Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Geocaching, Letterboxing, and Orienteering

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Outdoor Recreation

  • 1614 Accesses

Abstract

One of the opening statements by the New Forest Review Group (1988) that orienteering “by its very nature causes very considerable disturbance to wildlife and damage to flora over wide areas” has been shown to be unsupported. There is trampling of vegetation, but little evidence of disturbance of mammals and birds. It has also been shown that the reason for this is that orienteering, by its very nature, and by procedures of good practice, is a sport of low ecological impact. There also seem to be many wide-ranging educational benefits of orienteering, letterboxing, and geocaching and particularly the development of environmental stewardship, where the benefits outweigh the minor environmental impact. However, the growth in popularity of these activities needs careful monitoring and further research carried out.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 49.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 64.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Anderson, P., & Radford, E. (1992). A Review of the Effect of Recreation on Woodland Soils, Vegetation and Flora. English Nature Research Report No. 27, English Nature, Peterborough.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boulaire, C., & Cova, B. (2012). The dynamics and trajectory of creative consumption practices as revealed by the postmodern game of geocaching. Journal of Consumption, Markets and Culture, 16. https://doi.org/10.1080/10253866.2012.659434.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brackenridge, W. R. (1988, March/April). Effects of a major orienteering event in Drumore Wood, Aberfoyle, in June 1987. Compass Sport, pp. 20–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Breckle, S.-W., Breckle, H., & Breckle, U. (1989). Vegetation impact by orienteering? Scientific Journal of Orienteering, 5, 25–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brost, J. T. (2011). Assessing Effects of Geocaching as a Recreational Activity on Natural Resources within Minnesota State Parks. Papers in Resource Analysis v.13, 20pp. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Retrieved from http://www.gis.smumn.edu.

  • Brost, J. T., & Quinn, E. M. (2012). An Assessment of the Impact of Geocaching on Natural Resources. Minnesota State Parks, MNDNR, Division of Parks and Trails.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cederlund, G., Larsson, K., & Lemnell, P. A. (1981). Orienteringstävlingars inverkan på älg och rådjur, (Impact of orienteering on elk and red deer). Sweden: Naturvårdverkets.

    Google Scholar 

  • Christie, A. (2007). Using GPS and Geocaching Engages, Empowers and Enlightens Middle School Teachers and Students. Online GPS and Geocaching in Education. Retrieved from http://www.alicechristie.org/pubs/E6/print.html.

  • Cord, A., Roessiger, F., & Schwarz, N. (2015). Geocaching data as an indicator for recreational ecosystem services in urban areas: Exploring spatial gradients, preferences and motivations. Landscape and Urban Planning, 144, 151–162.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cordell, H. K. (2012). Outdoor Recreation Trends and Futures: A Technical Document Supporting the Forest Service 2010 RPA Assessment. General Technical Report SRS-150. Asheville, NC: US Forest Service Southern Research Station, 167pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deer Commission. (2001). The Deer Commission for Scotland. Retrieved from http://www.dcs.gov.uk/.

  • Deer Initiative Council. (2002). Retrieved from http://www.thedeerinitiative.co.uk.

  • Douglas, E. A. (1989). Assessment of the impact of the November Classic Badge Event 1988 on the New Forest. Matlock: British Orienteering Federation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goodall, A., & Gregory, C. (1991). The Effect of the May 1991 Orienteering Event on the Breeding Bird Community in Brandon Park. Ecosurveys, Spilsby, Lincs. Report IOF/Env/003, International Orienteering Federation, Finland.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harmon, L. K. (2008). Get out and stay out: Technology can be the first step in a long-term love of the outdoors. Parks and Recreation, 43, 50–56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Inamӓki, P. J. (2012a). Geocaching: Interactive communication instruments around the game. Eludamos Computer Game Culture, 6, 133–152.

    Google Scholar 

  • Inamӓki, P. J. (2012b). Fare tale orienteering: Developing art word by letterboxing event. Tourismos: An International Multidisciplinary Journal of Tourism, 7, 253–268.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jepperson, J. L. (1984). Human disturbance of roe deer and red deer: Preliminary results. In O. Saastamoiren, S. G. Hultman, N. Elerstioch & L. Mattison (Eds.), Multiple-use Forestry in the Scandinavian countries (pp. 113–118). Communication Institute Foresta.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jepperson, J. L. (1987a). Impact of human disturbance on home range movements and activity of red deer Cervus elaphus in a Danish environment. Danish Review of Game Biology, 13, 1–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jepperson, J. L. (1987b). The disturbing effects of orienteering and hunting on roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Danish Review of Game Biology, 13, 24pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Langslow, D. (1995). Evidence by English Nature. House of Commons Environment Committee 1995, vol. II, Minute 334.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, G. B., & McLelland, C. V. (2015). Earthcaching: An Educator’s Guide. Geological Society of America free guide.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liddle, M. J. (1997). Recreational Ecology. London: Chapman and Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lisenbee, P., Hallman, C., & Landry, D. (2015). Geocaching is catching Students’Attention in the classroom. The Geography Teacher, 12, 7–16.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Littlemore, J., & Barlow, C. (2005). Managing public access for wildlife in woodlands- ecological principles and guidelines for best practice. Quarterly Journal of Forestry, 99, 271–286.

    Google Scholar 

  • MacQuaig, J. K. (2013). Does Participating in Geocaching Activities lead to Participation in Other Types of Outdoor Activities and Increased Environmental Stewardship? MAEd. thesis, Hamline University, St. Paul, MN.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marzano, M., & Dandy, N. (2012). Recreational Use of Forests and Disturbance of Wildlife. A Literature Review. Forestry Commission Research Report. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh, 40pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • McEvoy, D., Cavan, G., Handley, J., McMorrow, J., & Lindley, S. (2008). Changes to climate and visitor behaviour: Implications for vulnerable landscapes in the north west region of England. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 16, 101–121.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Messick, B. E. (2009). Incorporating GPS Technology in Geography Curriculum. MAEd. thesis, Hamline University, St. Paul, MN.

    Google Scholar 

  • Myllyvirta, T., Henriksson, M., & Aalto, V. (1998). Sipoon Jukolan viestin 1995 kasvillisuusvaikutustutkimus (A study of the Sipoo Jukola relay 1995 impact on vegetation). Itä-Uudenmaan ja Porvoonjoen vesien-ja ilmansuojeluyhdistys r.y. [Summary in English].

    Google Scholar 

  • New Forest Review Group. (1988). New Forest Review. Forestry Commission, Lyndhurst.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Hara, K. (2008). Understanding geocaching practices and motivations. In Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (pp. 1177–1186), Florence, Italy, April 5–10, 2008. https://doi.org/10.1145/1357054.1357239.

  • Parker, B. H. (2005a). The Effect of an Orienteering Event on Breeding Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe at Titterstone Clee, Shropshire, UK. Report IOF/Env/001. International Orienteering Federation, Finland, 18pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parker, B. H. (2005b). Review of Research into the Ecological Impact of Orienteering. Report IOF/ENV/02. International Orienteering Federation, Finland, 43pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parker, B. H. (2005c). Environmental Impact of Orienteering and Other Off-track Recreations in the Dartmoor National Park, UK. Report IOF/ENV/004. International Orienteering Federation, Finland, 30pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parker, B. H. (2010). Orienteering. A Nature Sport with Low Ecological Impact. Report IOF/ENV/007. International Orienteering Federation, Finland, 21pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patubo, B. G. (2010). Environmental Impacts of Human Activity Associated with Geocaching. Social Sciences Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 14pp. Retrieved from http://www.digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/erscsp/12.html.

  • Robinson, S., & Hardcastle, S. J. (2015). Exploring the attitudes towards and experiences of geocaching amongst families in the community. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 26. https://doi.org/10.1080/09603123.2015.1061116.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosier, J. L., & Yu, A.H-C. (2011). Exploring the effects of geocaching on understanding Natural Resources and History. In Proceedings of the Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium, 5pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schlatter, B. E., & Hurd, A. (2005). Geocaching 21stC hide and seek. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 76, 28–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schneider, I. E., & Chavez, D. (2012). Geocaching: Form, function and opportunity. In K. Cordell (Ed.), Outdoor Trends and Futures (pp. 55–58). USDA Forest Service.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sidaway, R. (1991). Good Conservation Practice for Sport and Recreation. Study 37, Sports Council, together with Countryside Commission, Nature Conservancy Council, World Wide Fund for Nature, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spencer, A. (2014). Hide-and-seek in Macquarie University library: Geocaching as an educational and outreach tool. The Australian Library Journal, 64, 35–39.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Telaar, D., Krüger, A., & Schöning, J. (2014). A large-scale quantitative survey of the german geocaching community in 2007. Advances in Human-Computer Interaction v.2014, ID.101038, 13pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zecha, S. (2012). Geocaching, a tool to support environmental education !?—An explorative study. Educational Research 1, eJournal. https://doi.org/10.5838/erej.2012.12.06.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK

    David Huddart

Authors
  1. David Huddart
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to David Huddart .

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Huddart, D. (2019). Geocaching, Letterboxing, and Orienteering. In: Outdoor Recreation. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-97758-4_10

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation