thought to myself it has been moved! But no. Eventually found the box as in roof only hanging from branch by the green wire. Then after 5 mins I found the main part of the box on the ground not hidden but about 1 metre away. I have both parts of this box".
Update 25/03/21. The mystery has been solved. The object is a Geocache, part of a world wide treasure hunt using GPS receivers. This particular Geocache is called ‘Highfield 2 - History’. Thanks to Kim for letting us know
Geocachers have a passion for the countryside and many regularly take part in environmental activities. In recent years, local cachers have taken part in litter picks and joined organised tree planting sessions on Norton Common.
The 'fake birdhouse' on the Greenway is one of millions of caches placed around the world and they can be found either with a GPS receiver or a simple phone app. They range from large Tupperware containers filled with things to swap, to disguised caches the size of a thimble.
The only requirement is that there is room for a paper logbook for searchers to sign to prove that they have found it. They can then log their finds on the website/app which keeps a record of their journeys and lets the cache's owner know about their experience.”
For more information about this global hobby visit https:/www.geocaching.com
