Great Doward (Pancake Mine) + Symmonds Yat Caves

[SteveBonham]

Does anyone have surveys and descriptions of  the Great Doward Iron Mine (Pancake Mine) and Symmonds Yat Caves they could share with me? I intend to check them out with the aim of getting them added to the list of sites I can use as a Cave Leader. I sometimes warden at and take youth groups to Biblins Youth campsite, so being able to use local sites would be helpful

 

[Bump]

Hi Steve,

I can certainly help you with this, I will just need a week until I?m back in the Forest. It is worth bearing in mind that trips to Pancake Mines/Caves is currently not allowed by the Forestry Commission

Bump

 

[mikem]

I don't think it can be put on your ticket either.

 

[Tricky Dicky]

trips to Pancake Mines/Caves is currently not allowed by the Forestry Commission

Do you know why??

 

[Bump]

As far as I am aware bone fide caving clubs are allowed toThe Doward (with the appropriate insurance). However, commercial groups are not allowed. Don?t ask me why, the FC are the land owners on behalf of The Crown.

 

[mikem]

I believe it's to do with it being a mine & requiring a professional inspection before use by other companies.

 

[glyders]

It may also be because they know no-one would pay their fees to go in a cave/mine.

FE has a policy that any organised group using their land for any activity has to get permission at least 6? months in advance with a non-refundable application fee of ?179? for any number up to 40?
Sorry for all the ?s but I'm trying to put this in from memory and am not sure on specifics.

 

[Roger W]

FE (Forestry England) website says to apply at leasr 8 weeks in advance for a permit,  and "where apporopriate we will charge for applications."

www.forestryengland.uk  and go to the bottom of the page for "Permissions and permits."

 

[Tricky Dicky]

I think I'll give the mine a miss and stick to the caves..............

 

[SteveBonham]

I understand from the Forestry Commission website that a permit is needed if "You will be charging people for your event or activity". But if I am just taking a group from the school I work for, or a Youth Organisation   I volunteer with do I still need a permit for Pancake Mines?

 

[mikem]

They won't give permission for pancake

 

[Bump]

Hi Steve, no access is allowed to Pancake Caves/mines whatsoever. Permits will not be issued to any groups/schools.

There is a outdoor activity licence for bona fide outdoor pursuit centres to take groups onto forestry land for various activities i.e caving/climbing at the Yat or canoeing at Mallards Pike. The Pancake area is excluded from this scheme.

Please feel free to pm if you want further details or advice on how to get a licence as there is a few hoops to jump through!

 

[Mattrees]

I don't think it can be put on your ticket either.

It can, mine was relatively recently, against the possibility of FE changing their mind.