some clubs, or most likly individuals, have a 'its my hole' mentaility (rare), but some owners just like to see anyone who wants access jump though hoops because they get over zelus with the law & lawyers.
Yes, I know what you mean. But sometimes people who don't know the local circumstances, or can't be bothered to find out, get the wrong idea.
Over the years, my club has liaised with various landowners regarding access to their land. Sometimes we have had an informal, verbal arrangement that has suited both parties. Other owners want something more specific, and this is the rule nowadays rather than the exception. It is easier for a landowner to deal with one group, rather than several, and possibly many, individuals. It suits them and it is more convenient. The arrangements we have nearly always involve securing entrances, and then maintaining them. There is always the threat of loss of access if the entrances are not maintained, they are forced open, and left insecure. The people driving the need to have the entrances secured are the landowners, rather than cavers.
Despite all the effort made by us to keep some form of access, albeit control by gating, which would otherwise be denied, there are always individuals out there who grumble and think we are doing all this on our own initiative, and who resent having to ask us about how to gain access.
To keep indefinite access, the considerations of owners have to be taken into account. Despite stories to the contrary, our club has very rarely used mine entrances without some form of consent from the owner of the land on which they lie, and when it has happened, repetition is actively discouraged, and an attempt made to make future access possible with the knowledge of the owner. And, no, I am not talking here of any site near Merstham!!!
