Council of Southern Caving Clubs news

Breakthrough in Tween Twins Hole (Fester Hole)

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 00:55:39 +0000

news access tween_twins_hole fester_hole Breakthrough in Tween Twins Hole (Fester Hole) After many years of work a team of Wessex Cave Club diggers have made an interesting discovery at Tween Twins Hole in Burrington Combe, Mendip. Tween Twins, known to members of the WCC as “Fester Hole”, has been worked sporadically since the early 1980’s, with interest in the site re-kindled in 2008 as part of the J-Rat DigFest celebrations.

Box Quarry Currently Closed

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 00:45:57 +0000

news access box_quarry Box Quarry Currently Closed Box Quarry has been closed by the landowner and CSCC are in communication with them and other interested parties, to see how this situation can be resolved. We know the landowner is not opposed to bona fide access for cavers and mine explorers, but they do have a legal duty to keep the quarries secure against casual entry, and a recent series of high profile incidents in the quarry have caused pressure on the landowner to secure the site.

New Padlocks for CSCC Caves

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 00:24:41 +0000

news access New Padlocks for CSCC Caves The Council of Southern Caving Clubs are changing the locks on all of the caves for which they administer access. The previously used locks are now no longer available and there have been a number of issues with copied and poorly fitting keys in circulation, causing damage to the locks and not operating the locks easily, if at all.

Hunters Lodge Inn Sink Open

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 23:23:43 +0000

news access hunters_lodge_inn_sink Hunters Lodge Inn Sink Open Following the fitting of the new gate and the removal of the entrance ladder, I can report that the Land Owner (Roger Dors) has reopened the cave. For access contact Roger at the Hunters. Please note: Now the entrance ladder has been removed you will need to bring your own ladder and lifeline (or SRT rope) for the entrance pitch. There are integrated rigging points fitted to the underside of the gate for this purpose.

Star Shaft Mine - Entrance Vandalised

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 10 Jul 2022 23:23:24 +0000

news access star_shaft_mine Star Shaft Mine - Entrance Vandalised It has been reported that the P-hangers in the concrete capping have been vandalised. They should be considered unsafe and must not be used. The shaft should be rigged using natural belays such as nearby trees (approx 10m away). If anyone has any information about who caused the damage please let us know. In view of the vandalism there are no immediate plans to replace the hangers.

Singing River Mine Has New Owners

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 23:59:50 +0000

news access singing_river_mine Singing River Mine Has New Owners The information in this article has been superseded and remains for historical interest only. For current access check the Access Guide. The property has recently changed hands. Please do not approach the new owners until access has been agreed.

Access Guide Software Update

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 00:51:49 +0000

news access webmaster Access Guide Software Update The software that provides the CSCC Access Guide has been completely re-written. The new user interface is designed to make it easier to search the information. A new and hopefully useful feature is that the most recent updates can be found by sorting the

Singing River Mine Access

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:03:17 +0000

news access singing_river_mine Singing River Mine Access [Singing River Mine by Paul Stillman] The information in this article has been superseded and remains for historical interest only. For current access check the Access Guide. Just before the beginning of the Covid pandemic, the ownership of Singing River Mine changed. Since then there haven’t been many visits, however with the relaxation of restrictions the number is increasing and issues are beginning to arise.

Charterhouse Caves Reopening

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 15:32:09 +0000

news access charterhouse_caves ccc_ltd covid Charterhouse Caves Reopening CHARTERHOUSE CAVING COMPANY LTD RE-OPENING THE CAVES 13th JULY 2020 Following the updated advice from government, the BCA and the BCRC, the company is able to recommence visits to the caves under its management from Monday 13th July 2020. Visits are, of course, subject to the normal requirements of the access agreements and also to the additional recommendations listed below.

Fairy Cave Quarry Caves Reopening

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 20:12:20 +0000

news access fairy_cave_quarry fcqmc covid Fairy Cave Quarry Caves Reopening In light of the latest easing of lockdown restrictions & announcements Fairy Cave Quarry Management Committee are re-opening access to the caves in the quarry from Monday 13th July 2020. It is advised that any recommendation and advice from the Government, BCRC & BCA are followed along with the following:-

Access to Caves in Cheddar Gorge

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 21:06:12 +0000

news access cheddar_gorge longleat 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.

Coronavirus Lockdown Update

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 00:42:27 +0000

news access covid Coronavirus Lockdown Update As far as CSCC is aware, all caves closed as a result of the coronavirus lockdown are now open. Restrictions may apply to some caves whilst the virus is still prevalent in the community and it is important to respect the wishes of landowners in this regard.

Annual J’Rat Digging Awards

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 00:14:59 +0000

news event Annual J’Rat Digging Awards Owing to COVID19, there will not be an event held in the Hunters for 2020 for the presentation of the Silver Shovel for Mendip and Scotland finds, but we don’t want the finds since 1st November 2019 to 31st October 2020 to go unrewarded and unnoticed!

CSCC and MCR: Joint Statement on Coronavirus Lockdown Mark 2

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 00:04:44 +0000

news covid mcr 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

New Padlock Combination at Fairy Cave Quarry

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 20:12:53 +0000

news access fairy_cave_quarry fcqmc New Padlock Combination at Fairy Cave Quarry From January 1st 2021 the combination for the entrance gate to Fairy Cave Quarry will be changed. The new combination will be available from the major Mendip caving clubs and Fairy Cave Quarry Management Committee. A reminder that the combination must not be passed on to non cavers/climbers since the quarry owners do not give permission for general access and doing so may risk future access to the quarry. Please…

Coronavirus Lockdown Mark 3

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 23:59:05 +0000

news covid 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;

Star Shaft Mine Closed

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 00:21:01 +0000

news access star_shaft_mine Star Shaft Mine Closed Following damage to the gate, the mine is currently closed pending the necessary remedial works. Please do not visit and try and open the gate as, due to its location, it has been made secure as a safety measure. Please check the

WARNING - Rockfall in G.B. Cave

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 23:56:31 +0000

news access gb_cave ccc_ltd WARNING - Rockfall in G.B. Cave From Charterhouse Caving Company Ltd - 2nd Feb 2021 I have received a report of a substantial rockfall in G.B. I am told that “In the region of 5-10 tons of sand, gravel and rock has slipped out of the left hand wall, just below the waterfall. There is a significant amount that has been undercut, but is still hanging high above the climb down. This appears to be very recent, given that the sand has not washed away yet and there wa…

WARNING - Rockfall in G.B. Cave - Update

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 23:54:20 +0000

news access gb_cave ccc_ltd WARNING - Rockfall in G.B. Cave - Update From Charterhouse Caving Company Ltd - 8th Feb 2021 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 th…

Message from Chairman re Coronavirus

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 23:51:34 +0000

news covid 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.

Coronavirus Recovery Roadmap: Stage 1

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 00:14:54 +0000

news covid Coronavirus Recovery Roadmap: Stage 1 Dear Southern Cavers, It is with some relief that as from Monday 29th March that the national “stay at home” rule will end, and the long path to a return to something like normality can begin. This means that it is no longer illegal to leave home without a valid excuse, though the government asks that we all minimise the number of journeys we make. From Monday 29th it is also permitted for up to 6 people, or two households, to meet outdoors and…

WARNING - Rockfall in G.B. Cave - Update

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 14:31:20 +0000

news access gb_cave ccc_ltd WARNING - Rockfall in G.B. Cave - Update From Charterhouse Caving Company Ltd - 7th Apr 2021 ROCKFALL IN THE AREA OF THE WATERFALL CLIMB, GB CAVERN Following the rockfall notified and publicised in early February, a further inspection trip was scheduled for 6 April, following the relaxation of covid restrictions. On 5th April, a report was received of a further fall. The inspection trip comprised Linda Wilson (Conservation Officer), Dave King and Graham Price (CCC…

Longwood Swallet Lock Vandalised

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 00:30:11 +0000

news access ccc_ltd longwood_swallet Longwood Swallet Lock Vandalised From Charterhouse Caving Company Ltd 11th Apr 2021 We have received a report today that the lock on Longwood Swallet has been vandalised and will not open. Please do not issue keys or permits for this cave until we have been able to repair it. This may take some time, as we need to get appropriate equipment on site.

Longwood Swallet Lock Fixed

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 00:26:42 +0000

news access ccc_ltd longwood_swallet Longwood Swallet Lock Fixed From Charterhouse Caving Company Ltd 24th Apr 2021 The damaged lock on Longwood has now been removed and replaced. It’s now OK to issue keys & permits for the cave, again. Happily it didn’t take too long. Graham Mullan

Unauthorised Bolting of Rhino Right Hand Route

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 23:41:54 +0000

news conservation access rhino_rift ccc_ltd Unauthorised Bolting of Rhino Right Hand Route From Charterhouse Caving Company Ltd - 19th May 2021 Dear Club Reps At some point during the past six months, persons unknown have made an unauthorised attempt to rebolt the Rhino Rift Right-Hand Route.

Invitation to Join Mendip Cave Rescue

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 23:07:13 +0000

news mcr Invitation to Join Mendip Cave Rescue From Mendip Cave Rescue - 26th May 2021 [MCR Logo] Dear fellow cavers, I am writing this to inform you of recent changes to the structure of the Mendip Cave Rescue (MCR) and invite you to share this with your organisation’s members so that those who wish to continue supporting MCR can apply for associate membership.

Thrupe Lane Swallet to receive CSCC Padlock

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 14:16:55 +0000

news access thrupe_lane_swallet Thrupe Lane Swallet to receive CSCC Padlock [Thrupe Lane Swallet poss. by Dave King] Following requests from concerned local residents who have young children, a CSCC padlock will be fitted to the entrance gate of Thrupe Lane Swallet. This will be fitted during the week commencing 14th June.

Rhino Rift Closed Sat/Sun 19/20th June

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 14:26:42 +0000

news access rhino_rift ccc_ltd Rhino Rift Closed Sat/Sun 19/20th June We have received word from the Secretary of CCC Ltd that following the unauthorised bolting of the Right Hand Route, Rhino Rift will be closed for the weekend of the 19/20th June for remedial bolt removal and rebolting of the Right Hand Route.

Rhino Right Hand Route Rebolted

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 14:23:48 +0000

news access rhino_rift ccc_ltd Rhino Right Hand Route Rebolted From Charterhouse Caving Company Ltd - 25th June 2021 Dear Club Reps, After a long day’s work last weekend, the Right-Hand Route in Rhino Rift has been rebolted using BCA approved IC resin anchors. The old spits were drilled out and, where possible, have been replaced with resin anchors. The unapproved through bolts are still in place but have had their nuts and hangers removed where possible. These should not be used. A notic…

MCR Training Exercise - Rhino Rift - Sat 13th Nov - Postponed

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 18:16:02 +0000

news event access rhino_rift mcr ccc_ltd MCR Training Exercise - Rhino Rift - Sat 13th Nov - Postponed POSTPONED Due to the rescue in Wales over the weekend with many MCR volunteers involved , this training exercise has been postponed. Mendip Cave rescue will be undertaking a training exercise at Rhino Rift on Saturday 13th November. As this will require the use of the first three pitches on both routes, the cave will not be open to other groups on that day. We apologise for any inconvenienc…

ATLAS Invites You To A BBQ!

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 10 Jul 2022 23:24:48 +0000

news event conservation atlas thrupe_lane_swallet ATLAS Invites You To A BBQ! ...well sort of. ATLAS are planning to carry out some maintenance and clearing work at Thrupe Lane Swallet on both Sunday 29th and Monday 30th August 10am onwards and are asking for volunteers to assist. ATLAS have a long standing connection with Thrupe Lane Swallet having dug it open back in the 70's and more recently Hobnail Hole to connect with Upper Butts' Chamber, making for an excellent through trip and an …

BCA Ballot - Have Your Say!

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 15:10:51 +0000

news event bca BCA Ballot - Have Your Say! All BCA members whose emails addresses BCA holds should by now have received an email with a 'voting token' enabling them to vote in the ballot for the election of BCA chair and on the various constitutional changes that have been proposed.

BCA Ballot - There's Still Time To Have Your Say!

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 15:09:13 +0000

news event bca BCA Ballot - There's Still Time To Have Your Say! Voting in the BCA elections and the online ballot on the various constitutional amendments is still live until midnight on 31st October 2021. All BCA members for whom the organisation holds a valid email address should by now have received an email with a voting 'token' enabling them to cast their votes in the elections and on the proposals for the amendments to the constitution as

J'Rat Digging Award 2021

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 31 Oct 2021 23:24:43 +0000

news event J'Rat Digging Award 2021 [J'Rat Digging Award Poster] Saturday 20th November from 19:30hrs in the Long Room, Hunters Lodge Inn. Includes the presentation of the award to the winning team for 2021 followed by talks/presentations from the entrants plus a Mendip digging update.

MCR Rescue Practice - Swildons Hole - Sat 6th Nov

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 31 Oct 2021 21:39:46 +0000

news event access mcr swildons_hole MCR Rescue Practice - Swildons Hole - Sat 6th Nov Received From Mendip Cave Rescue: Dear fellow cavers, I am writing this to inform you of an upcoming rescue practice in Swildons Hole scheduled for the 6th November, and please pass this on to your members. Please be aware that the practise will involve a pitch haul up the 20ft pot.

BCA AGM 2021 Ballot Results

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 19:26:59 +0000

news event bca BCA AGM 2021 Ballot Results [Full breakdown of the votes here]. Elections Position Winning Candidate(s) Chair Russell Myers Secretary Allan Richardson Training Officer Steve Gray Individual Member Reps. Nigel Atkins & Josh White

J'Rat Digging Award 2022

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 23:03:19 +0000

news event cave tags organisation tags J'Rat Digging Award 2022 [J'Rat Digging Award Poster] Saturday 19th November from 19:30hrs in the Long Room, Hunters Lodge Inn. Annual competition for the longest new discovery under Mendip or Scotland between 01 Nov 2021 and 31 Oct 2022. Presentations on the latest finds and digs that haven't gone

Replacement gate at Compton Martin Ochre Mine

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 14:22:01 +0000

news access Replacement gate at Compton Martin Ochre Mine The gate at Compton martin Ochre Mine has needed replacement for some time, after the old gate rusted away. This has now been completed, so please remember to bring a CSCC key if you are visiting. Keys

J'Rat Digging Award 2022

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 14:21:22 +0000

news J'Rat Digging Award 2022 [J'Rat Digging Award Poster] Saturday 19th November from 19:30hrs in the Long Room, Hunters Lodge Inn. Annual competition for the longest new discovery under Mendip or Scotland between 01 Nov 2021 and 31 Oct 2022. Presentations on the latest finds and digs that haven't gone

CSCC Newsletter - November 2022

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 22:28:31 +0000

newsletter CSCC Newsletter - November 2022 A note from the Chair Recently my activities have been concentrated on two subjects, namely organising CSCC's representation at the Mendip Rocks festival and making arrangements for the workshop to canvas opinions on how we might better represent southern cavers who do not belong to CSCC member clubs and future access policy. These events are covered in separate articles in this newsletter.

Book Launch - Somerset Underground Volume 3

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 11:50:36 +0000

news event Book Launch - Somerset Underground Volume 3 Saturday 10th December, from 7:30pm at the Hunters Lodge Inn

Wookey Hole - Wardens Required

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 20:29:16 +0000

news wookey_hole Wookey Hole - Wardens Required The CSCC is in the final stages of implementing an access agreement with Wookey Hole Caves to allow dry caver access to the cave beyond the show cave and Chamber 20 (i.e. The Land of Hope and Glory and Wookey 24). As part of the agreement, we need to recruit and train at least 8 Wardens.

Waterwheel Swallet Closed

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 14:28:47 +0000

news access waterwheel_swallet Waterwheel Swallet Closed Waterwheel has recently been broken into and the gate vandalised. The gate has been removed for repair/replacement and the entrance has been secured with a non-removable grill. Everyone will appreciate that it is not possible to leave the entrance unsecured due to the caves high profile location on a popular nature reserve. Repairs to the gate will be carried out as soon as possible. Until the gate is replaced the cave is not available…

Rockfall In Rhino Rift

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 16:33:37 +0000

news access rhino_rift ccc_ltd Rockfall In Rhino Rift From Charterhouse Caving Company Ltd - 16th January 2022 Dear Reps, We have just received a report of a rock fall on the right-hand route, first pitch in Rhino Rift. The report also says that there is loose rock on the left-hand route. They did not continue with the trip.

Rockfall In Rhino Rift - Update

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 16:27:25 +0000

news access rhino_rift ccc_ltd Rockfall In Rhino Rift - Update From Charterhouse Caving Company Ltd - 17th January 2022 [The Gully by Andrew Atkinson] [Fallen Rock With Through Bolt by Andrew Atkinson] [Fallen Rock With Through Bolt by Andrew Atkinson] Dear Reps, Following the email yesterday regarding reports of loose rock in Rhino Rift, Andrew Atkinson, CSCC’s Equipment & Techniques Officer, supported by Sioned Haughton, visited the cave at the request of CCC Ltd on the evening of Monday 1…

Wookey Hole Access Agreement Signed

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 10:53:41 +0000

news access wookey_hole Wookey Hole Access Agreement Signed The CSCC has now signed an access agreement with Wookey Hole Caves to allow dry caver access to the cave beyond the show cave and Chamber 20 (i.e. The Land of Hope and Glory and Wookey 24). All trips will be limited to six cavers, who will be accompanied by a warden. Trips must be pre-booked and can be arranged by emailing

ATLAS 50th Anniversary BBQ Weekend

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 11:20:32 +0000

news event conservation thrupe_lane_swallet hobnail_hole atlas ATLAS 50th Anniversary BBQ Weekend Dave King, ATLAS digger, invites you to a weekend of digging, caving and two BBQs 2023 is the 50th Anniversary of the Association of Thrupe Lane Advanced Speleologists (ATLAS). The ATLAS diggers have been involved with many digs over the last 50 years including Thrupe Lane Swallet, Honeymead Hole, Little Crapnell Swallet, Hobnail Hole, Fernhill Cave, Viaduct Sink, Thrupe Swallet to mention m…

Charterhouse Permits Go Paperless

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 20:12:55 +0000

news access charterhouse_caves ccc_ltd Charterhouse Permits Go Paperless The Charterhouse Caving Co. has gone paperless, exchanging the old paper permits for new electronic ones. And they're free. Since the Dawn of Time (the early 1950s), access to caves in the Charterhouse area of Mendip, including

Mendip Rocks! 2023

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 21:26:57 +0000

news event mendip_hills_aonb Mendip Rocks! 2023 The Mendip Hills AONB series of events “Mendip Rocks!” kicks off very soon (1st to 22nd October 2023). Any cavers interested in the geology of the area should find something worth attending. And here is a link:

Access Restored to Singing River Mine, Shipham

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 20:39:31 +0000

news access singing_river_mine Access Restored to Singing River Mine, Shipham The new gate has been installed at Singing River Mine and the landowner is now prepared to allow trips to take place. The Access Agreement is:- Singing River Mine Access Agreement 1. Access will be controlled by the Council of Southern Caving Clubs on behalf of the landowner.

Save The Date: JRat Digging Award November 25th 2023

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 15:02:42 +0000

news event priddy Save The Date: JRat Digging Award November 25th 2023 The 2023 JRat Digging Award presentation will take place in the Long Room of the Hunter’s Lodge Inn, Priddy, Somerset on Saturday 25th November. The evening will kick off at 7.30 pm and will include talks and presentations from Mendip digging teams before the presentation of the award to the winning team. The winning dig, as usual, will be the one with the longest length of passage discovered and surveyed (in excess of …

Help Required - Swildon's Barn

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 22:59:58 +0000

news event priddy Help Required - Swildon's Barn [Swildons Barn] We are replacing the floor in the Swildon's Changing Barn this weekend (11/12 Nov) and next weekend (18/19 Nov). If you have some spare time then please come along and give us a hand. Stout boots and a helmet are recommended.

Swildons changing barn, Priddy, now ready

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 00:06:02 +0000

news priddy Swildons changing barn, Priddy, now ready The changing barn on Priddy Green is now ready for use. A more detailed account will appear in due course in the CSCC newsletter. Many thanks are owed by us all to those who did all the work. Here are two photos - a before and an after. I hope you can tell which is which.

Landslide in Fairy Cave Quarry car park

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 02:07:07 +0000

news access fairy_cave_quarry Landslide in Fairy Cave Quarry car park WARNING! [Fairy Cave Quarry Car Park] A small not insignificant landslide has occurred in the car park at Fairy Cave Quarry. On the South East bank near to the gate a lot of rocks have collapsed out from the bank that appear to be what was a bank retaining wall. More of the wall and bank may be unstable so it is recommended to park either towards the far end or nearer the road side wall of the car park.

Rockfall at Goatchurch Cavern Main Entrance

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 02:05:48 +0000

news access goatchurch Rockfall at Goatchurch Cavern Main Entrance WARNING! [Goatchurch Cavern] Recent heavy rain has caused some loose material including a large rock to fall from the left-hand wall (looking in) into the entrance of the cave. The boulder is currently sitting on the floor and is unlikely to move again by itself. There does not appear to be any more rocks waiting to fall. Nevertheless anyone visiting the cave is advised to exercise caution, and stay to the right when entering…

Thrupe Lane Swallet 50th anniversary event - 15th/16th June 2024

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 19 May 2024 17:49:42 +0000

news event thrupe Thrupe Lane Swallet 50th anniversary event - 15th/16th June 2024 To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Thrupe Lane Swallet breakthrough, the ATLAS team are inviting cavers to join them over the weekend of 15th and 16th June from 10 a.m. Come and help do some surface conservation tasks, bring your own fodder for a BBQ. There will be a Thrupe Lane Swallet / Hobnail Hole through trip opportunity.

Wells And Mendip Museum: Upcoming Exhibition

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 30 May 2024 09:48:30 +0000

news event wells Wells And Mendip Museum: Upcoming Exhibition An interesting exhibition is scheduled from 6th July to 7th September at the Wells and Mendip Museum. It features work by H.E. Balch and H. Savory and if you are interested in the early days of Mendip cave exploration you should pay a visit.

GB Cavern – Waterfall route re-opened

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 20:20:04 +0000

news conservation gb charterhouse GB Cavern – Waterfall route re-opened The Waterfall climb in GB Cavern, Somerset was closed in 2021 after a major rockfall. Following a recent inspection, Charterhouse Caving Company Ltd (CCC Ltd) have now re-opened the route and have issued the following statement

J'Rat Digging Award 2024

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 23 Nov 2024 17:59:19 +0000

news event J'Rat Digging Award 2024 [J'Rat Digging Award Poster] Saturday 23rd November from 19:30hrs in the Long Room, Hunters Lodge Inn. Annual competition for the longest new discovery under Mendip or Scotland between 01 Nov 2023 and 31 Oct 2024. Presentations on the latest finds and digs that haven't gone… yet!

New Goodwill Fee for Visiting Swildon's Hole, Priddy

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 23:52:42 +0000

news access swildons_hole New Goodwill Fee for Visiting Swildon's Hole, Priddy [Swildons Barn] The goodwill fee for visiting Swildon’s Hole, Priddy in Somerset, has remained the same for many years. From the start of 2025 the fee has been increased to £2 per person. The money should be put in the black postbox by the residential door at Manor Farm round to the left of the changing barn. It is clearly labelled Swildon’s. Alternatively, if going via the Wessex CC HQ, there is a box on the wal…

WARNING - Boulders moving in Lionel's Hole - 17th February 2025

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 10:34:06 +0000

news access lionels_hole cscc WARNING - Boulders moving in Lionel's Hole - 17th February 2025 A large boulder and slab very recently moved in the duck bypass route, very nearly crushing a caver against the wall. This is at the end of the crawl where it joins the rift that has the chocked Sandwich boulder/slab at the top. The boulder that moved is sitting on a small rock on the gravel floor and could potentially move again and someone else may not be so lucky.

Lionel's Hole Boulder Movement - UPDATE

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:14:08 +0000

news access lionels_hole Lionel's Hole Boulder Movement - UPDATE The boulder movement in Lionel's Hole was inspected on the evening of the 25th February. At the top of the Second Duck Bypass, where there is a T-Junction with Left leading to the Sandwich Boulder and Right being the return leg of the round trip, two large boulders have moved. The attached photo shows these. There is a large triangular flake stood upright (in the background of the photo) and a large squarer boulder on the …

IMPORTANT - Moving Boulder in Thrupe Lane Swallet

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 18:15:57 +0000

news access thrupe_lane_swallet IMPORTANT - Moving Boulder in Thrupe Lane Swallet WARNING Thrupe Lane Swallet. At the top of Butts' Chamber there is a huge boulder weighing several tons just to the right of the climb up into Upper Butts' Chamber, it is sitting at the top of the steep boulder slope of Butts' Chamber and leaning against the roof.

Cave The Sun

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 30 May 2025 16:51:17 +0000

news event cscc Cave The Sun The Challenge Now is the time to get your teams together for the overground challenge to visit as many cave entrances as possible before the sun sets. Email to sign up. For more information and rules see Cave The Sun Challenge and see the Facebook page. MCRA Field & Photo Trip

MCRA Charterhouse Field & Photo Trip

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 25 May 2025 11:17:15 +0000

news event charterhouse mcra swt MCRA Charterhouse Field & Photo Trip [MCRA Charterhouse Field Trip] For the latest information see the event on the CSCC Facebook page.

Fairy Cave Quarry combination

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 17:36:20 +0000

news access fairy_cave_quarry Fairy Cave Quarry combination Please note that the combination for the main gate of Fairy Cave Quarry has changed. The combination is available from Mendip caving clubs. Climbers should be directed to BMC for the new combination. Message posted on behalf of Dave King, Fairy Cave Quarry Caves Management Committee.

Urgent - Eastwater Cavern : Gladmans and Lolly Pot Not Currently Usable

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 21:22:50 +0000

news access eastwater_cavern Urgent - Eastwater Cavern : Gladmans and Lolly Pot Not Currently Usable [Eastwater Cavern Entrance. Ph: Steve Sharp] Eastwater Cavern, Priddy. On Sunday 10th August an attempt to replace the anchors on Gladmans and Lolly Pot was attempted. Due to various reasons only two anchors on Gladmans were placed. There are currently no anchors on Lolly Pot. The anchors that were in place snapped while attempting to remove them with a 10cm long spanner. With this in mind, a…

JRat Digging Awards 2025

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:04:27 +0000

news event JRat Digging Awards 2025 Saturday 22nd November from 19:30hrs in the Long Room, Hunters Lodge Inn. Annual competition for the longest new discovery under Mendip or Scotland between 01 Nov 2024 and 31 Oct 2025. Presentations on the latest finds and digs that haven't gone… yet!

Access News

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 09:46:56 +0000

Access News

News Archive

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 01:00:34 +0000

News Archive CSCC Dig Fest 2016 & BCA Party [CSCC Dig Fest 2016] Ever fancied finding new cave? Now's your chance. The diggers of Mendip will be opening their digs for you to visit and have a go. * June 3rd - 5th * Digging * Workshops * Talks * Wessex Challenge (hosted by the BEC)

CSCC Dig Fest 2016

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 15:27:52 +0000

CSCC Dig Fest 2016 [CSCC DigFest 2016] Keep on Digging! Ever fancied finding new cave? Now's your chance. The diggers of Mendip will be opening their digs for you to visit and have a go. * Digging * Photography Workshop with Duncan Simey * Digger's Question Time

CSCC Dig Fest 2014

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 01:19:12 +0000

CSCC Dig Fest 2014 [CSCC DigFest 2014] It's going to be awesome! Ever fancied finding new cave? Now's your chance. The diggers of Mendip will be opening their digs for you to visit and have a go. As well as digging there will be all kinds of other events, workshops, talks, Wessex Challenge, BBQ & stomp.

Events

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 21:09:55 +0000

Events

Singing River Mine Access

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 09:35:00 +0000

Singing River Mine Access Page moved to Singing River Mine Access

Star Shaft Mine Capping

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 02:13:42 +0000

Star Shaft Mine Capping Capping Day! Friday 4th August 2006 The hauliers delivered the goods on time at the arranged layby which was just big enough to accept the load. A massive crane was used to load the “they look rather large to me, are you sure they'll fit?

News

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 10 Jul 2022 23:55:27 +0000

News