David Rose
Active member
On Monday of last week, the respected professional bat consultant Peter Smith, who is also the biology officer for the PDCMG, which manages access to Ogof Draenen, submitted a report to Natural Resources Wales, the Welsh heritage organisation Cadw, the Brecon Beacons National Park, and the landowner, Pwll Du Conservation Ltd. It revealed details of a survey he conducted last month showing that two protected species of bats have been roosting in Twll Du, the fourth entrance to Ogof Draenen which was opened in 2016, and in the chambers immediately below. As many readers will know, this entrance has been the subject of much previous comment, because it is, unfortunately, within the boundary of a scheduled monument, the old mine tramway, and therefore opening it or now using it may constitute a criminal offence.
At today's BCA council meeting, Stuart France, the access officer of the Cambrian Caving Council, disclosed that two days after the report was submitted, contractors engaged by Cadw began a large operation which has blocked the entrance with reinforced concrete. The police have been alerted and have begun an investigation, because this may constitute an offence under wildlife law.
There will be fuller reports in the next issues of the CCC and the BCA newsletters. Forum members ought to be aware that with two different types of potential criminal liability involved here, they should be careful what they post.
At today's BCA council meeting, Stuart France, the access officer of the Cambrian Caving Council, disclosed that two days after the report was submitted, contractors engaged by Cadw began a large operation which has blocked the entrance with reinforced concrete. The police have been alerted and have begun an investigation, because this may constitute an offence under wildlife law.
There will be fuller reports in the next issues of the CCC and the BCA newsletters. Forum members ought to be aware that with two different types of potential criminal liability involved here, they should be careful what they post.