Deepdale cave opposite Thirsthouse cave

[cavefinder]

Can anyone remember what this cave looked like before the badgers took over? According to the COPD it used to be 70ft long but it's been disturbed by the badgers and has now several holes in the entrance. If the badgers are not active anymore I might have a go at digging it again.

 

[Speleokitty]

Worth a read if you are interested in that area -

http://www.pdmhs.com/PDFs/ScannedBulletinArticles/Bulletin%2015-6%20-%20Lead%20and%20Calcite%20Workings%20near%20Chelmorton,%20Derbyshire.pdf

 

[grahams]

Best of luck with your dig but I think that it's Thirsthouse Cave that's Going Places. Long term job though.

 

[cavefinder]

Thanks for the link, very interesting. I didn't realize there was so much in this area. Will certainly look at a few more of these.
                                                                   

 

[cavefinder]

Went up at the w/e and there are three badger holes definitely being used as they have burrowed through the bank I'd made and put twigs on . So digging there is a no no until they have moved on. Any one any ideas how to move them on??

 

[Big Jim]

I think you'll find that trying to 'move them on' is also a 'no no' unless you have a licence to do so. Its one thing deterring badgers from a foraging area using renardine (no longer available in UK) but turfing them out of their sett is still an illegal activity.

 

[bograt]

Went up at the w/e and there are three badger holes definitely being used as they have burrowed through the bank I'd made and put twigs on . So digging there is a no no until they have moved on. Any one any ideas how to move them on??

Meeting the stripey buggers head on in a flat out bedding is Scarey (I speak from experience)

Moving them on is also a No-No. :thumbsdown:
We looked at this site in the later '70's, and they were there then, looked at the ground above for alternatives but it had all been "agriculturally improved".
I agree with the Thirst House suggestion (thinking vaguely of similarities with Winnats Head) but you've got to be as committed as mad Ben, also the archaelogical aspect may be an impediment? (is it listed, and if so how far in?).

 

[graham]

... but turfing them out of their sett is still an illegal activity.

Unless you are a tory minister of course. 

 

[Servo]

Does anyone know of an active dig in this cave now, was up there the other day and quite a bit of spoil dotted around. Wondering if it's going anywhere?

 

[bograt]

Could be the stripy's, they're digging home extensions on our place at the moment, its surprising how much stuff they can shift.

 

[SamT]

I think it might be an Eldon dig.  Someone was rattling on in the pub about something in that vicinity. 

 

[nigel n]

Its an Orpheus dig

 

[grahams]

... but turfing them out of their sett is still an illegal activity.

Unless you are a tory minister of course. 

On the other hand, if you're a labour minister, you shut down the countryside, wreck many rural business and pile burning carcases 30 feet deep as the idiots did in the F&M disaster.

 

[paul]

[gmod]Can we please leave the political tit for tat stuff for the Idle Chat section and keep on topic.[/gmod]

 

[martinm]

Its an Orpheus dig

And it is in a SSSI. (Topley Pike and Deep Dale SSSI.) And I believe in a NNR too. And unconsented and noticed by someone from the PDNP. NE have contacted me about it, as have PDNP via PDMHS. It is under investigation by various people. The diggers could be in a whole heap of trouble... 

Regards Mel. DCA Conservation Officer.

 

[Rob]

Definitely not an Eldon dig then.

 

[Servo]

Nigel, does is it seem to be going anywhere? I've always been interested by the possibility of large systems in Deepdale?

 

[nigel n]

Ive only been there once but I dont think very much digging has actually taken place (other than by badgers in the past).  You probably access more than a few feet of cave so there would be a lot of work to reach the 70 feet allegedly reached in the 50s.  There is some stal and false foor in the fill though so who knows.  You cant see anything whatsoever of the dig from the valley floor either so I am curious as to what prompted the attention from NE and the Peak Park.  The cave is used more by boulderers who have installed a handline from the top for access.  Perhaps the DCA should have made some effort to contact the diggers (via this forum?) rather appearing to gloat after the event.  I am sure that many people would question whether NE and the Peak Park (for whom I work) are using public funds wisely in this instance.
PS no badgers were harmed or relocated during this production.

 

[martinm]

There is some stal and false foor in the fill though so who knows.  You cant see anything whatsoever of the dig from the valley floor either so I am curious as to what prompted the attention from NE and the Peak Park. Perhaps the DCA should have made some effort to contact the diggers (via this forum?) rather appearing to gloat after the event. 

Re:- Gloating? I am not doing so. The activity was reported after the use of explosives was noted. The spoil mentioned could be being produced by Badgers, there's load of that type of 'disturbance' in the Manifold, some of it quite extensive, the NT are aware of it.

1. How could the DCA contact the diggers when they didn't know who they were? They still don't know exactly who it is for sure.

2. Your use of 'the diggers' indicates there are diggers working there without permission.

If what you say is true, Nigel,  then I'm sure all may be fine. Let's just leave it at that for now until we know the facts.

We don't want yet another controversial thread, do we? 

 

[bograt]

I suggest that detailed correspondence on this matter be dealt with by PM, rather than public domain, there is nothing to be gained by stirring up another wasps nest.