martinm
New member
bograt said:graham said:Mark Wright said:I believe there is a national digging fund (which could probably be better administered) that could help ensure scaffolded digs are safe with no need for substandard tubes, clips and boards.
if memory serves, that fund a) isn't that wealthy and b) gives loans, not grants.
I am not aware of a 'national digging fund', I think Mark may be thinking about the DCA's 'cave discovery fund' which recompenses expenditure for finders of 'significant cave passage' (in the Peak District).
That is correct Terry. I have claimed from it in the past when we opened up the top entrance to Darfar Pot. The rest of the funding for my entrance works has for several years come from BCA via DCA.
If you find a dig in an unsafe condition there is funding available to make it safe. (Receipts required for materials and necessary equipment like gloves, etc.) If it is a natural collapse, then it is the landowners responsibility to at least fence it off to safeguard livestock and members of the public if on access land or near a public road or footpath.
With regards to liability, 'taking reasonable precautions', is the key phrase here. That is why the National Trust had gates fitted on all the caves & mines around Wetton Mill close to public footpaths or roads. No padlocks, just bolted shut as usual. I have dealt (or am dealing with) the other 18 entrances in river beds of the Manifold & Hamps valleys! Only 3 on NT property. I don't want to be liable for someone having an accident, but I do want the sites kept open. It is a SSSI after all.