The following guidelines have been agreed as the basis for obtaining permission from a number of Forestry Commission regions.  They form the basis by which most caches in the UK are now listed. Hopefully you will see that they are basic common sense.

• Ensure the cache container is clearly marked, stating that the content is harmless and giving the placer’s e-mail address or other contact method. Only items that would be deemed safe and acceptable for an unaccompanied child to find should be placed in the cache.
  
• No cache may be placed in such a way as to risk damage or disturbance to any Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM). Protect our heritage.
  
• No items of food or drink of any kind should be placed in the cache.
  
  No lighters, matches or flammable objects should be placed in the cache.
  
• Caches must not be buried, and holes must not be dug in order to place a cache.
  
• Caches must not be hidden in animal holes or runs.
  
• Fences & walls should never be damaged when placing or seeking a cache, and should be crossed by a gate or stile. Dry stone walls should never be used as a hiding place.
  
• Before placing a cache, the Local Area Manager (or Recreation Ranger) must be contacted to ensure that the management of the site does not compromise the cache. (This is usually done by the cache reviewer)
  
• Maintenance of the cache is the responsibility of the placer.
  
• When leaving the cache site, after finding or hiding a cache, try to leave no visual sign of disturbance.
  
• All Forestry Commission Byelaws must be obeyed.
  
• While there is open access through most of the forest on foot, cycle or horse, no vehicle access is permitted off the public highway. Always park sensibly, avoiding blocking forest entrances, and remembering that many forest roads are used by large articulated lorries who require significant space to manouver.
  
• Forestry Operations can be dangerous, and caches should be temporarily closed on request where operations will create a hazard to cachers. The local area manager / recreation ranger will advise on the period of closure, and potential alternative cache locations if appropriate. All warning signs must be obeyed.