Peter Burgess
New member
How long is it now since these two cavers were closed?
I am wondering whether giving a cave a 'good rest' does it some good? Obviously if a cave is suffering from being visited by people who harm it, then closing it stops it getting worse. But perhaps when (here speaks an optimist) access is allowed again to these caves, it might be a good idea, before the 'hoards descend' on them, to go round very carefully to see whether there is evidence of wear and tear from the past being diminished. For example, does limestone that was worn smooth by cavers' bums show any evidence of new corrosion? Or is there any sign of a new film of calcite growing on previously worn or muddied stalagmites.
Its just a thought in an idle moment.
I am wondering whether giving a cave a 'good rest' does it some good? Obviously if a cave is suffering from being visited by people who harm it, then closing it stops it getting worse. But perhaps when (here speaks an optimist) access is allowed again to these caves, it might be a good idea, before the 'hoards descend' on them, to go round very carefully to see whether there is evidence of wear and tear from the past being diminished. For example, does limestone that was worn smooth by cavers' bums show any evidence of new corrosion? Or is there any sign of a new film of calcite growing on previously worn or muddied stalagmites.
Its just a thought in an idle moment.