Modifications in Wretched Rabbit

[Pitlamp]

Should we as a group be covering for and encouraging a gentle attitude towards this act of criminal damage?

No and no. But if you want to nip this in the bud, an analysis of which is likely to be the more successful approach should factor in human nature - which I think is the point Canary makes.

 

[CNCC]

Please see our statement here: https://ukcaving.com/board/index.php?topic=24672.msg307180#msg307180

 

[mrodoc]

There will be as many views as there are personalities on the forum. I personally think this is rather OTT but then I was surprised to see the metal plate placed on the climb down out of Maypole Inlet in OFD2 when it appeared. On Mendip we have until now had more of  a history of fixed aids disappearing in caves eg Three Rung Ladder and the Wire in Wire Rift in St. Cuthbert's Swallet, and the ladder in the Greasy Chimney in Swildon's Hole as wel as the famous row in the 60's over whether a piple should be in place at the top of the 40. In Reservoir Hole we had quite a discussion on how much we should modify the climb into the Frozen Deep and metal plates there were primarily to reduce erosion of the pitch. I think changing the character of a climb that is regularly done after half a century at least of use by cavers is not really good form.

 

[Kenilworth]

Mrodoc has said explicitly what most here have suggested. It is not the damage to the cave that's upsetting, but the damage to tradition.

A sign in a cave is more unsightly, less useful, and ecologically equal to some footholds.

I attempt to leave every cave as unaltered as possible. When there is a need to drill, break, blast, muddy, carve, or dig, then, I feel absolutely justified in doing so. It is important to do our violence with respect for the place and its people.