Wookey 20

[psychocrawler]

Outraged to read about the new tunnel to Wookey 20 and the thought of hoards of k-heads stamping about in there. This is one of the only places I've managed to dive to (from 3 and not via the mine to 9) on Mendip. Whatever next? A Mont Blanc style tunnel through the hill taking in Swildon's 12?

 

[cap n chris]

No precedent is being set and the landowner is fully AOK with the plan, much of which is being carried out with the cooperation of cavers.

 

[graham]

What is a 'k-head'?

If we wish for the public to be on board with cave conservation, then they need to be able to see and appreciate caves. Provided that a development is undertaken sympathetically - and given Wookey's SSSI status I gather that there are conditions on this one which I presume are being adhered to as work proceeds - then there should be no problem. Of course some caves are wholly unsuitable for this kind of development but some are certainly suitable.

For a shining example of how it can be done well - and again in a cave only previously open to divers - I suggest you visit the Grotte de Tourtoirac.

 

[mrodoc]

It's all because of the need for more cheese storage At least the cheese people are supporting the venture. I am interested because there are some interesting side passages and potential  digs in Wookey 20.

 

[Simon Beck]

Yes Psychocrawler I agree - totally F&%king scandalous!, and no doubt all in the name of squeezing more revenue out of the place.

But, it does put things in to perspective, there's me getting all uppity about - soon to be non-existent - offensive insitu aerials.     

 

[martinr]

What is a 'k-head'?

Knucklehead?

 

[bograt]

Do I gather that the blasted way is to be driven from the surface?, if so, if it is a different access to Wookey 20, so the owners of the Show Cave can have no say in it?

 

[Judi Durber]

http://ukcaving.com/board/index.php?topic=18408.msg0#new

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32854381

 

[Peter Burgess]

I have no idea whether to take the outrage expressed above seriously or not. Someone please help me.

 

[bograt]

Thanks for that Judi, but it doesn't really answer my query, it looks as though the spoil is being delivered direct to surface so is not part of the existing show cave, but, of course Wookey can own the land at access/egress?

---1 metre a day?? a good team of 4 proper hard rock miners could do at least 4m in that size passage !!.

 

[Simon Wilson]

It looks very similar to what was done in White Scar.

I had mixed feelings about that at the time and I think a lot of local cavers did.

 

[Maj]

---1 metre a day?? a good team of 4 proper hard rock miners could do at least 4m in that size passage !!.

There are logistical reasons why they can't do more than one blast per day and 1m at a time. I'm sure if they could make quicker progress they would.

Maj.

 

[graham]

For the avoidance of doubt the project is, indeed, being undertaken by the show cave management and the tunnel connects chamber 20 with chamber 9. Spoil is removed from chamber 9 via the existing artificial tunnels.

 

[cap n chris]

I have no idea whether to find the seriousness expressed above outrageous or not. Someone please help me.

 

[Simon Wilson]

Regarding the similar work at White Scar, any objection to them mining a few tons of rock might look a bit pointless when there are numerous huge quarries in the area.

 

[graham]

I have no idea whether to find the seriousness expressed above outrageous or not. Someone please help me.

I believe you to be beyond help, sorry.

 

[psychocrawler]

Totally serious. Further desecration of natural cave. K-head = knob head!

 

[cap n chris]

The management and owners of the cave are very good people. I have no issues with this project; others have their own opinions.

 

[Duncan S]

I bet they can't blast or extract the spoil while the caves are open to the public. If I'm right then that would seriously limit the amount they can dig each day.

As far as I can tell, the feelings in the Mendip caving community seem pretty positive about the dig.
The publicity is doing a lot to promote caves and caving.
Yesterday I was shown fluting in OFD that is similar to Wookey 20; if it's properly lit then it will look fantastic.

 

[graham]

Like most things, this is not a black and white issue. Some show cave developments have been done sympathetically and well, some not. Some caves are clearly suitable for such development, some are certainly not. All these things should be looked at on a case by case basis. As far as this particular development is concerned, as the cave is an SSSI, consent had to be obtained from Natural England and I understand that they have people overseeing the work. I can only presume that the oversight is being done in a proper and professional manner.

Thing is, if someone against desecration of natural cave, I assume that they are against digging. Take all those bloody bits of wood and scaff out of the bottom of Eldon, bloody vandals!