As a member of the PDCMG (albeit it for some arcane procedural technicality without a vote), I can confirm that access to Ogof Draenen has been secured via the current entrance despite the lack of any compromise between GOG and the PDCMG, but that Drws Cefn will be blocked. That we still have access to Draenen comes as a great relief to all concerned, but had both parties come to an agreement when Drws Cefn was opened up many years ago (before the present landowner took over the land) then none of this would have happened.
A reasonable compromise solution was to have a locked (from both sides) gate on Drws Cefn with access into Draenen allowed only by written application in advance for certain types of trip (eg survey, research & rescue, or to avoid camping). That would keep the further reaches of the cave protected and still kept the 'wilderness' aspect for those who like that sort of thing. I also think that the risks to the further reaches from new entrances are somewhat overblown. As long as the in-cave conservation measures are in place (eg taping, or even Willie Stanton type walls or restricted access areas such as the Columns in OFD) then the risk of damage to the cave is mitigated. Many caves have far far greater use than Draenen without damaging formations. Furthermore, most of the vulnerable formations are very obvious. Incidentally, the risk of damage to the tramway by Drws Cefn is a red herring as there is a simple alternative route via a footpath.
Whilst the wishes of the landowners are paramount, they take advice on the management of the cave from the PDCMG, who have convinced/agreed with them that a single entrance is the best policy. The PDCMG have now agreed to close an existing cave rather than the connection point, and as such a compromise now seems highly unlikely. Personally I think that this is not in the interests of all cavers, and only serves to inflame the situation. Not all new entrances are neccessarily a bad thing; some are, some aren't, and they should each be considered on their merit. Given the likely potential extent of Ogof Draenen it is highly likely that alternative entrances will be found/engineered in the fullness of time, so we think about how to manage this in everyones interests, rather than stick our heads in the sand (mud?) and hope the problem will go away.
I sincerely hope that when the PDCMG meet again in the summer, they will act on behalf of all cavers and come to some form of compromise over alternative entrances. Similarly GOG need to remember that unilateral action only serves to act against their interests. Lastly those 'forum abusers' who habitually use foul, offensive or threatening language on this forum should be barred. I can well understand why other members of the PDCMG don't wish to post on this forum. It helps no-one.
Happy caving!
Andy
