In this project we will create a new geocaching trail in the Staffordshire Moorlands, celebrating local LGBTQ+ stories and rooting them firmly in the geography of the Moorlands landscape.
What is geocaching?
Geocaching is like real-life treasure hunting. There is a vast network of ‘geocachers’ all over the world, who love exploring their local areas, hiding things for others to find – or trying to find ones already hidden. The thing you hide is called a ‘cache’ – some sort of container ranging anywhere from Tupperware boxes to tiny containers the size of your thumb. To find a cache, you download the geocaching app which will show you what is available near to you, give you directions to where it’s hidden, and a clue to find it. Inside the cache there is always a log book to sign to show you’ve found it, and sometimes there are little toys or trinkets to swap, or there might be a ‘trackable’ – an object designed to be taken from the cache and moved to another one.
When you create a new cache you upload its location to the app so others can find it – often people hide them in spots where there is a lovely view, or spots of historical significance, and cache owners will sometimes add some history about the area, or a story to go with the cache.
Stay tuned to see how the project develops!
QueerQuest is being funded by Historic England’s History in the Making grant programme. This new grant programme has been launched to encourage young people to engage with and celebrate their local heritage.