Over the last 12 years Henry Bennett has been digging on the Blorenge, with permission from the land owner, at two dig sites.  About 4 years ago after not going to inspect our dig in the cave called Ogof Cwmwl Ddu for about 6 months we found persons unknown had backfilled the way on by digging a new route at the bottom.  This had effectively killed the draft which was once strong.  We searched in vain to determine who had done this and couldn't find out who.  We spent several weekends removing the infill and using a draft tester started re digging the correct route at the bottom.  About 3 years ago the cave had a major collapse in the middle and inspecting it regularly we waited until it had settled before wanting to start opening the way on again.  We visited the site 2 years ago and it was looking a little more stable so thought we would go back to reopen it but time slipped and we only finally went back last weekend.  To our surprise someone else has re dug it open (rather them than us, thank you!) and taken the floor our in the following tight crawl making it more roomy  .  At the bottom though they had refilled the way on and redug out the dead end rift which has no draft.  Bugger we thought!    In the cave were a few mud penises which we assume the other party had made which we destroyed.  :ang:

It would be good to know who this other digging party is and whether they know where the tripod and pully is that we left at the entrance of our other dig closeby?  Our other dig we have regularly dug (known as Tangents Dig) for many years and banged from one rift into another.  Last weekend we started digging this one again in earnest and shall continue to do so whenever we get spare weekends.  It is annoying the scaffold tripod and pulley has gone as it helped protect the entrance and sheep.  If anyone would like to get involved in helping us on this dig or with the first one let us know.  We would also like to know who the other digging party are (digging bags were labelled Devon!).  We are not cross they are in the dig but would like to work together on this as it is a multi person dig.

You could always ask Ian or Nigel.

I understand Cwmbran CC dug a similar site in that general area in the 1990s called Foxhunter's Rift. Someone from there may be able to shed some light.
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"Fox Hunters rift is a cave in the millstone grit higher up than either dig we are working.  Our digs break into the underlying limestone" says Henry.  Thanks guys for responding.  Is anyone knows anything would be good to find out.

I think Cwmbran have had no digs in the area since the 1990's.    We deffinately would not know.  But good luck in your digging.

Been a while since Brynmawr were actively digging up on the Blorenge. We've moved our attention to other parts now.