OTHER NEWS UPDATES
At the weekend 8/9 April a badly corroded live 303 round was found at the foot of the newly opened Whalf Engine shaft. Crewe CPC propose using a metal detector to investigate for others. In the meantime take care.
Whalf Engine-parallel shaft now bolted. - Dated 29th May 2000
The Environment Agency are making strenuous efforts to find the source of this pollution [probably a cattle parlour as the effluent seems to be of bovine origin] and why it seems to suddenly appear at about the same time every year. The warning signs placed by the Environment Agency are still in place and cavers are again advised not to visit Knotlow and to either avoid Hillocks or to exercise great care, particularly in the lower levels. - Dated 14th July 2000
Eldon Hole Dumping
Eldon
had two foul-smelling bin bags from Stoke or Stafford dumped down the shaft.
These were tied at the neck but, when investigated on 8th. July were found to
contain two puppies and a young dog. Crewe C.P.C. have now cleared away the
foul mess and disposed of the remains, plus sundry other rabbits, etc. which
had fallen down in the usual course of things. The bags had apparently been in
Eldon for some time, although the first recorded report was 16th. June. If
possible we would like to track down the perpetrators and need to know when the
bags were first seen. If you have any information on this, please contact
D.C.A. via Jenny on dca @ thedca.org.uk - Dated 12th July
2000
Eldon Hole Dumping
It
was reported to DCA on 16th. June that two bin-bags, tied at the neck and
containing foul-smelling animal remains, were at the bottom of the Eldon Hole
and it was first thought that they had been "dumped" from the top. The bags had
apparently been in Eldon for some time, although the first report to DCA was
16th. June. When investigated the sacks were found to contain unidentifiable
remains, variously described as puppies or rabbits and the body of a young dog,
not bagged, was nearby. On 8th. July Members of Crewe C.P.C. shovelled the
whole foul mess into a barrel, together with sundry other rabbits, etc. which
had fallen down the shaft in the usual course of things, and removed the lot.
The remains were then disposed of at an authorised tip. Thanks are due to the
Crewe members who dealt with this thoroughly unpleasant task.
Further enquiries disclosed that some time earlier animal remains scattered around the base of the shaft had been placed in bags by caver(s) "digging" at the bottom of Eldon. It was apparently not possible to remove the bags on the day this was done but instead they were left for an unknown length of time. Other cavers, unaware of the origin of the bags, became extremely concerned and, quite correctly, reported them to DCA.
Points arising from this:
Dated 4th September 2000
HAVE YOU LOST A LOCK?
A
strange-looking lock with its key was left at the Monyash "Ice cream shop"
several months ago by a caver. It was to be collected by someone called Alan(?)
but the label with the name attached has now disappeared and, as no-one has
called to collect it, it has been handed over to DCA. If you think it's yours,
please contact Jenny Potts. Either phone 01335-370629 or e-mail dca @
thedca.org.uk - Dated 4th September 2000
Fixed Ropes Warning at Odin
Mine
When the bolts in Odin Mine were checked recently a number of
fixed handlines were found attached to the P-hangers. These were not installed
by DCA and DCA takes no responsibility for them. Please note that DCA does NOT
install permanent rope handlines or fixed ropes for SRT in caves or mines in
the region. Any such ropes in place, even if they are attached to DCA-installed
Eco-anchors, have not been placed by DCA and are not subject to inspection by
DCA. - Dated 1st March 2002
CO2 is heavier than air so, in the absence of air circulation, it will tend to settle out in the lower parts of the mine. Be aware that CO2 has no smell so there will be little or no warning of problems until you begin to feel breathless. If this happens you should exit the mine as fast as possible.
Note that there are similar and continuing problems in Knotlow where severe pollution is adding to the difficulties. The foul smell of the pollution does sometimes give a warning in Knotlow, unlike Water Icicle, but this is not to be relied on as an indicator of CO2.
DCA is looking into ways of providing better ventilation for these systems but this may not be possible so - BE WARNED!
WARNING - WINNATS HEAD
CAVE
It has been reported that on
Saturday 3rd January a dodgy maillon and hanger were found on the in situ rope
just the other side of the sewer in Winnats Head Cave. Both have been removed
and the rope left hanging from the next hanger along the traverse. (It had to
be left there in order to avoid re-climbing the pitch.) However, the rope is
now over a rub-point and should not be used. It is believed that someone is
going to replace the hanger shortly. Please note that, although Winnats Head is
listed in the Crewe C.P.C. Rigging Guide, DCA has never placed any Eco-anchors
in the cave and is not responsible for any hangers, in situ ropes, etc. which
may be found there. - Dated 6th January 2004.
Knotlow Pollution Records
After a longer than usual interval I have at last been able to recover
and record the comments on the state of the air quality in the system that you
have kindly compiled; they extend from July 2002 until January 2004.
Unfortunately water had found its way into the ammo box which has made it
difficult for you to write and me to read all the entries. However there are 33
legible entries which give a clear indication of the variations in air quality
and the continuing need to take great care. I will be forwarding these to the
relevant authorities. I will shortly be replacing the book and attempting to
"waterproof" the ammo box, meanwhile thank you for your continued support. I
shall include a summary of recent records with the book Dave Webb DCA
Conservation Officer. - Dated 24th April 2004.
DERBYSHIRE DALES DISTRICT
COUNCIL PROPOSALS TO REQUIRE A LICENCE FOR ALL GROUPS WISHING TO ABSEIL ON
COUNCIL OWNED LAND.
I
have been made aware of proposals by DDDC to require a Licence/Insurance and to
place other restrictions on groups abseiling on Council owned land. Although
this appears to refer in the first instance to High Tor, Matlock, it could also
apply to other sites. I have a copy of the Council Report and the draft Licence
and the consultation period ends on 25th. June - extremely short notice! DDDC
approached NCA, BMC and AALA for comments in the first instance so my
information has come via NCA. If you use High Tor, or any other DDDC owned
site, for abseiling or any similar activity, please contact me and I will
forward copies of the documents I have. DCA would like to co-ordinate responses
to this and also to co-ordinate our responses with those of the Climbers who
use the site(s) Jenny Potts - Dated 18th June 2004.
CO2 in Meccano Passage
Report of bad air in one of the passages in
the Meccano Passage connection between Whalf and Knotlow on Saturday, 17th.
July. A caver went down Whalf, headed into Meccano towards Knotlow and at the
point where there is a 3 ft. drop he suffered classic CO2 symptoms quite badly
and got out quickly. (There is no mention in the Knotlow Log Book of this
because the cavers didn't go into the Knotlow system at all.) Jenny Potts -
Dated 20th July 2004.
Thefts
near Water Icicle
On Sun. 22 August cavers parked at the top of the lane beyond
Summerhill Farm while they were down Water Icicle had all the wheeltrims from
their cars stolen. No other damage or theft took place but, be warned, people
other than cavers do go up the lane, even though it's not a public right of
way.
Devonshire Mine Problems
It has just been
reported on 9 Sept. 2004 that large rocks have been piled against the entrance
of Devonshire Mine, Matlock Bath preventing access. This is the gated lower
entrance by the footpath (the only official entrance) and, as far as we know,
no problems with visiting groups have been notified to DCA by the landowner. We
are currently investigating who has placed these rocks, and why, and we will
attempt to get access restored as soon as possible. Please avoid Devonshire
Mine altogether until further notice - we will keep you informed. Please do not
attempt to use any of the now blocked entrances higher up the hillside to enter
the mine. Jenny Potts - Dated 9th September 2004
Devonshire Mine
Problems
Update
Enquiries have disclosed that the rocks blocking off the Devonshire Mine gate
were placed by persons unknown without the knowledge of the landowner. The
landowner has confirmed that she is satisfied with the present access
arrangements and is willing for this to continue. A working party is being
organised to remove the rocks from the site and, if possible, to prevent a
recurrence. Please be patient and we will let you know when it's open again.
Jenny Potts - Dated 9th September 2004
Suicide Cave : Winnats
Pass
Movement in
first boulder slope! There have been recent reports of movement in the large
cracked slab directly above the crawl beneath the boulder slope just beyond the
entrance chamber. This lower route is well used by novices and others since it
avoids the pitch at the top of the slope. In the interests of safety this route
will be temporarily blocked pending a long-term solution to the problem.
Dave Webb (DCA Conservation Officer) 24th November 2006
OPINION WAS THAT THE WHOLE AREA WAS DANGEROUS, VERY UNSTABLE AND IT SHOULD NOT BE USED.
It is not possible to say precisely what has given rise to this change in the overall quality of the water flowing into the system, but two things have happened during the recent times:
1) Increased frequency of patrols throughout the
catchment area by the Environment Agency.
2) A
change in use of surrounding land from dairy farming to beef farming &
hence reduced amounts of localised slurry run-off.
Of course the position could easily change back without warning and for that reason the warning notices will remain and the record book will continue to be in place at the foot of the shaft; I would appreciate your help in continuing to report the situation as you find it.
I would like to thank all visiting cavers for their patience and diligent record-keeping, and the Environment Agency for their valuable intervention.
Click here to download a copy of the records for the period Sept 2006 - October 2007.
Access
to Long Rake Mine, Bradwell
Phone (or write) to Mr. STEVEN
Hadfield, Oakhouse Farm, Smalldale, Buxton, SK17 8AE (tel. 01298-22139) at
least 48 hours in advance. (Note that there are 2 Mr. Hadfields on that number
and it is STEVEN you need to contact.) Please give details of intended trip,
name of club and numbers involved. Avoid lambing season (10th. April to 20th.
May inclusive). Roadside parking either on Batham Gate Road, and approach via
Potter Barn, or, alternatively , from east end of road at Pindale and use
public footpath.
Avoid obstructing gateways, leave gates as found and
entrance lid secure. Mine is schedules as a RIGS.
Jenny Potts 4th Janaury
2008
WARNING: CARLESWARK
CAVERN COLLAPSE
A collapse in Carleswark cavern has been reported in the
Stub Scrin area of Big Dig, close to its upstream junction with John Smith's
Passage. Some timbers have fallen out and poised blocks in the roof appear
unsupported. The area has been inspected and must be regarded as highly
unstable, and until such time as remedial work can be put in hand you are
strongly advised to keep away from this part of the system.
David Webb 29th February 2008
Giants Hole
Access
DCA has
just been informed that the charge for Giants has been raised to £3.00.
According to our informant: "There's a big sign pinned to the side of the box
where you fill out your envelope and post it, which says quite clearly that
it's now £3 each." DCA Access Officer will be querying this but doubt
there's much we can do.
Jenny Potts 29th March 2008
Oxlow
Cavern
Oxlow now
has a new Y-hang pull-thro' on the climb up to Pilgrim's Way. (This replaces
the former system which caused problems.) The system is not quite complete yet,
it awaits the installation of two Eco-anchors at the base of the climb to allow
free run for the pull-back rope and to allow a secure lock-off. It does work OK
now, even though it's not quite complete, but we'll let you know when the job
is finished.
Jenny Potts 29th March 2008
Recapping Rowter
Hole
Many thanks
to the group of cavers who have now finished the brand new lid on Rowter Pot. A
mighty task done under winter conditions! So, all's open now and you can help
yourselves again once lambing is finished at the end of May. Ask permission at
Rowter Farm, be prepared to pay a small trespass fee and you may be asked for
proof of insurence.
Jenny Potts 29th March 2008
WARNING - Bad Air in Long
Rake Mine, Bradwell Moor
2 cavers on a trip in Long Rake Mine,
Bradwell Moor, during the Spring Bank Holiday weekend encountered "bad air",
stated to be carbon monoxide. They were so badly affected that, after they had
surfaced, they had to call the emergency services to take them to hospital for
emergency treatment and were kept in for 24 hours. Warning signs have been
placed at the shaft top and the farmer, Mr. Hadfield, is refusing permission
for access for the time being. Please ensure that club members and caving
colleagues are aware of the danger and please stay away for the present. DCA
will be investigating to try to identify the source of the problem. We will
keep everyone informed of progress via the internet.
Jenny Potts 2nd June
2008
WARNING - CARBON MONOXIDE
IN LONG RAKE MINE, BRADWELL MOOR
2 cavers on a trip in Long Rake Mine,
Bradwell Moor, on Saturday, 24th. May, encountered carbon monoxide at the top
of the 5th. pitch. They were very badly affected but managed to make it to the
surface, where one collapsed and they had to call the emergency services to
take them to hospital for emergency treatment. They had to be given oxygen and
kept in until they had recovered sufficiently to be allowed home. Note that
CARBON MONOXIDE poisoning was diagnosed by the hospital - the 2 cavers were
very lucky to get out alive!
It would be helpful to know
of any trips in Long Rake in, say, the previous 2 or 3 months (or even on the
same weekend) and to know whether anyone else encountered any problems. Even
knowing that there was NO problem on a certain date could be useful.
Jenny Potts 7th
June 2008
Last updated 8th June 2008.