Hi all, northern cavers and anyone hoping to cave in the northern caving region.
As CNCC Access officer I'm keeping an eye on any government announcements or advice from partner or sister organisations which may effect caving. The BMC document detailed on another thread is very useful. Much of it could apply to caving when certain restrictions are eased (see here - https://www.thebmc.co.uk/bmc-launches-covid19-recovery-plan-for-climbing--hill-walking).
It is certainly our aim to help cavers return to the days when enjoying the sport you love was easy. I guess even now it might be possible that a few cavers have been underground during lockdown perhaps on solo trips close to home but the vast majority have been compliant with the spirit of advice to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives. Over the coming weeks and months the advice is likely to change so that at least some caving activity can take place. This is going to require that restrictions on essential travel, social distancing and exercise will have to change.
Whatever people do choose to do once restrictions are eased it is worth emphasising that public perceptions of caving do not necessarily match reality - especially over perceived risk. Whilst caving incidents are unlikely to have any real effect on our NHS, they would have a larger effect on rescue services and potentially a catastrophic effect on our image. Even now I am assured that Cave Rescue is ready to respond, as always, should they be needed though no one wants a call out at the best of times but certainly not in the midst of this pandemic. Anyone visiting the Dales should be aware that sentiments can run high. Some local people are vulnerable and scared of the virus and this should be respected.
As lockdown eases, as it surely must, on behalf of CNCC I would ask that everyone exercises more caution than in normal circumstances. Cave well within your capabilities. Pay strict attention to guidebook and local warnings. Check and double check all your equipment functions properly. Try a little refresher training in a safe environment before committing to a vertical trip. Watch the weather more closely than ever before - we are in a fantastic spell of weather here in the Dales but you can just guarantee that at any resumption of caving the usual unpredictable weather will have returned.
It goes without saying that if anyone is unwell or showing any of the well publicised signs of the virus then they should stay away from any future caving activities that are allowed. I expect we will start off caving with those in small social bubbles going on easy trips, either as independents or from small clusters within a club. The full functioning of clubs, club huts, meet lists, social events, instructed groups must be much further off. Who knows when we can enjoy that apres-caving pint in a pub with our friends again.
I shall try to update you all with any news likely to affect caving up north.
Be extra safe
Cheers
Tim Allen
CNCC Access officer
As CNCC Access officer I'm keeping an eye on any government announcements or advice from partner or sister organisations which may effect caving. The BMC document detailed on another thread is very useful. Much of it could apply to caving when certain restrictions are eased (see here - https://www.thebmc.co.uk/bmc-launches-covid19-recovery-plan-for-climbing--hill-walking).
It is certainly our aim to help cavers return to the days when enjoying the sport you love was easy. I guess even now it might be possible that a few cavers have been underground during lockdown perhaps on solo trips close to home but the vast majority have been compliant with the spirit of advice to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives. Over the coming weeks and months the advice is likely to change so that at least some caving activity can take place. This is going to require that restrictions on essential travel, social distancing and exercise will have to change.
Whatever people do choose to do once restrictions are eased it is worth emphasising that public perceptions of caving do not necessarily match reality - especially over perceived risk. Whilst caving incidents are unlikely to have any real effect on our NHS, they would have a larger effect on rescue services and potentially a catastrophic effect on our image. Even now I am assured that Cave Rescue is ready to respond, as always, should they be needed though no one wants a call out at the best of times but certainly not in the midst of this pandemic. Anyone visiting the Dales should be aware that sentiments can run high. Some local people are vulnerable and scared of the virus and this should be respected.
As lockdown eases, as it surely must, on behalf of CNCC I would ask that everyone exercises more caution than in normal circumstances. Cave well within your capabilities. Pay strict attention to guidebook and local warnings. Check and double check all your equipment functions properly. Try a little refresher training in a safe environment before committing to a vertical trip. Watch the weather more closely than ever before - we are in a fantastic spell of weather here in the Dales but you can just guarantee that at any resumption of caving the usual unpredictable weather will have returned.
It goes without saying that if anyone is unwell or showing any of the well publicised signs of the virus then they should stay away from any future caving activities that are allowed. I expect we will start off caving with those in small social bubbles going on easy trips, either as independents or from small clusters within a club. The full functioning of clubs, club huts, meet lists, social events, instructed groups must be much further off. Who knows when we can enjoy that apres-caving pint in a pub with our friends again.
I shall try to update you all with any news likely to affect caving up north.
Be extra safe
Cheers
Tim Allen
CNCC Access officer
