CNCC Policies, Guides, Agreements

The following policies have so far been adopted;

• C.N.C.C. does not interfere with existing club access agreements which are acceptable to member clubs, except where access to some other important cave is being adversely affected;
• C.N.C.C. has generally maintained a 'low profile' and has not set itself up as a ' pressure group' to influence public opinion;
• It avoids publicising caving in ways which might attract more people to the sport;
• Access agreements involving restrictive controls have only been entered into where informal procedures have been impossible;
• The onus for obtaining permission to visit caves or to cross land remains with individual parties or clubs;
• C.N.C.C. supports the Cave Rescue Organisation in promoting a safer approach to potholing generally;
• C.N.C.C. supports the B.C.A. (Training Committee) in efforts to improve standards of cave leadership and in the controlling of caving activities of schools, youth groups and other novice parties;
• C.N.C.C. supports B.C.R.A. and B.C.A. in protecting caves threatened by damage, and in educating cavers not to abuse caves.
• C.N.C.C. actively supports and contributes to the Eco anchor/resin bonded anchor re-placement program.

USE OF THIS WEBSITE

Access and caving information on this website is intended to be used in conjunction with the current series of guide books published by Dalesman Publishing Company Ltd. Northern Caves volumes 1-3 and the C.N.C.C. rigging guides. For many of the most popular caves and potholes, the access instructions need explaining in more detail than has been found possible in the guide books. The three access pages on this website pages present these detail in much the same order as the guide book areas, they also include survey references for some of the longer cave systems which cannot be fully portrayed in the guide books. Whilst some cave surveys are obtainable as separate sheets through stockists of caving gear, others will only be found in journals held in caving club libraries.

OBTAINING PERMISSION

Obtaining permission to cross land and visit caves is not just a matter of courtesy. It is in many cases essential procedure if access to particular caves is to be maintained. Failure to observe the access requirements of a farmer or landowner will only aggravate the situation and lead to more restrictions for everybody, or even in the filling in of cave entrances, as has happened in the past. In many cases it is sufficient to call at the stated farm on the way to the cave or pothole. Some particular systems get booked up well in advance and written application is advisable. Always give plenty of notice and enclose a stamped addressed envelope for a reply.

For the caves and potholes where the access is controlled by the C.N.C.C.  on behalf of the landowner, a minimum of three months notice is required, and longer to secure a week-end booking, it is also useful to give alternative dates when requesting permits. These details have to be supplied to the landowners and agents on a monthly basis.

All requests for permission must be made on club headed note paper, signed by an officer of the club, and enclosing a stamped addressed envelope. These access agreements stipulate that the C.N.C.C. may only issue permits to BCA member clubs.

ACCESS AGREEMENTS

A summary of the terms of the access agreements negotiated by the council for areas, or specific potholes, where access had formally been denied. In some cases there have been variations to the terms of the original agreements, and in such cases the present terms are shown below. One important common feature of  most of these agreements is the requirement to give at least one months notice when writing for permits.

LECK FELL

Agreement with Lord Shuttleworth, Leck Hall, Leck, via Carnforth, Lancashire.

1. Only two clubs per day allowed on the Fell.
2. Written application to the C.N.C.C. three months in advance.
3. Rights reserved to withdraw permits for shooting.
4. Routes to caves must be strictly adhered to.
5. No potholing between 1st April and 30th June.

PENYGHENT AND FOUNTAINS FELL AREA

Agreement with Messers, Davis & Bowring of Gisburn for access to the land owned by the Dawson family in the Langcliffe and Horton-in-Ribblesdale Estates.

• Written application to be made to the C.N.C.C. at least three months in advance.
• Only one club per pothole to be permitted on any one day.
• Rights reserved to withdraw permits for shooting days in August, September and October.

PENYGHENT AREA (west of the stainforth-Halton Road)     

The gamekeeper Mr, G. Perfect, Brackenbottom, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, to be informed of permits granted and to be called on by clubs on the way to the potholes.

1. The country code must be adhered to. The shooting hut at the top of Horton Scar must not be entered.
2. Permits to be issued to approved, properly constituted clubs.
3. All persons visit potholes at their own risk.

FOUNTAINS FELL (Gingling hole & Hammer Pot)

No formal agreement governs access to potholes on the moor land areas because the farmer Mr. Coates, Rainscar House, Stainforth, prefers to renew the situation annually, the council presses for more available dates each year. A list of proposed club meets is submitted annually.
Applications should be submitted to the meets secretary by the end of January for the year in question.

MONGO GILL HOLE & SHOCKLE SHAFT

Sunside Allotment Greenhow Agreement with Major J.E.E. Yorke, Halton Place, Hellifield, Lord of the Manor of Appletreewick.

• C.N.C.C. shall be responsible to the owner for the control, co-ordination and discipline of the potholing activities of it's members.
• The agreement shall be from year to year (commencing 1st August) at a nominal rent of 5 pence per year. No potholing during May, June & July. Either party may terminate the agreement not latter than the previous 30th April.
  • Descents of the holes to be limited to member clubs except by special arrangement. The council is to supply a list of member clubs and monthly list to owner.
  • Copy of meets list to be sent to Mrs. Gill, Stump Cross Caverns. Visiting club leaders must sign record book at Cavern office to indemnify the owner  if required.
• No surface digging or underground blasting without prior consent, no interference with mineral workings in the area.
• The council shall maintain the entrances in a stockproof condition and instruct members to keep to marked path from Stump Cross. No dogs allowed.
• Any legal or other costs regarding the agreement to be paid by the C.N.C.C.

N.B. The owners of Stump Cross Caverns do not want cavers' vehicles to be parked on their car park. Vehicles should be parked on the verge beyond Stump Cross Caverns. Vehicles should not be taken down the track to the old mine building.

BIRKS FELL

Redmire Farm, Buckden, Nr. Skipton.
Agreement with Messers. Dacre Son & Hartley for and on behalf of  W.A.G. Watson.

• Access to the cave is by track from Redmire Farm only.
• Agreed access is through Birks Fell Cave entrance only unless written consent is obtained from the agent and tenant of Redmire Farm.
• No cars to be taken to Redmire Farm. Buckden car park to be used.
• All gates on the access track must be closed.
• No camping permitted.
• Access to be granted to member clubs, one per day.
• No access from 1st Novenber-15th April the following year.
• C.N.C.C. to be responsible for making good any damage resulting from the access to the cave and any claim arising from the damage.
• C.N.C.C. will indemnify Mr.Watson, his agents and tenants against any claims for accidents or damage. All persons will visit the cave at their own risk.
• Agents and tenant Mr. Horner to be notified monthly in advance of all bookings.
• Member clubs must call at Redmire Farm, when going to and when returning from the cave, but, the tenant does not accept responsibility for notifying the authorities in an emergency.
• The tenant may deny access on any day by giving reasonable notice
• The owner retains the right to terminate the agreement at any time by giving written notice.

FIXED AIDS UNDERGROUND

All fixed aids, such as belay bolts, rigid ladders etc. should be regarded with suspicion, because they were installed only for the short term convenience of the parties who placed them. DO NOT take their soundness for granted, even if mentioned in the guide books. Alternative, and or additional natural belays are usually available. In certain caves fixed ladders and ropes exist, when using these ensure that your party is protected by a life line.

It is the responsibility of the Leader, and all experienced members of the party to satisfy themselves, that the belays used will afford safe descent and egress from that system.

There  is a new type of anchor, the 'P' or it's correct name 'the Eco anchor' being installed, these are to re-place the old 'M8's. It is hoped that these anchors will remain safe and serviceable for a considerable time.
 
Whatever belay point(s) are used, whether artificial or fixed, ensure that it is always backed up with other belay point(s).

Before use check of the Eco anchor

1. The surface of the chemical mortar breaking away from the rock.
2. Fracturing of the rock within 20cm. of the anchor.
3. Looseness of the anchor placement in the rock. Slight rotational movement + or- 1mm. is acceptable.

Any fixed aid that appears defective, should be reported to the C.N.C.C. Secretary, address on contacts page.

The following information is required when reporting defective fixed aids.

1. Name of cave.
2. Route on which defective anchor/fixed aid is.
3. Traverse or pitch number/name.
4. Anchor number, counting from the start of that group of anchors.
5. Type of defect.

SAFETY

Moorland gripping has been carried out on a number of the Fells, this increases the speed at which a system may start to flood, even with minimal precipitation.

If you have any doubts about the fitness or competence of your party, choose any easier trip or don't go.

Make sure that each member is adequately fed, dressed and equipped for the trip.

Take note of the weather sitaution and forecast, together with the present state of streams etc.  A large number of caves and potholes flood rapidly. Run off from the Fells can be very fast, storms and heavy showers can be local, and a sudden thaw can melt snow in winter.

Leave full information with someone on the surface about where you are going and for how long.

Test ladders, ropes and all equipment on the surface before using underground. Equipment should be checked frequently. Information on surface checks of equipment is available from the Training Officer, address on contacts page.

Be aware of the possibility of accidents, or situations developing from which rescue will be necessary.

First aid and self rescue courses are available from caving instructors.

CLOSED SEASONS

LECK FELL
1st April-30th June

MONGO GILL &  SHOCKLE SHAFT
May, June & July

BIRKS FELL
1st November-14th April the following year

INGLEBOROUGH ALLOTMENT (ALL POTS)
31st March-1st October

FOUNTAINS FELL
1st November-2nd week-end in May

STRANDS GILL & YOCKENTHWAITE POT
1st November-15th April the following year

DALES WEATHER FORECAST

Weather forecast for the Yorkshire Dales area is available 24 hours a day from theMet office website www.metoffice.gov.uk 

CAVES, CAVERS & THE NATIONAL PARK

Britain's premier caving area stretches from Nidderdale, north Yorkshire in the east,to Barbondale and Cumbria in the west. Most of the area lies within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, as too does most of the less intensively used caving area of the Northern Dales.

In England & Wales, national parks are extensive areas of scenically outstanding countryside which present many opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Karst limestone landscape of the Dales contributes significantly to the scenic interest of the area and was undoubtedly a major factor in national park designation.

The two main roles of the National Park Authority are to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of this area and to provide suitable opportunities for it's quiet enjoyment by the public. The Yorkshire Dales National Park is neither national, nor is it a park. The Authority owns only about 96 hectares of land (0.05% of the whole area of the national park), on which there are only six small caves. Enjoyed responsibly, caving is regarded as a quite legitimate 'fresh air' pursuit, appropriate to the national park.

National Park designation, in itself, has no effect upon a cavers right of access or upon a landholders property rights. Individual permission for access to a cave should still be sought from the landholder, unless a distinct tradition or an access agreement suggests otherwise. It is the policy of the National Parks committee to;
Maintain contact with the organisations representing specialist informal recreational activities in the National Park and to be prepared to intercede in an attempt to resolve access and disturbance problems which are drawn to it's attention.

In practise, the National Park Authority leaves the representative organisations, such as C.N.C.C. and B.M.C. to negotiate access directly with landholders for activities such as caving and climbing, becoming involved only where these bodies wish it. Direct dialogue between users and owners is usually to be preferred, in everyone's interests

Intensive and insensitive use of some caves over long periods has led to damage to cave formations and degradation to the cave environment. While it is true that complaints about cave vandalism first appeared in print over two hundred years ago, this does not mean inflicting severe physical damage in the interests of easier access for the less slim caver will always be acceptable and can continue ad infinitum, were some of the techniques employed in opening up or extending caves to be seen on the surface, public concern would, undoubtedly, be expressed.

Almost all of the main cave systems in the Dales, whether in the National Park or not, lie within areas notified by English Nature (the Governments principle conservation agency and advisor) as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. This places a legal responsibility upon the occupier to ensure that nothing which is a 'potentially damaging operation' occurs on (or under) the land notified. The responsible caver does not, therefore, indulge in actions or activities which damage the' scientific interest' of the site.

Large scale quarrying has had a far more significant visual impact upon the karst scenery of the Dales than any amount of recreational caving activities. While the development of new limestone quarries within the Dales is likely to be unacceptable to the public at large and can be controlled by the National Park Committee as planning authority, there are several sites where planning consent for quarrying are still valid. There are, too, places where planning consents from the early 1950's still exist for large scale removal of limestone pavement for garden rockeries. Perhaps Calceophile cavers should support English Nature's campaign to make water-worn limestone rockeries as unfashionable and unacceptable as large scale horticultural use of peat from the Somerset levels.

Potholes and shake holes in farmers pastures can be useful dumping grounds for old fencing and even (completely illegal) deceased and decomposing livestock. The discovery of such pollutants and potential pollutants should be reported to the C.N.C.C.'s Access and Conservation Officer for diplomatic, but appropriate, action.

The National Park Authority will liaise with English Nature, B.C.A. and B.C.R.A. on all matters relating to nationally important cave systems. It will seek to promote a better understanding, among both occupiers and visitors, of the need to protect all limestone landscapes and habitats above and below ground.

Rae Lonsdale
Yorkshire Dales National Park

BATS UNDERGROUND

All bats are now protected by the 'Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981'. This makes it illegal to, kill, injure or remove bats, or, to disturb roosting bats, or to damage, destroy, or obstruct access to an place used by bats.

All the known bat sites are graded (grades 1-4), this grading takes into account; the importance of a site to bats; the number of species of bats; the physical nature of the site and pattern of usage by bats.

If you are visiting a known bat roost, please observe the voluntary conservation code and respect any restrictions that may have been placed on that site.

DO NOT HANDLE BATS
Also be aware of dislodging bats from their roosting position, particularly when moving through low passages.

DO NOT PHOTOGRAPH ROOSTING BATS
Flash guns can be disturbing.

DO NOT WARM UP HIBERNATING BATS
This can arouse them, try not to linger in confined spaces, as even body heat is sufficient to arouse them.

DO NOT SHINE BRIGHT LIGHTS ON BATS
Both the light and the heat can trigger arousal.

DO NOT USE CARBIDE LAMPS IN BAT ROOSTS
Carbide lamps are particularly undesirable because of the heat and fumes.

DO NOT SMOKE OR MAKE EXCESSIVE NOISE
Any strong stimulus can arouse bats.

DO NOT TAKE LARGE PARTIES INTO BATS ROOSTS DURING WINTER

DO SEEK ADVICE BEFORE BLASTING OR DIGGING
Explosives can cause problems both from the blast and the fumes. In known bat sites blasting should be limited to the summer, or, in areas known not to be used by bats. Digging may alter the micro-climate of bat roosts.

Bat sightings should be recorded, and English Nature welcome reports, alternatively the information can be passed to an C.N.C.C. official, who will inform English Nature of the recorded sighting.

CAVE CONSERVATION

Most of the caves and potholes in the North of England have S.S.S.I. status, either for botanical, biological or geological interests. Already a great number of caves and potholes have suffered some form of damage, due to cavers activities. Some areas of open moorland have been designated National Nature Reserves. Please remember that these designations are there to protect something of special interest, that can be easily damaged or even lost. All of us that enter such sites are obliged to treat them with the utmost care, and follow the Cave Conservation Code, in order to conserve your caves for future generations to enjoy.

CAVE CONSERVATION CODE

NEVER DAMAGE FORMATIONS

NEVER DISTURB CAVE LIFE

NEVER CROSS MARKER TAPES

NEVER LEAVE LITTER OR SPENT CARBIDE

ALWAYS INFORM NOVICES ABOUT CAVE CONSERVATION

ALWAYS REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF CAVE CONSERVATION

ALWAYS REMOVE RUBBISH FROM CAVES

ALWAYS LET THE C.N.C.C. KNOW OF ANY DEVELOPMENTS THAT MAY DAMAGE CAVES OR CAVE LIFE

CONTACT

Access & Conservation Officer address on contact page.

CAVE RESCUE

TO CALL OUT CAVE RESCUE DIAL 999 and ask for POLICE

WHEN YOU CONTACT THE POLICE

Speak clearly, SPELL out the name of the cave.
Do as you are instructed by the Police.
Give the Police your telephone number and it's location.

Stay by the phone, because the C.R.O. duty controller (who will be contacted by the Police) will need to ask you more detailed questions than the Police.
NB. This is not a waste of time, a little time spent now obtaining the correct information can save a lot of time later, and possibly the life of the casualty.

THE FOLLOWING RELEVANT INFORMATION WILL BE REQUIRED

• Exact location of the accident, (e.g. name of cave, if possible with grid reference and map number).
• Location of the casualty/ies in the cave. Suspected injuries.
• Cause and time of accident, e.g. fall, physically wedged, rock fall, trapped by floods etc.
• Clothing of casualty/ies.
• Is any one with the casualty/ies.
• Is any one at the entrance to the cave.
• Equipment used to descend the cave, e.g. S.R.T. ladders
• Any other problems, e.g. 2nd pitch is very wet.

IN THE CASE OF CAVERS WHO ARE OVERDUE

Quite often only very vague information is left with people who report cavers overdue.
It would help the C.R.O. considerably if FULL details of your caving trip are left with a responsible person, who knows how to contact the C.R.O. via the Police if you do not return.

• Names & addresses of persons in the caving party
• Name of cave & name of the section of cave to be descended
• The colour, make & registration numbers of the vehicles the cavers travelled in, together with some indication to where they will be parked
• Estimated time of descent & estimated time of surfacing, also the time when the C.R.O. should be contacted.
• General details of personnel and group equipment.

TO CALL OUT CAVE RESCUE DIAL 999 and ask for POLICE