National nature reserves are indicated on the 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey (OS) maps with
a blue bird symbol. Local nature reserves
are not always shown on the OS maps and
SSSI's are not shown either. If you are in doubt about the location you are
planning to place your cache then use the interactive websites shown below.
England
The MAGIC map shows national, local and RSPB reserves as well as SSSI's. The Natural England map shows the same information. Some smaller local run reserves may not be shown on either map. The MAGIC map is the best to use as there is an excellent link (MapItMagic).
The Natural England map will show contact information to help you with seeking permission.
On the right are examples of an SSSI and nature reserve on the MAGIC and Natural England maps.
Wales
The MAGIC map shows national nature reserves and SSSI's. The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) interactive map also shows SSSI's which includes contact information. Local nature reserves are not shown on either map.
Scotland
The MAGIC map shows national nature reserves and SSSI's. The Scottish Natural Heritage interactive map also shows SSSI's and nature reserves which includes contact information.
Once you have permission
When submitting a cache in such a location you should add the permission
information as a 'Note to Reviewer' log on the cache page for the reviewer
to see. The information should include the name of the person who gave
their permission and their telephone number or email address. The text
of any email correspondence or letter giving permission should be copied there
too. Please note these logs are not visible when the cache is published.
Permission does not apply to 'question to answer' stages of Multicaches
(no physical container) which may involve visiting reserves. However you should be aware of the guideline in the 'Off limits' section, "Caches placed in areas which are highly sensitive to the extra traffic that would be caused by vehicles and humans (examples may include archaeological or historic sites)." This would apply to a 'question to answer' if a lot of people are likely to trample the habitat finding an obscure signpost!
You should also add the permission information on your cache page description. It not only tells finders that the cache area is OK to go to but new cachers finding your cache can see that permission may be needed for certain locations and will consider that when they place their first caches. It is of course a courtesy to the organisation or landowner who gave permission to acknowledge it. Something like, "Cache placed with the kind permission of the wardens of the reserve" or "Cache placed with the kind permission of the manager of the local National Trust office". Don't put in peoples names, the full permission details should be added in the note to the reviewer when you submit the cache.
Note: the links below to the MAGIC and other interactive maps don't take you directly to the maps but to another page on this site which explains how to use the maps. |

OS map - Nature reserve (UK)

Natural England map
Nature reserve (England)
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MAGIC map
Nature reserve in blue (England)
SSSI in green (UK)
(click on image for larger version)

MAGIC map
National nature reserve in purple (UK)
SSSI in green (UK)
(Click on image for larger version)
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