Indeed, without the gate debris washed down the stream, which has included in the past leylandii cuttings fly tipped into the stream along the road as well as autumn leaf fall and various branches, logs, twigs etc. would find itself washed straight down the cave and potentially cause issues within as it has done in the past. The ATLAS team plus other Mendip cavers have put in an awful lot of time and effort to maintain access to TLS by keeping the stream clear and clearing the entrance gate, digging out the Hobnail channel etc when practicable. When you approach TLS, before reaching the steps down to the entrance on the right you may sometimes notice a large mound of mud, silts and composting material that has been cleared from the entrance.
If anyone is interested in assisting with the next clearing session feel free to get in touch
If I remember I will post details here, although sometimes it is at short notice being weather and ATLAS team availability dependent.
Think of the gate as more of a hinged grill to catch debris. There is no lock on the ?g?a?t?e? grill so no key required for access, no restriction for access, no permission required, just swing the grill to one side and retain with hook on chain. But please remember to unhook and close the grill after a trip.
Hobnail Hole does however have a CSCC padlock (keys readily available) on its gate since this is visible from the lay by when the foliage is low and with a square stone built entrance shaft with fixed ladder could be too inviting to the un-aware.
Maj.
