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Welcome
Message from Chairman re Coronavirus
Dear Southern Cavers,
Well it looks like there may be light at the end of the lockdown tunnel as the vaccination programme proceeds at pace and warmer weather is on the way. I know we have all been frustrated with most of us stranded above ground for the best part of a year, but I am sure we can look forward to greater flexibility to get underground in the not too far distant future.
24 Feb 2021
CCC Ltd: WARNING - Rockfall in G.B. Cave - Update
From Charterhouse Caving Company Ltd
“The site of the reported rockfall in GB near the waterfall climb in Main Chamber has been checked. There has been a recent fall of mud, gravel and smallish boulders on the left (when viewed facing downstream) of the waterfall climb, near the bottom. The wall above the last part of the climb (the big steps) appears as it did before, but should be considered loose due to the recent fall.
8 Feb 2021
Coronavirus Lockdown Mark 3
Dear Southern Cavers,
As all of you are now no doubt aware the UK is now in the throws of the third national lockdown and this places severe restrictions on our hobby. I would draw your attention to the statement made by the CNCC a few days ago (reproduced below), which provides some excellent advice and is applicable down south as it is up north. The CNCC advice reads;
9 Jan 2021
CSCC and MCR: Joint Statement on Coronavirus Lockdown Mark 2
Dear Southern Cavers,
As most all of you will be aware, the government announced on Saturday that new lockdown measures will be introduced from Thursday 5th November in an attempt to control the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic. The details of these measures can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november#travel.
2 Nov 2020
BCA: Information on Coronavirus and Caving
BCA have issued a series of useful updates on the coronavirus and how it related to caving. See the BCA Website.
BCRC: Guidance Should a Return to Underground Activity Become Available
BCRC have issued a press release on the coronavirus giving guidance should a return to underground activity become available. See the BCRC Website.
Access to caves in Cheddar Gorge
Further to the decision by Longleat to close the show caves and suspend their operations in Cheddar, they have notified CSCC that with immediate effect caver access to all caves on Longleat property which includes the whole south side of the Gorge, is no longer available. This includes all caves and digs, and affects sites such as Reservoir Hole, Spider Hole, Goughs Cave, Long Hole, Great Oones etc.
Longleat are not adverse to reinstating caver access subject to an access agreement with CSCC. Negotiations to formalise an access procedure were started at the request of Longleat a few years ago but were never concluded.
Discussions have recommenced and both parties are hopeful of a favourable and positive outcome, however in the meantime all the caves are closed.
Longleat will be keeping a presence in the Gorge for maintenance purposes, but this is all. Approaches should not be made to Longleat or any of their representatives as permission to visit any of the caves will be denied.
Graham Price
Conservation & Access Officer
11th Oct 2020