Wookey Hole - New Access Agreement

[CSCC]

Following discussions between the CSCC and Wookey Hole Caves management, an agreement has now been signed and wardens trained to allow caving access beyond the show cave.

More details are available on the CSCC website. https://cscc.org.uk/wiki/news/2023-02-15_wookey_hole_access_agreement_signed

This is a brilliant achievement and our thanks go to all those who helped get it over the line, particularly Wayne Starsmore (CSCC C&A Officer) and Chris Binding (Wookey Hole Caves).

 

[cap n chris]

Just seen this. For completeness' sake and archive records, it's worth mentioning other people who were involved in making this happen. Key figures included Vince Simmons, Duncan Price, Rob Franklin, and company management including Ian Wilson and Chris Goodchild. If I've forgotten anyone I apologise and will add them. Brief coffee break over....

 

[Duncan Price]

Just seen this. For completeness' sake and archive records, it's worth mentioning other people who were involved in making this happen. Key figures included Vince Simmonds, Duncan Price, Rob Franklin, and company management including Ian Wilson and Chris Goodchild. If I've forgotten anyone I apologise and will add them. Brief coffee break over....

Thanks. For the avoidance of doubt we (the diggers) tried to make access as easy as possible without compromising the cave and business interests of Wookey Hole Caves. It closely follows the long-established procedure used by the CDG whereby visitors have to book via a named CDG booking representative who liaises with the Show Cave. For cavers it is through the CSCC C&A officer.

Given the fact that there are vulnerable areas, potential route finding difficulties, and it is a commercial operation we chose to appoint "conservation wardens" from a pool of applicants to act as guides for both trips to Land of Hope & Glory or Chamber 24 (it's best to do them as separate trips as the latter is quite strenuous on exit). Many of the digging team took up the offer to act as wardens and there have been familiarisation trips for the rest. There is a pool of wardens, all locally based who will be informed of requests for trips and will volunteer as and when needed. The rules are here: WOOKEY HOLE CAVE - access guide

A fair amount of work has been done in both locations to make visits easier - building paths, installing aids etc.

The diggers continue to work in the cave under our own arrangements with the Show Cave and welcome help on digging trips.

 

[cap n chris]

Re: Wookey 24. Thinking it might be a useful and helpful yardstick, it's worth getting anyone who is interested in visiting this part of the cave to go to St. Cuthbert's Swallet and/or Longwood August first. If they struggle there then they should progress their experience before considering a visit to 24. The thrutching return ascents can be challenging to the inexperienced or unfit. Apologies if this seems a bit patronising or harsh.