Yorkshire Yeti Cave

[Pete Brookdale]

Having observed this cave mentioned in a book I Was wondering when it was discovered and why no mention in Descent considering it's length etc

 

[ahinde]

This cave was first discovered in 1970 but most of the exploration has been in recent years. It is unfortunate that the publication of the cave whereabouts has overtaken the expected date of completion of the survey and final leads of exploration. The work has been held up due to unseasonably bad weather and scheduled surgery to the surveyor. It had been anticipated that a cave conservation plan would be completed by now which would inform the access debate. The cave has fragile formations despite the death trap flooding capability. The location of the cave has not been released. The cave is on land owned by Ingleborough National Nature Reserve. Anyone wishing to visit this area is required to apply for an NNR access permit ,since it is a sensitive habitat where regular and on going scientific monitoring takes place.
I have got some difficult decisions to make regarding future access to this cave. I am not a supporter of "conservation by vow of silence". This is an extremely vulnerable site with unique scientific content which must be protected. The local cavers who brought this cave to my attention expect me to respect the conservation value of this cave above all else. I anticipate a wide consultation with the caving community when the time comes. It is going to get emotional I suspect. In the meantime I would ask that everyone extends the usual courtesy to those undertaking current explorations.
Andrew Hinde- Reserve Manager Ingleborough NNR. and CNCC Conservation Officer.     

 

[dunc]

The location of the cave has not been released. The cave is on land owned by Ingleborough National Nature Reserve. Anyone wishing to visit this area is required to apply for an NNR access permit ,since it is a sensitive habitat where regular and on going scientific monitoring takes place.

This makes no sense to me. I recall seeing an update to access to the Scar Close/Park Fell area, suggesting access was being relaxed. I've just looked on the CNCC website to check I wasn't going mad before replying and found yet more conflicting information. It suggests Bargh's Cave & Pot require no permission, nor does Southerscales (via original entrance only) as new entrance lies in NNR - or in other words the same field as Bargh's... 

Not quite related to YYC but seemed a good a place as any to try and clarify matters about access in the area.. Cheers.

 

[kay]

This makes no sense to me. I recall seeing an update to access to the Scar Close/Park Fell area, suggesting access was being relaxed. I've just looked on the CNCC website to check I wasn't going mad before replying and found yet more conflicting information. It suggests Bargh's Cave & Pot require no permission, nor does Southerscales (via original entrance only) as new entrance lies in NNR - or in other words the same field as Bargh's... 

That sounds like the Southerscales info has been taken straight from Northern Caves, at which time Bargh's Cave and Pot required permission obtained by writing to the Nature Conservancy Council. IF Andrew can confirm permission isn't required for these, then they can be updated on the CNCC website.

 

[AR]

I seem to recall that the nature reserve in question has something very, very rare growing on it that was long thought to have been collected to extinction hence why access is so sensitive?

 

[RobinGriffiths]

This is a bit stupid if it is the case that we as taxpayers (Presumably at our expense) don't know what is being protected or where it is being protected. Unless I am misreading the situation.

 

[AR]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypripedium_calceolus

 

[glyders]

This is a bit stupid if it is the case that we as taxpayers (Presumably at our expense) don't know what is being protected or where it is being protected. Unless I am misreading the situation.

There have been examples of a rare thing's location being published leading to collectors coming and taking it. Not sure if that is the motivation here, or just poor public relations.

 

[kay]

This makes no sense to me. I recall seeing an update to access to the Scar Close/Park Fell area, suggesting access was being relaxed. I've just looked on the CNCC website to check I wasn't going mad before replying and found yet more conflicting information. It suggests Bargh's Cave & Pot require no permission, nor does Southerscales (via original entrance only) as new entrance lies in NNR - or in other words the same field as Bargh's... 

That sounds like the Southerscales info has been taken straight from Northern Caves, at which time Bargh's Cave and Pot required permission obtained by writing to the Nature Conservancy Council. IF Andrew can confirm permission isn't required for these, then they can be updated on the CNCC website.

I've spoken briefly to Andrew Hinde, who confirms that no permission is required for Bargh's Pot or Cave nor for Southerscales (either entrance).

Most of the NNR is open access; there are just a few bits for which a permit is required. Just to clear confusion, the piece of land  Andrew refers to above is the subject of ongoing scientific research, including  the weekly butterfly transect and ongoing vegetation research. It is not the site of the single remaining wild Cypripedium.

 

[dunc]

Thanks, Kay. Clears things up a bit.