Hidden Earth 2026: Confirmed Lectures, Films and Workshops

[HiddenEarth]

We'll showcase the upcoming sessions here for Hidden Earth 2026.

The weekend is packed with lectures, with two or three parallel sessions running both days. Topics include new and old exploration from the UK and overseas as well as workshops covering cave science, research, technology and photography.

We wouldn't have an event if we didn't have lots of exciting lectures so we encourage all cavers to submit a talk, film or workshop. You can submit your abstract online any time throughout the year - even if you haven't been on that expedition yet!

Submit here: https://hidden.earth/lectures

 

[HiddenEarth]

Hidden Earth 2026:
Congo Update - Did we succeed with the new African Master Cave?​

45 minute lecture by Michael Laumanns

The presentation provides an interesting look into the attempts to link Grotte de Ngovo and Grotte de Ngungi caves. It also features a slideshow and a movie from the 2024 and 2025 field trips. An insightful update for any experienced caver.

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Hidden Earth 2026 | Congo Update - Did we succeed with the new African Master Cave?

At Hidden Earth 2023 an international expediton to the Mbanza Ngungu area in the province of Congo Central (Democratic Republic of th Congo) has been presented. Some important caves were partly surveyed, e.g. Grotte de Ngovo at 4.8 km and Grotte de Ngungi at 2.1 km, and it looked like these...

hidden.earth

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Submit your session for Hidden Earth 2026
Been on an expedition or had discovery success in the UK. Whatever you've been up to for the past few years, we'd love to hear about it. Submit your lecture, film or workshop session online... https://hidden.earth/lectures/submit

 

[HiddenEarth]

Hidden Earth 2026: A Tale of Two Rescues​

60 minute lecture by Rostam Namaghi

Coming up are two impressive tales from a long-standing caver, with an experience of over 17 years and 1200 trips. Learn from his mistakes as he narrates his experiences of 'Deliverance from Providence' and 'Escape from Elysium'. An open invite to all hecklers for a healthy discussion.

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Hidden Earth 2026 | A Tale of Two Rescues

After a caving career spanning over 17 years, 1200 trips and 19 formal expeditions this colossal pillock got in 2 rescues in the space of 6 months. Deliverance from Providence and the Escape from Elysium provide the perfect keys to staying humble, learning from mistakes and shredding egos. All...

hidden.earth

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Submit your session for Hidden Earth 2026
Been on an expedition or had discovery success in the UK. Whatever you've been up to for the past few years, we'd love to hear about it. Submit your lecture, film or workshop session online... https://hidden.earth/lectures/submit

 

[HiddenEarth]

Hidden Earth 2026: Anatomically correct 3d mapping: Introducing the Tactical Frog​

30 minute lecture by Phil Underwood

Phil Underwood, the innovator behind the Shetland Attack Pony, reveals his latest invention - the Tactical Frog. This helmet-mounted device makes cave mapping a breeze. He also shares insights on how the combo of Tactical Frog and Shetland Attack Pony can enhance accuracy in cave surveys. Catch him at the upcoming September caving conference.

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Hidden Earth 2026 | Anatomically correct 3d mapping: Introducing the Tactical Frog

Surveying caves is tedious - what if you could just wander around and your helmet creates the map for you? Phil Underwood (creator of the Shetland Attack Pony) introduces his newest creation, the Tactical Frog. This is a helmet mounted cave scanner, which allows no fuss cave mapping. He also...

hidden.earth

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Submit your session for Hidden Earth 2026
Been on an expedition or had discovery success in the UK. Whatever you've been up to for the past few years, we'd love to hear about it. Submit your lecture, film or workshop session online... https://hidden.earth/lectures/submit

 

[HiddenEarth]

Hidden Earth 2026: North Peru 2026: 2,800 m of limestone above one of the largest resurgences in South America​

45 minute lecture by Pete Talling

This presentation continues the story of the search for deep caves on the rim of the Amazon Basin in August-September 2026. The expedition is to a high altitude (up to 3,700 m) and unusually remote limestone plateau that is underlain by ~2,800m of limestone. It has an extremely large (up to 34 cumec) resurgence of the Rio Negro at its base, which might be the largest karst resurgence in South America.

Read more:

Hidden Earth 2026 | North Peru 2026: 2,800 m of limestone above one of the largest resurgences in South America

This presentation continues the story of the search for deep caves on the rim of the Amazon Basin in August-September 2026. The expedition is to a high altitude (up to 3,700 m) and unusually remote limestone plateau that is underlain by ~2,800m of limestone. It has an extremely large (up to 34...

hidden.earth

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Submit your session for Hidden Earth 2026
Been on an expedition or had discovery success in the UK. Whatever you've been up to for the past few years, we'd love to hear about it. Submit your lecture, film or workshop session online... https://hidden.earth/lectures/submit

 

[HiddenEarth]

Hidden Earth 2026: Dachstein Caving Expedition 2026​

45 minute lecture by Andrew Mcleod

At the upcoming UK caving conference, we'll share all the thrilling details from this year's Dachstein Expedition. Expect stories of new cave discovery, daring traverses from multiple camps, and the exploration of the Forbidden Fruits passage. Adventure, surprise, and the joy of discovery all promise to be part of our tale. The only certainty is that there will be something interesting to share!

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Hidden Earth 2026 | Dachstein Caving Expedition 2026

As usual, this talk will be hot off the press with the expedition only ending 12 days before Hidden Earth begins! This year in the Dachstein we will as usual be searching for new caves, as well as pushing a 250 m deep cave called Thundergasm that has been neglected in recent years, but our most...

hidden.earth

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Submit your session for Hidden Earth 2026
Been on an expedition or had discovery success in the UK. Whatever you've been up to for the past few years, we'd love to hear about it. Submit your lecture, film or workshop session online... https://hidden.earth/lectures/submit

 

[mikem]

Might be an idea to put the dates up again...

 

[HiddenEarth]

Hidden Earth 2026: FOIBE - Karst as a vehicle of terror post-Second World War​

45 minute lecture by Piper Cusmano

Join us in September for a lecture revealing the dark historical twist to our beloved activity. We'll uncover the role caves played as instruments of terror, focusing on the Foibe massacre post-WWII on the Italian and Yugoslavian border. This unique exploration of caving's anthropological and political significances promises to be an enlightening experience.

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Hidden Earth 2026 | FOIBE - Karst as a vehicle of terror post-Second World War

Come explore with me how potholes were used as an instrument of terror and mass murder on the Italian and Yugoslavian border post-Second World War. During this talk, we will look at the “big” and “small” histories connected to the Foibe massacre, taking a deep dive into historical facts while...

hidden.earth

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Submit your session for Hidden Earth 2026
Been on an expedition or had discovery success in the UK. Whatever you've been up to for the past few years, we'd love to hear about it. Submit your lecture, film or workshop session online... https://hidden.earth/lectures/submit

 

[HiddenEarth]

Hidden Earth 2026: Looking for new areas for cave exploration..?​

45 minute workshop by Peter Talling

For those looking to embark on new caving expeditions, there's an informal workshop to gather tips, insights on logistics, building local contacts, and sponsorship. Organized with support from the Ghar Parau Foundation, this event is an excellent opportunity to network and discuss innovative approaches to expeditions. It caters to both local student clubs and those planning trips to more remote, exotic locations. Be there to share and fulfil your 'caving dreams'.

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Hidden Earth 2026 | Looking for new areas for cave exploration..?

This informal workshop aims to gather people together who are interested in finding new areas for cave exploration. It will provide inspiration and some practical tips for finding new expedition areas, and generally aims to support people who want to set up new trips. Such trips may be to less...

hidden.earth

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Submit your session for Hidden Earth 2026
Been on an expedition or had discovery success in the UK. Whatever you've been up to for the past few years, we'd love to hear about it. Submit your lecture, film or workshop session online... https://hidden.earth/lectures/submit

 

[HiddenEarth]

Hidden Earth 2026: Gate or not to gate? Making access bat friendly​

30 minute lecture by Jessica Eades

Keen about bat-friendly cave gating? This is just right for you! Discover essential design principles, look at construction, installation timing, monitoring, and the legal facet before making any alterations. An opportunity to discuss specific sites and view numerous real-life examples.

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Hidden Earth 2026 | Gate or not to gate? Making access bat friendly

In this session we will talk about why maintaining access for bats is a good thing. What to consider before you start designing any lid or gate for a site. What information you might require, and who you might need to get involved. Will you need legal permissions prior to works? We will cover...

hidden.earth

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Submit your session for Hidden Earth 2026
Been on an expedition or had discovery success in the UK. Whatever you've been up to for the past few years, we'd love to hear about it. Submit your lecture, film or workshop session online... https://hidden.earth/lectures/submit

 

[HiddenEarth]

Hidden Earth 2026: A New Dales Classic - Scanty Lardos Pot 2026 Extensions​

45 minute lecture by George North

If you're fascinated by new caving discoveries, then you'd want to hear about the Scanty Lardos Pot 2026 Extensions from the Misty Mountain Mud Miners. They've unearthed over 2km of new cave in Penyghent Gill, with over 4km still to explore. This promising new spot's shaping up to be a classic Dales pothole. Hear from Pete Hall, Rick Richardson, and George North as they share their exploration insights and future potential of this relatively unexplored area.

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Hidden Earth 2026 | A New Dales Classic - Scanty Lardos Pot 2026 Extensions

Over the course of 2026 The Misty Mountain Mud Miners have been busy extending the relatively recently discovered Scanty Lardos Pot in Penyghent Gill. So far over 2km of new cave has been explored, but with a distance of over 4km still remaining to the rising, there's a feeling that we could...

hidden.earth

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Submit your session for Hidden Earth 2026
Been on an expedition or had discovery success in the UK. Whatever you've been up to for the past few years, we'd love to hear about it. Submit your lecture, film or workshop session online... https://hidden.earth/lectures/submit

 

[T pot 2]

We'll showcase the upcoming sessions here for Hidden Earth 2026.

The weekend is packed with lectures, with two or three parallel sessions running both days. Topics include new and old exploration from the UK and overseas as well as workshops covering cave science, research, technology and photography.

We wouldn't have an event if we didn't have lots of exciting lectures so we encourage all cavers to submit a talk, film or workshop. You can submit your abstract online any time throughout the year - even if you haven't been on that expedition yet!

Submit here: https://hidden.earth/lectures

What no Derbyshire roundup ?

 

[HiddenEarth]

Hidden Earth 2026: Valley to Valley in the North York Moors​

45 minute lecture by Matt Ewles

Dive into our two-day caving conference as we take a deep look into the remarkable 4km system found in the North York Moors, along with its exciting valley-to-valley journeys. Get an insider's view on recent discoveries, exciting valley-to-valley experiences, and future digging projects. We'll also explore other fascinating opportunities across the Jurassic Limestone of the North York Moors.

Read more:

Hidden Earth 2026 | Valley to Valley in the North York Moors

Everyone loves a valley-to-valley through trip. Well, maybe except Rostam. When we first put crowbar to the ground in the North York Moors 19 years ago our hopes weren’t high. A few choked rifts would have scratched our digging itch. What we found was a 1.6 km system with a magnificent...

hidden.earth

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Submit your session for Hidden Earth 2026
Been on an expedition or had discovery success in the UK. Whatever you've been up to for the past few years, we'd love to hear about it. Submit your lecture, film or workshop session online... https://hidden.earth/lectures/submit

 

[HiddenEarth]

Hidden Earth 2026: Ario Caves Project Expedition 2026: Fire & Ice in The Picos​

45 minute lecture by Chris Curry & Becka Lawson

Looking forward to presenting about Ario Caves Project and our journey towards 'The Ario Dream' at the upcoming caving conference. We will discuss our recent forays, including the successful Coral Corner exploration and extending into Skull Cave. There's also our international collaboration on El Morrón del Torco. A note of appreciation for our brave folks at Refugio Vega de Ario who battled wildfires and drought, where we could help with water supply improvements.

Read more:

Hidden Earth 2026 | Ario Caves Project Expedition 2026: Fire & Ice in The Picos

The Ario Caves Project continues to work on accomplishing ‘The Ario Dream’ of connecting the highest mountaintop entrances to the resurgence cave at Culiembro, and this year brought us another step closer. Having last year connected Tras la Jayada to The Cave of the Witches Eye, this presented...

hidden.earth

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Submit your session for Hidden Earth 2026
Been on an expedition or had discovery success in the UK. Whatever you've been up to for the past few years, we'd love to hear about it. Submit your lecture, film or workshop session online... https://hidden.earth/lectures/submit

 

[HiddenEarth]

Hidden Earth 2026:​

UBSS Montenegro Expedition - Kameno More​

30 minute lecture by Daniel Rose

Come and hear about the inexperienced, yet adventurous UBSS team's journey to the 'sea of rock', Kameno More, in Montenegro. The expedition marked the revival of British exploration to the region after almost a decade. We'll share how we organized the expedition from scratch in minimal time, our discoveries, and the hurdles we overcame.

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Hidden Earth 2026 | UBSS Montenegro Expedition - Kameno More

This year the UBSS and friends decided to start their own expedition to the Kameno More region of Montenegro - the 'sea of rock'. This marked a renewal of British exploration to the region which hadn't seen British involvement since 2013. Come along to find out what we found, what we got up...

hidden.earth

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Submit your session for Hidden Earth 2026
Been on an expedition or had discovery success in the UK. Whatever you've been up to for the past few years, we'd love to hear about it. Submit your lecture, film or workshop session online... https://hidden.earth/lectures/submit

 

[HiddenEarth]

Hidden Earth 2026:​

Understanding the Cave Before the Stalagmites: Cave Monitoring in Vietnam​

30 minute lecture by Chloe (snowling) Riviera

Join us to delve deep into cave monitoring at Soong Cave, Vietnam during the upcoming caving conference. Learn about reading archives of past climate from stalagmites, the cave's own climate, and the journey of rainfall from surface to stalagmite. The presentation aims to enhance our understanding of monsoon history in Southeast Asia.

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Hidden Earth 2026 | Understanding the Cave Before the Stalagmites: Cave Monitoring in Vietnam

Stalagmites are read as archives of past climate, but the cave itself has a climate of its own, one that can distort the climate signal before it ever reaches the stalagmite. In Vietnam, the winter monsoon sweeping down from Asia doesn't just change the weather outside; it reaches underground...

hidden.earth

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Submit your session for Hidden Earth 2026
Been on an expedition or had discovery success in the UK. Whatever you've been up to for the past few years, we'd love to hear about it. Submit your lecture, film or workshop session online... https://hidden.earth/lectures/submit

 

[HiddenEarth]

Hidden Earth 2026:​

Recent examples of CNCC Cave Conservation Projects (and how to get external funding)​

30 minute lecture by Andrew Hinde

Join us this September to learn from CNCC's cave conservation projects over the past 15 years. See how the projects, many externally funded, have become beneficial to northern cavers and maintained good relations with landowners. Come and exchange your ideas on these new techniques and discuss how your BCA memberships can stretch further in areas such as Training etc.

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Hidden Earth 2026 | Recent examples of CNCC Cave Conservation Projects (and how to get external funding)

Over the last 15 years the CNCC has undertaken dozens of cave conservation projects each year. Many have trialled new techniques and materials which have now become commonplace. This work benefits all northern cavers and goes a long way to maintain good cave access relations with landowners and...

hidden.earth

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Submit your session for Hidden Earth 2026
Been on an expedition or had discovery success in the UK. Whatever you've been up to for the past few years, we'd love to hear about it. Submit your lecture, film or workshop session online... https://hidden.earth/lectures/submit