Eldon Quarry
- Thread starter mik starr
- Start date
martinm
New member
Chatsworth. For access details, see the DCA web site home page, near the bottom:-
http://thedca.org.uk/
http://thedca.org.uk/
EwanCameron
New member
Eldon Quarry Access
URGENT UPDATE - someone has been and stolen the box & logbook can people give the area a miss until we can get something sorted ASAP
MASIVE thanks for yours support in this matter
Yours
Ewan Cameron
DCA Access
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
URGENT UPDATE - someone has been and stolen the box & logbook can people give the area a miss until we can get something sorted ASAP
MASIVE thanks for yours support in this matter
Yours
Ewan Cameron
DCA Access
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
We aim to get a new log book in place a.s.a.p. although it may not be in the same type of box as before. The agreement about access to Eldon Quarry was reached in July 2013 and it should now read (the section in italics has been amended):
ACCESS TO ELDON HILL QUARRY
From the start of July 2013 access is restored to what it was ? with a number of caveats. The Quarry is part of the Castleton SSSI and all digging needs to be logged. To this end DCA has installed a box over the wall next to the entrance gate. The box (originally a modified ornate letter box actually, was clamped to a bar with the key on a chain tucked out of sight in one end of the bar - but this is having to be replaced in November 2014 following vandalism) contains a logbook, pens, and a survey of the Quarry marking and naming all the known caves and dig sites. Cavers are asked to record their visits and name the site visited. New sites should be given a name and added to the survey.
At the farmer?s insistence all vehicles must be parked on the lane and under no circumstances driven into the Quarry or Quarry area. His gate must be kept fastened and entry left clear at all times. Visitors to understand they enter and explore the Quarry entirely at their own risk but should carry proof of valid Public Liability insurance cover. Dogs should be left at home.
Please note that access is probationary for the time being and dependent on how closely we all stick to the rules. DCA is expected to ensure that all three parties ? Chatsworth, the tenant farmer, and Natural England ? are not inconvenienced or compromised by allowing cavers back into the Quarry. Both Chatsworth and Natural England need to know that due regard is being paid to the scientific interest of the site, hence the logbook.
It would be helpful if cavers could report any problems with the new system, once it's been installed, or any vehicular activity in the quarry itself to the DCA Access Officer at access@theDCA.org.uk.
Note that, following attempts to steal the rope rigged from the top of the quarry to to descend to Sidetrack Cave, there is now a bolt on the ledge so that the bottom of the rope can be tied off to prevent it being pulled up from above.
Jenny Potts,
DCA Hon. Secretary
ACCESS TO ELDON HILL QUARRY
From the start of July 2013 access is restored to what it was ? with a number of caveats. The Quarry is part of the Castleton SSSI and all digging needs to be logged. To this end DCA has installed a box over the wall next to the entrance gate. The box (originally a modified ornate letter box actually, was clamped to a bar with the key on a chain tucked out of sight in one end of the bar - but this is having to be replaced in November 2014 following vandalism) contains a logbook, pens, and a survey of the Quarry marking and naming all the known caves and dig sites. Cavers are asked to record their visits and name the site visited. New sites should be given a name and added to the survey.
At the farmer?s insistence all vehicles must be parked on the lane and under no circumstances driven into the Quarry or Quarry area. His gate must be kept fastened and entry left clear at all times. Visitors to understand they enter and explore the Quarry entirely at their own risk but should carry proof of valid Public Liability insurance cover. Dogs should be left at home.
Please note that access is probationary for the time being and dependent on how closely we all stick to the rules. DCA is expected to ensure that all three parties ? Chatsworth, the tenant farmer, and Natural England ? are not inconvenienced or compromised by allowing cavers back into the Quarry. Both Chatsworth and Natural England need to know that due regard is being paid to the scientific interest of the site, hence the logbook.
It would be helpful if cavers could report any problems with the new system, once it's been installed, or any vehicular activity in the quarry itself to the DCA Access Officer at access@theDCA.org.uk.
Note that, following attempts to steal the rope rigged from the top of the quarry to to descend to Sidetrack Cave, there is now a bolt on the ledge so that the bottom of the rope can be tied off to prevent it being pulled up from above.
Jenny Potts,
DCA Hon. Secretary
A replacement box has been fitted by Pete Mellors, who has bolted it to the gate this time instead of the wall. The box is identical to the previous one and contains a new survey, logbook and pens. The key is on a chain again but you have to lift the letterbox flap to reach it.
At the farmer's insistence the gate is now secured by a combination padlock. He's had trouble with off-roaders and wants cavers to report any unauthorised/suspicious visitors to him without delay (Maurice Gregory on 07778 750878). At least he realises the bad guys are not the ones in helmets and oversuits. Code for the lock is 1.2.3.4 (not my idea of high security either but there you go!). Please remember no cavers' vehicles are allowed through the gate into the quarry but you are welcome to park in the lane as long as you don?t cause an obstruction.
Any damage or problems with the new box or lock should be reported to DCA.
Jenny Potts,
DCA Hon. Sec.
At the farmer's insistence the gate is now secured by a combination padlock. He's had trouble with off-roaders and wants cavers to report any unauthorised/suspicious visitors to him without delay (Maurice Gregory on 07778 750878). At least he realises the bad guys are not the ones in helmets and oversuits. Code for the lock is 1.2.3.4 (not my idea of high security either but there you go!). Please remember no cavers' vehicles are allowed through the gate into the quarry but you are welcome to park in the lane as long as you don?t cause an obstruction.
Any damage or problems with the new box or lock should be reported to DCA.
Jenny Potts,
DCA Hon. Sec.
Eldon Quarry Access
Persons unknown have recently stolen the lock and chain from the gate into Eldon Quarry. The farmer is aware and, for the time being the gate is secured by baler twine and he has no problem with cavers entering quarry under the usual conditions: i.e. no cars to be taken into the quarry and fill in the Log Book in the box each time. The farmer has warned that any vehicles seen in the quarry will be reported to the police so, if you come across anything untoward, please let DCA know by emailing us via the DCA website www.theDCA.org.uk
Jenny Potts,
DCA Hon. Sec.
Persons unknown have recently stolen the lock and chain from the gate into Eldon Quarry. The farmer is aware and, for the time being the gate is secured by baler twine and he has no problem with cavers entering quarry under the usual conditions: i.e. no cars to be taken into the quarry and fill in the Log Book in the box each time. The farmer has warned that any vehicles seen in the quarry will be reported to the police so, if you come across anything untoward, please let DCA know by emailing us via the DCA website www.theDCA.org.uk
Jenny Potts,
DCA Hon. Sec.
Please note that there will an international group in Eldon Hill Quarry on Friday 26th June as part of a scientific field trip. An officer from Natural England headquarters will be on the trip and the farmer, Maurice Gregory, has given permission.
Jenny Potts,
DCA Hon. Sec.
Jenny Potts,
DCA Hon. Sec.