dighalloween

With Jake, Brockers, Jon, Nick, Mike, and Luke (Nick’s nephew)

Got to the farm early to deposit the tools recovered from Wookey Hole on Thursday evening in the shed for use whenever required. The ‘mini-sledge’ and pack of empty bags were taken up to the cave. There seems to be some renewed vigour in the team today as everyone arrived earlier than usual.

While the others packed bags, I headed underground to An Unexpected Development area with Luke to take some photos before it gets too ‘steamy’. We were soon joined by Nick. Photos were soon done and I retreated to my rightful position in a supporting role leaving Luke as guest to dig aided by Nick as mentor.

Some tiny fragments of bone found by Nick last weekend were bagged and removed from the cave to later be added to the HR faunal assemblage.

On my way from the dig, I passed Mike who was hauling spoil up the slope, Jake was in the chamber (Trick or Treat area) and crossed over the ‘hump’ where I stopped to pull through the filled bags and rocks. Then with Jake these were moved to the bottom of the pot. Meanwhile, Jon and Brockers were busy filling about 20 bags in Can of Worms.

Eventually, we all came together, and the filled bags and rocks were moved through the cave and out to the surface. Most of the ‘rocks’ consisted of large lumps of fractured remains of ‘false’ floor, all edges of the calcite were sediment-covered indicating fragmentation occurred in the distant past. In total 84 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied. Some of the bags were very reluctant to release their contents. In addition, about half-dozen skip loads of ‘rock’ were added to the spoil heap extension wall.

As ever, refreshments were enjoyed at our favourite hostelry, the Hunters’ Lodge Inn.

With Jon, Nick, Jake, and Mike

The bags left hanging on the lines had dried very well and were shaken free of sediment and bundled up to be stored underground – Jake estimates there are about 380 bags now available for refilling, probably not in a single session though!

Jon was main digger for today and he led the way to the northeast and the area of An Unexpected Development with Nick assisting at the dig site. Jake hauled the spoil up the slope and Mike moved it across the chamber to the ‘hump’, I was on the other side puling the spoil across. A positional shift enabled the spoil to be moved to the bottom of the pot. And so, it continued. When a suitable pile dad accrued at the bottom of the pot another shift in positions the spoil was hauled out of the pot to the base of the entrance. Then back to clear the next pile of bags and rock. A time check and a decision to stop digging at midday and get the spoil cleared from the cave.

A total of 74 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied plus another 4 skip loads of rocks added to the spoil heap wall extension. It had been very dry underground today and the skip-runs all required the addition of water to enable the skips to move more freely. It was warm too.

Well deserved refreshments were enjoyed, as usual, at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn.

Vince, Brockers, Jake, Jon, Nick, and Tav

Tav set-off to the NE extent, An Unexpected Development area, to dig with Jon helping to remove the spoil generated; Brockers went to Can of Worms to fill some bags. There was the pile of rocks and gravel to remove from the NE, so spoil was quickly moving through the cave to be temporarily stored at the bottom of the entrance. Nick and Jake were shifting spoil from the NE and up to the ledge, I cleared spoil from Brokers and hauled stuff from the ledge to the entrance. When Brockers had filled about 20 bags he went up to the surface and started to haul spoil out of the cave. This was not an easy task today as recent rain had soaked the hauling rope and mud soon adhered to it making the rope very difficult to grip. There was not enough water in any of the buckets to wash the rope. Eventually, Jake took over from me at the bottom of the entrance and I went to the surface to help with the hauling out.

At the end of the session 96 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied plus several loads of rock were added to the spoil heap wall extension. A productive morning, concluded with a visit to the Hunters’ Lodge Inn for some refreshments.  

Solo

Drill/plugs and feathers packed into tackle bag, time to go ‘rock-bothering!’

At HR, very briefly scratched around the spoil heap wall extension before getting underground to attend the primary objective. At the dig in the area of An Unexpected Development a rock had been left exposed on Saturday, and it was my intention to reduce it into more manageable pieces. After this task had been achieved, I trimmed a lump off from a protruding boulder before removing a ‘lip’ of rock and calcite along the edge of the ‘hole in the floor’ to make removal of spoil a little bit easier. A pile of rocks for the wall were stacked to one side along with a couple of bags of gravel. Time to pack up and leave the cave.

Hunters’ Lodge Inn does not open on a Tuesday lunchtime so returned home, I’d forgotten my wallet anyway!.

Vince, Tav, Jon, Jake, and Nick

Underground digging activity was mostly concentrated at the NE extent, in the area of An Unexpected Development (AUD), although Nick, freshly returned from a working field trip to Angola and raring to go, couldn’t resist an opportunity to fill some bags in Can of Worms (CoW). At the AUD area it was my turn to dig, the spoil being cleared away by Tav, Jon hauled the bags and rocks upslope and carried the spoil across the chamber to the ‘hump.’ A combination of Jake, Nick, and Jon then shifted the spoil through the cave to the entrance initially, then to the surface. The pile of rocks I had stacked to one side a couple of weeks ago in the chamber were also removed to the surface.

The digging effort (AUD) continued to open the area below the “false floor” where there are potential leads to the northern and eastern sides. Just need to create some more space to enable progress in both directions. The fine-grained sediments comprise silty, fine sand with frequent inclusions which consist of cobble- and boulder-sized chunks of calcite ‘floor’ and less frequently dolomitic conglomerate. At the close of the digging session, a large boulder was eventually prised free of the fine-grained sediment and left in position where it can be easily reduced into more manageable fractions. At the end of digging the progress made is clearly visible.

A total of 54 bags (including 14 from CoW) were filled, hauled, and emptied plus 15 loads of rocks were hauled out and added to the spoil heap wall extension. The session was concluded with refreshments at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn.

Vince, Jake, Jon, and Tav

Got there early to scratch around the wall extension and start to pack the now very dry bags ready for refilling. The team arrived…

They had already decided to dig Can of Worms, the “easier” option. No matter. Jake digging, I was hauling the spoil from the dig to the ledge and then loading the skip to Tav at the bottom of the entrance, Jon was on the surface hauling the spoil out and emptying bags in the pleasantly warm sunshine. Some of the rock pieces from my last trip were taken out to the surface. As the morning settled in to a steady rhythm, Tav helped move bags across the ledge. The cave has dried out considerably and the skip runs required some lubrication to enable the loaded skips to move more freely.

At the dig, the way ahead became less clear as the session progressed as, directly ahead, an apparently solid rock face appeared; more large, fractured and detached stalagmites were uncovered, and an associated stalagmite base still seemingly attached to rock. As more digging occurred the “blank” wall revealed ‘phreatic pendants’ along the bottom edge. All in all, it is quite perplexing. The answer, as ever, is that lots more digging is required!

At the end of the session, 70 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied plus several loads of rock for the wall added to the surface pile.

The digging session was concluded with refreshments at our favourite hostelry, the Hunters’ Lodge Inn.

NOTE: Due to a number of factors no digging was undertaken on Saturday 29th March 2025.

Solo

Carried in drill and plugs/feathers to reduce in size the accumulated large rocks left in various places in the cave. First pile in the chamber, Trick or Treat. Rocks dealt with, decided to secure the conveyor belt on the slope from the chamber to the dig in An Unexpected Development area. While I was there had a quick peek at the dig too. Back to the chamber, packed kit into bag, then along to Can of Worms to break-up rock left there. Again, as I was there, a quick look at progress in the dig. Returned to the ledge and packed away kit for the last time. Exited the cave.

Stopped at the Hunters’ for some refreshment, it’s on the way home anyway!

Vince, Jake, Jon, and Tav

Early start for some more wall-building. A smaller team assembled for todays session. So, diggers choice of venue – Jon, as we were down in numbers, elected to have a look in Can of Worms. Jon upfront, Jake clearing spoil back to the ledge, I flitted between the ledge and the entrance, Tav stayed on the surface. Before digging and spoil removal was fully underway various skips were replaced and hauling ropes changed – new skips always slide more freely! Jake also carried out some work to improve the skip run from the dig and a large rock was removed. The morning progressed smoothly as digging continued and spoil was moved through the cave to the surface where the bags were emptied and hung-up to dry.

By the end of today’s session, a total of 63 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied plus several skip loads of rock added to the spoil heap wall. There are some rocks still underground that require some reduction in size, a job for plugs and feathers another day.

Refreshments were enjoyed at the Hunters’ as usual.

Vince, Brockers, Jake, Jon, and Tav.

On an early spring morning in the sunshine, Hallowe’en Rift is a pleasant place to be, on the surface anyway. Added the few rocks that were available to the embryo spoil heap wall and scratched around some sediment to consolidate the wall. Then packed away the very dry and dusty bags ready  for refilling at some later stage. When todays team had assembled all set off underground.

Tav led the way to the NE extent (An Unexpected Development area) with Jon to clear the filled bags and rocks away, Jake was hauling the spoil up the slope, Brockers moving it across the chamber (Trick or Treat) to the hump. Before joining the team, I decided to take a quick look into Can of Worms to see how it was progressing. While I was there, I made a very token gesture of filling some loose bags (3no.). then along the NE passage to move spoil.

As digging continued, spoil was moved through the cave to the surface, rocks were added to the ‘embryo’ wall, bags were emptied, then back underground to repeat the process. By the end of the session, about 50 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied plus several skip loads of rocks. Some larger rocks were left lurking in the chamber waiting for a reduction to more manageable (and useable) sizes.

As ever, the morning was rounded off with a visit to our favourite hostelry! Another good session.

Vince, Tav, Jake, Mike, Nick, and Jon

An earlier start by me, as the weather is good, to clear brambles and other vegetation to clear a space for the next ‘terrace’ wall to retain spoil. Used the available rocks to start on wall-base.

When the team assembled, and the dry bags packed, all underground. I headed to the NE to dig, Jake went to the SW to dig in Can of Worms, Nick went along to An Unexpected Development (AUD) to carry out some restoration work. Tav joined me at the NE dig site (AUD area) and set about bailing the quite considerable puddle aided by Mike at the top of the slope. Tav then cleared the filled bags and rocks that I dug from the ‘hole in the false-floor’. Jon was busy moving bags from both digs (later joined by Nick) by stages on the journey towards the surface.

At the NE, the task was to further develop the ‘hole in the false-floor’ revealed by Jake last session. Some largish rocks were wrestled out, along with quite a lot of fine sediment, and the only definite conclusion was – there is a lot more stuff to dig out yet before a clear idea of what is going on can be seen! It does look very interesting. The base of the false floor can be seen and the possible remnants of a lower ‘floor’. There are some coarse calcite crystals visible too. The ‘passage’ may continue in an easterly direction but too early to be certain.

All too soon it was time to cease digging activities and clear the cave of spoil. About 70 bags (15 from Can of Worms) were filled, hauled, and emptied on to the spoil heap and 6 skip loads of rock for the wall.

Refreshments were enjoyed at the Hunters’.

Vince, Jake, Brockers, Nick, Jon, Mike, and Tav

First day of meteorological spring and it was glorious up at HR packing up some very dry bags in the sunshine.

A full team assembled for todays activities. At the NE extent (An Unexpected Development area), Jake was busy filling bags, I moved them away along with the occasional rock to the ramp where it was hauled up the slope by Brockers. It was wetter than expected and quite a large puddle of water had accrued at the bottom of the slope. A futile effort to bail it was soon abandoned. Tav moved the spoil across the chamber to the hump. After that I don’t know who did what except that Nick filled bags in Can of Worms (about 20). Anyway, the spoil found its way to the surface eventually.

At the NE extent, Jake was following what appeared to be a diminishing ‘rift’ trending approximately eastwards. He was just tidying away some loose material when a hole opened through a ‘false floor’ to reveal space beyond. Some ‘gardening’ was required, and some large lumps of rock and calcite were removed. It was interesting to note that a large lump of calcite flowstone contained within a detached stalagmite around which the flowstone was deposited. In an effort to reduce one boulder to more manageable pieces by Brockers only resulted in a broken lump hammer. The sledge was retrieved from elsewhere and the boulder succumbed! Soon a better look at the space ahead was possible, it measures about 1.2m wide x 1.2m length x 0.25m height and appears to trend downwards. Of course, there is a lot more sediment to be removed before we know whether this represents a significant development or not. But a change must be good!

All to soon it was time to stop digging and all hands to clearing the cave of spoil. About 85 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied plus about 8 skip loads of rock ready for wall building. Good session!

To the Hunters’ for refreshments.

Vince, Jake, Jon, Brockers, Mike, Nick, and guest Arthur Griffin

Arrived at site a little before the team. It was pleasantly warm in the sheltered sunshine so much better than last weekend. Added a couple of large rocks to the spoil heap wall before starting to pack the surprisingly dryish bags ready for refilling. The team arrived, the remaining bags packed, and underground we ventured – not to Can of Worms this time but to the NE extent, An Unexpected Development area.

Jon took the helm and led the way with Jake close behind, and they were soon filling bags. I hauled them up the slope passing the filled bags to Mike who carried them across the chamber to the ‘hump’ where Brockers took possession and transported the spoil to the bottom of the pot. Nick, meanwhile. Took Arthur for a tour of the cave as far as An Unexpected Development anyway, before they too joined the digging effort. Arthur took over from Jake while the rest of us then combined our efforts to shift the spoil through the cave to the surface where the bags were then emptied.

The count went somewhat awry after 68, but we agreed that at least 80 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied. And, although still squalid underground, it was so much more pleasant than last weekend!

To the Hunters’ for refreshments as usual.

Vince, Jake, Jon, and Mike

Smaller team assembled today so options were left to ‘diggers prerogative’ – Mike chose ‘Can of Worms’!!!  

While Mike was left to get on with filling bags, the rest of us decided to shift the accumulated pile of rocks from the bottom of the pot to the entrance ready to be hauled out of the cave later with the first batch of filled bags. Conditions today meant two people were required on the surface for hauling. Jake returned underground, I stayed on the surface to add rocks to the spoil heap wall and empty the bags already on the surface before going back below. It was particularly cold, wet and miserable today both underground and on the surface, it was all rather squalid.

At about midday, a return to the surface to clear the next pile of bags and empty them (me and Jake). Jon stayed underground to help Mike move the last few bags to the entrance and these were hauled out to the surface. A total of 50 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied today, and quite a lot of rocks were added to the spoil heap wall. Very cold, wet, and miserable. Time for the Hunters’, some refreshment, and a warm by the fire!

Vince, Mike, Brockers, Jon, Jake, Tav

The bags were almost dry, which given the very gloomy weather, was a surprise. Anyway, all were packed ready to be refilled later. Time to head underground.

I was digging at the NE extent with assistance from Mike. The effort continued to excavate a route to the eastern side of the known passages in An Unexpected Development beyond the surveyed area. There are tantalising spaces ahead but all very small. Brockers was hauling the spoil up the slope before swapping with Jake, once again Jon was filling in wherever needed. Tav filled (10no.) bags in Can of Worms, where digging is reportedly “easy.”

The most difficult task is the movement of spoil through the cave to the surface. It is especially mucky in the cave at present due to the continuing damp weather. The surface soils are saturated resulting in an abundance of percolation water (drips) into the cave. Squalid at times!

At the end of the session, 80 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied. The rocks remain at the bottom of the pot where they can stay until required for wall building.

Post-digging refreshments were taken at the Hunters’ Lodge in as usual.

Vince, Tav, Nick, Mike, Jake, and Jon

Bags packed ready to be refilled, all underground. Tav digging at the NE extent (beyond Trick or Treat in the An Unexpected Development area, ToT/AUD), I was clearing away the filled bags he generated, plus a few bags of my own (improving a skip route), and some rocks were moved. Hauling the spoil up the slope was initially done by Nick who then swapped places with Mike. Jake was busy filling a few bags from Can of Worms, and Jon was flitting around moving spoil when and wherever required on a busy morning. Spoil was also finding its way to the surface.

The recent rain during the past week meant that conditions in the cave had not improved much and it was as squalid as ever, a consequence of wetter winters. The digging continued and progress was made in both digs. As ever, and all to soon, it was time to clear the cave of spoil, todays total = 74 bags (10 from Can of Worms, CoW) were filled, hauled, and emptied this session.  

The digs, approximately 50m apart, at either end of the NE (beyond ToT/AUD)/SW(CoW) trending passage(s) were looking not without interest with some [small] enticing looking spaces waiting to be investigated further, and a lot of sediment to be removed. In CoW there is abundant root growth too, adding an organic aroma to the dig, and more dripping water. Happy days!

The session ended with lunchtime refreshments at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn as usual.

Vince, Jake, Tav, Nick, Jon, Brockers, and Mike

Replaced the surface hauling rope, packed bags ready to be refilled, time to get underground with a full squad assembled today!

Jake digging beyond Trick or Treat (or, nearer to An Unexpected Development, really) assisted by Tav. I hauled the spoil up the slope and handed it over to Nick who then moved it across the chamber to the hump, it was pulled over to the other side by Jon (initially). Mike was attending to things in Can of Worms aided by Brockers. The spoil was carried along to the bottom of the pot then on up to the entrance, and as the morning progressed, it was hauled out to the surface.

It is still rather mucky throughout the cave (except for the digs!). there was some discussion regarding prospects beyond Trick or Treat, but it was decided there is still plenty of digging to be done before we can fully understand what is going on. Cave passages never do what is ‘predicted’ and always more likely to do the unexpected!

As ever time moved swiftly, and the cave needed clearing of filled bags (the rocks are being stockpiled at the pot for removal on another day). Today’s total = 104 bags (about 30 from Can of Worms) were filled, hauled, and emptied (some more easily than others).

The session ended with a visit to the Hunters’ for the usual refreshments.

Vince, Jon, Jake, Nick, and Tav

Yesterday I had made a new hauling bucket and spare skip ready for putting into use at HR (thanks to the Wessex CC for drums). Got to the cave ahead of the team and proceeded to open the cave and pack the very dry bags to be filled again later. The team arrived.

Underground, Jon digging beyond Trick or Treat with Jake clearing the filled bags (and draining the pond), Tav dragged the skip up the slope, and I carried the spoil across the chamber to the hump and through to the other side. Meanwhile, Nick felt compelled to fill 10 bags from Can of Worms (as expected). It was rather squalid as usual. After completing his quota of bags, Nick joined the support team in the removal of spoil from Trick or Treat. The spoil first removed to the pot and, eventually, to the bottom of the entrance. Then back to clear the next pile that had accumulated. Surprisingly, a glance at the watch revealed it was now time to clear the spoil all the way to the surface. To this end digging had already ceased and all hands to bag dragging.

Out on the surface, a total of 76 bags (including 10 from Can of Worms) had been filled, hauled, and emptied this session. Emptying the bags was not always easy as the sediment they contained was, on occasion, sloppy and rather sticky requiring the bags to be turned inside out. Still, another good, productive session capped with visit to our favourite hostelry!

Vince, Jake, Jon, and Brockers

Arrived at the cave a little ahead of the team thinking that the lock might have frozen in the recent cold snap, it had not, so got on with packing the now ’freeze-dried’ bags ready for use underground later. About done when the rest of the team turned up. It seems a majority decision had been made that perhaps we might dig Can of Worms today in light of there being a smaller team and there was the “open space” noted last week. So, that’s what we did.

Brockers was digging, Jon and myself clearing along the ledge at the top of the pot, Jake at the entrance. When a suitable pile of bags had accumulated, Jake and I hauled them out to the surface and emptied them. Back underground to get the next lot of spoil, and so the morning progressed. Initially, it was slow going due to the constricted nature of the dig, as more space was created the rate of spoil removal and movement increased. Unfortunately, the “open space” did not develop further and is most likely the result of sediment settling over time, it is also very ‘rooty’. At the end of the session, 75 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied, plus 3 skip loads of rock added to the soil heap wall. One bag was sacrificed underground to improve the skip hauling route, this bag not included in the final tally as it didn’t make it out of the cave! A good and productive session.

Refreshments were enjoyed, as usual, at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn.

Vince, Brockers, Jon, and Nick

After a senior moment and having to return home to get my forgotten helmet/light, assembled with the rest of the team at the farm and made our way across the field to the cave entrance.

Underground, I set off towards the dig beyond Trick or Treat (ToT), Brockers joined me, as did Nick very briefly until he succumbed to the desire to fill some bags in Can of Worms. Meanwhile, Jon had headed off to An Unexpected Development (AUD). I had only just started to fill bags beyond ToT when Jon arrived at AUD and a visual connection between the two areas was easily achieved. The gap, about 4m, 2m wide, and reaches about 0.5m in height, it looks ‘caveable’ but no attempt to achieve that objective was made, far too many fine formations and no point spoiling them, not worth the effort.

That objective confirmed it was back to digging, Jon made his way around to join us. As I filled bags, Brockers cleared them away and when a suitable pile had accumulated the support team, comprising Brockers, Jon, and Nick, removed the spoil to the bottom of the entrance. I carried on digging. Time flew by and when Jon returned to clear the backlog it was approaching midday and digging was bought to a close. Took a few photos before leaving, a brief stop in Can of Worms to look at progress there as rumours were that it was looking a bit more interesting and indeed, amongst the proliferation of roots, there was a small space between the sediment and the cave ceiling. Then all hands to clearing the cave of spoil. A total of 56 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied. And it was still squalid!

To the Hunters’ Lodge Inn for some refreshments and a debrief. All good stuff!

Vince, Jon, Nick, and Jake

After packing the bags ready for refilling (they were not as soggy as anticipated) the team headed underground. Jon made a beeline to continue the digging beyond Trick or Treat and Jake took to digging in Can of Worms determined to fill ten bags there. I followed Jon to clear bags as they were filled, Nick hauled them away, across the chamber, to the ‘hump’. When Jake had completed his ten-bag quota, he joined Nick, and the bags were removed to the base of the pot. And so, the morning progressed until Jon found a hole. And it opened into something different…

With a bit more poking the ‘hole’ opened up and it was possible to stand-up and get a better view, peering into a low, very nicely decorated passage that appears to continue (~northwards). This is probably a connection into An Unexpected Development – although this needs to be confirmed, probably next session. Nick, rather aptly, described it as a ‘break-in’ rather than a ‘breakthrough’. It was interesting to note that the passage appears to continue in the general direction of the current dig (~northeast-easterly). Time will tell. All the team present today had a look and all were impressed.

Time was moving on and the loose material tidied away then all moved back to clear the accumulated spoil from the cave. About 70 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied onto the spoil heap. The recent damp weather resulted in a very slippery walk to the top of the spoil heap and the hauling rope needed constant cleaning.

As usual, refreshments were enjoyed at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn. A satisfying conclusion to the 2024 digging year

Vince, Jake, Jon, and Nick

A bit of spoil heap tidying waiting for the others. Decided it wasn’t worth packing the very soggy bags on the line as there were plenty of drier bags available underground. It was a damp, miserable morning.

Underground beyond Trick or Treat it was rather squalid. Jake got on with digging assisted by Jon while me and Nick got the spoil back to the bottom of the pot. The drips appeared to get stronger as the morning progressed perhaps as surface water percolated through cracks and fissures in the rock into the cave passage(s) below.

Nick, of course, succumbed to temptation and just had to fill some bags in Can of Worms (5no. plastic). It was more of a token gesture really.

With a smaller team the bags were not getting beyond the pot so in good time it was decided to stop digging and get the spoil cleared from the cave. The rocks were left behind for another day. 60 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied onto the spoil heap this session. It was still raining and getting windy. Best head for the Hunters’ where it was warm and cosy!

Vince, Tav, Brockers, Jake, and Jon

A bit of tidying up of the spoil heap, packing ‘dried’ bags ready for refilling while waiting for the rest of the team to arrive.

Underground beyond Trick or Treat, my turn to dig, Tav also did some digging while clearing filled bags, Brockers and Jake alternated positions moving spoil across the chamber over the ‘hump’ and along the passage to the bottom of the pot. Meanwhile, Jon was in Can of Worms where he filled the now obligatory 10 (plastic, on the premise, they cannot leave the cave empty!) bags before joining the support team to move spoil through the cave. Eventually, the bags found themselves at the bottom of the entrance ready for the next stage. As midday approached, digging was ceased and the emphasis shifted to clearing spoil from the cave. 80 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied today plus one rock for the wall.

Currently, beyond Trick or Treat, the dig has an excess of rock. A solid bedrock wall has been partially exposed, but it is hoped this is only a step in the roof level and the continuation of the ?passage is lower down. There appears to be a ‘false’ floor comprised of calcited conglomerate boulders that will need removing so digging downwards can be considered.

Refreshments as usual were taken at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn.

8th December

Vince, Jake, Nick, Brockers, and Tav

Digging was postponed yesterday due to Storm Darragh and a RED alert for very strong winds advised against travel. Unfortunately, due to power cuts Jon didn’t get the message regarding rearranged session.

Arrived at the cave ahead of the team to level off spoil heap and start packing the bags ready for use later.

Team assembled and quickly underground, where it was much warmer out of the still strong wind. Jake digging beyond Trick or Treat, I cleared away the filled bags, the bags then hauled up the slope by Tav who then with Nick moved the spoil along to the bottom of the pot. Brockers was occupied in Can of Worms until there were bags to be shifted. And so, the morning progressed, the bags eventually arrived at the bottom of the entrance ready for moving up to the surface. It was significantly more squalid in the Trick or Treat area than the rest of the cave accessed today. When the time arrived, all hands were focussed on clearing spoil from the cave to the surface. 74 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied.

To the Hunters’ for refreshments as usual.

Vince, Jon, Jake, Nick, and Tav

Another earlier start at the cave entrance to continue with some wall-building. Added all available rock to the western spoil heap wall creating more dumping space. Just about finished as the team arrived.

Underground, Jon digging beyond Trick or Treat with Jake lending assistance, me and Nick provided support to the diggers moving filled bags and very occasionally rocks along to the pot. Tav opted for a self-supported dig in Can of Worms before deciding to join in with the spoil clearance and stuff was moved to the bottom of the entrance.

It was all a bit squalid (except for the dig beyond Trick or Treat) which was a bit of a surprise as it has not rained heavily for a few days.

Upfront, Jon had hit on a rich seam of sediment and the bags flowed freely through the cave at a good rate. Around midday digging activity ceased and all hands to removing the spoil out to the surface. 93 bags filled, hauled, and emptied plus a few token rocks.

A good, productive session with a smaller team. Refreshments were enjoyed at the Hunters’

Vince Brockers, Jake, Jon, Nick, and Mike

Got on with some wall building (surface) until the team arrived – wanted to create some space for spoil dumping.

Underground, Brockers digging beyond Trick or Treat aided by Jon. Jake cleared pulled the spoil up the slope, and across the chamber to the ‘hump’ where it was hauled over by Mike, I dragged the skip through and carried the filled bags (and very occasional rocks) along to the base of the pot. Nick was happily digging away in Can of Worms, lending a hand with spoil removal whenever requested. A cross-rift has been encountered in CoW and Nick was keen to develop this further.

When a suitable pile of bags (c. 20-30) had amassed the ‘support’ team shifted position and the spoil was hauled up to the surface. Then, all returned to their previous positions, there was a backlog at the dig that needed to be cleared. Another haul out to surface ensued. This time, Nick remained on the surface to start emptying bags. As more bags reached the surface, others followed the bags to the surface and helped to empty them. Today’s total c.90 bags filled, hauled, and emptied plus some rocks. A good productive session, and time for the Hunters’

Below is the presentation prepared for the 2024 Digging Awards at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn on the evening Saturday 23rd November. The award went to the Gibbet’s Brow team (355m) SMCC. Well done to them!

Vince, Brockers, Jon, Jake, Nick, and Tav

Early to the cave to get to work with plugs and feathers, beyond Trick or Treat, to reduce another large boulder extracted by Jake last weekend. Just packing kit away as the team arrived. Rocks were hauled up and out of the way, then digging was underway. I was at the dig face loosening the sediment with Brockers filling bags and loading the skip which was hauled away by Jon. He then moved spoil across the chamber to the hump, Tav on the other side pulled the skip across and transferred the load to the next skip. Not entirely sure who did what beyond that except to say spoil was moved by Jake and/or Nick probably to the pot, and digging was happening in Can of Worms too. In addition, at some stage spoil was moved out to the surface.

Beyond Trick or Treat digging the ‘bones by-pass’ continued until just after midday when it was time to clear spoil from the cave and empty the bags. Today’s total was 67 bags filled, hauled, and emptied plus about 10 skip loads of rock added to the wall building stockpile.

News from Can of Worms of a cross-rift being encountered which sounds interesting. Also, in response to Jon’s mishap with mud-splatter in the eye, Jake had made-up and positioned eye-wash tubs at the vertical hauling points.

Refreshments were enjoyed at the Hunters’

Vince, Jake, Mike, Jon, Nick, and Tav

Another early start for some more ’rock-bothering’ beyond Trick or Treat. Took a couple of hefty chunks of the still rather large conglomerate boulder in the current dig face before the team arrived. On arrival, Jake continued to dig the ‘bone by-pass’ (after I’d packed my kit away, of course) to the left of the obstructing boulder. Mike hauled the spoil up the slope, I carried it across the chamber to the hump where it was pulled over to the other side by Jon, Tav moved the spoil along to the bottom of the pot. Nick was probably opening a Can of Worms. As usual, when a suitable pile of spoil had accumulated the support team moves back to get it shifted out to the surface (this was repeated a couple of times or so). At the close of the digging session, Jake lifted the ‘protective’ board covering the potential bone-bearing deposit to carefully clear away some of the slop.

Today’s count was 50 bags filled, hauled, and emptied and a rather large pile of rocks moved up to the surface and awaiting addition to the spoil heap wall wherever required. It was time to make our way to the Hunters’ for some refreshment.

Vince, Nick, Jake, Brockers, Jon, Tav, and Nick Gymer (BEC)

Early at the cave to finish what I had started – more ‘rock bothering’. The boulders in the chamber (Trick or Treat) were reduced to manageable lumps with plugs and feathers. NOTE: Hilti cross-cut drill bits are not fit for purpose – they are expensive crap! Yet again a cutting tip has sheared off! Better off buying cheaper drill bits from local builders merchants.

The team arrived, Nick headed beyond Trick or Treat to continue digging to the left of, and around the large boulder avoiding the bone-bearing deposit(s), Jake hauled the filled bags up the slope and tossed them to the edge of the chamber. Once I had packed kit away, I carried the spoil across the chamber to the hump where it was pulled over to the other side by Brockers. Jon moved the spoil along to the bottom of the pot. Tav took Nick Gymer on a tourist trip around the cave (but not to the Gnarly North!) before they joined in with the digging effort. Nick G. took over from me and Tav perched up on the ledge. While hauling spoil up to the ledge Jon managed to fill an eye with mud and was thus incapacitated and needed to leave the cave (blindly) to find some clean water to flush out the mud.

With the combined efforts of the support team spoil was moved through the cave to the surface. Just after midday digging was ceased although there was some hesitancy involved form the digging front and miscounting of the number of remaining bags to come. Eventually, all the bags were hauled out of the cave and emptied on to the spoil heap – 70, in total. The rocks were left behind in the cave for another day. Jon had sorted out the eye problem and, rather ‘red-eyed’, rejoined us on the surface but was far too clean to empty bags.

To the Hunters’

Solo

Packed all the kit required to go ‘rock bothering’ (drill, plugs and feathers, lump hammer, chisel), loaded Kangoo, and over the hill to Hallowe’en Rift.

Underground quickly along to Trick or Treat to satisfy my curiosity and expand the hole in the roof. It was awkward but, eventually, I was able to peer in – not sure it was worth the effort as the continuation is still constricted and to go any further would require more aggressive techniques – not really sure there would be much to gain. Leave it! With the remaining battery power set about reducing a couple of large boulders left in the chamber that have proved reluctant to succumb to sledgehammer blows. Anyway, one was reduced to manageable lumps and now suitable for wall building, just started on the second boulder before batteries were flat. Packed kit away and made my way to the surface.

On the surface, added a few rocks (from last weekend) to the spoil heap wall and then made way back to the farm and back home.

Vince, Tav, Nick, Mike, Jake, and Jon

Got to the cave early to continue taking lumps of the conglomerate boulder with plugs and feathers until the team arrived. Packed away kit and left Tav to get on with digging. The next plan was to satisfy my curiosity regarding the ‘high-level hole’ in Trick or Treat. Mike wasn’t quite so keen on this idea as mud and stuff ‘rained’ down on him. I retreated and suggested that Nick might want a look (thereby shifting the blame) and left him to it. Stuff was still ‘raining’ down on Mike, but he moved and bagged up Nick’s spoil. Eventually, Nick decided that other methods would be required. I transported filled bags across Trick or Treat  to the hump where they were hauled away by Jake, Jon at the downside of the ramp then transported spoil to the bottom of the pot. Jake, Jon, and me then moved the spoil up out of the pot to the bottom of the entrance, that done I went back for more spoil while Jake and Jon hauled stuff up to the surface. And that’s how the rest of the session progressed until it was time that thoughts turned towards the pub. Finally, 56 bags filled, hauled, and emptied plus about 10 loads of rocks waiting to be added to the spoil heap wall (another day). Refreshments were enjoyed at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn!

24^th October 2024

Solo

A trip to have a look at some things and to check on water levels.

From the entrance headed along to Merlin’s area, into An Emotional Journey and through to the current dig, bypassing Toil and Trouble. All along the route was abundant calcite precipitation over recently excavated sediments, evidence for the super-saturated water percolating from the soil above. At the dig, water levels had fallen from last weekends high and should be okay for digging on Saturday. While in the area had another look at the high-level hole in Trick or Treat area. Moved a ladder into position to get a closer look but the view is obstructed and will require some attention to remove, possibly plugs and feathers will work. Tried hammering but couldn’t get a decent swing. Left the dig area and followed the more usual route back to the pot. I stopped to take photographs of some tracks in the sediment where a pool had once been – probably the newt seen last visit.

Out to the surface. Returned home to wash kit and git it dried for the weekend.

Vince, Nick, Brockers, Jake, Jon, and Tav

My plan was to get to the cave early, drill boulder and reduce with plugs and feathers, and place some thick plastic strips (from warehouse-type access) over the ‘bone’ bearing deposit for protection while overburden is removed. It almost went to plan!

At the cave early but once underground it was immediately obvious the cave was exceedingly wet. There was a small stream flowing out of the Merlin’s area to the pot, and another stream flowing from the NE passage in the Soft South also into the pot. Throughout the accessed cave there was a continuous drip of water from the walls/roof with standing water and deeper pools, one of the pools occupied by a palmate newt. Up the NE passage, over the hump, wade through the deep pool in Trick or Treat and up, over and descent to the current dig where, disappointingly, a deep pool had formed – the bone-bearing deposit mostly under water! No digging was going to be possible here today. I’d dragged the drill/plugs and feathers this far so partially reduced the obstinate boulder until battery power was all used up. The team had arrived, a discussion took place, and digging was moved back to Can of Worms for today. I stayed for a little longer to get the protection in place in the SE ‘alcove’ area.

The stockpile of rocks had been removed to the surface, so I followed them out to join Jake. The rest of the team digging in Can of Worms. On the surface walls were constructed, bags were emptied, and it was pleasantly warm in the sunshine, a contrast to the deluge of the morning’s earlier hours!

25 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied (progress is not so easy in Can of Worms) plus 25 loads of rocks added to the spoil heap wall(s). All done, time to leave, and get some refreshment at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn, a bit earlier than usual.

Vince, Brockers, Jake, Jon, and Tav

As expected beyond Trick or Treat it was wet after last week’s rain. The digging effort was concentrated on the north side pf the passage to bypass the ‘bone bearing’ deposit(s) and working around a substantial boulder of conglomerate. The fill continues to comprise finer red and grey silt/clay overlying fragmented and partially degrading calcite with sand. There does not appear to be any faunal materials in this area (we will still be careful). The boulder is proving to be rather stubborn and refusing to succumb to our concerted attention. The bar bends rather than the boulder moves! More determined mechanical techniques will be required, i.e. plugs and feathers to reduce its bulk, however, that’s a job for next week.

Today, 66 bags were filled, hauled, and added to the spoil heap, plus a good quantity of rock being moved part way through the cave to be removed to the surface at another day.

Refreshments were enjoyed at the Hunters’ as usual.

Just me

It turned out that today the team had fallen by the wayside for a variety of reasons – no matter there was still plenty for me to get on with.

Underground it was still very damp beyond Trick or Treat. Made the decision to remove the stalagmite (it was loose anyway) to enable the area to be taken down to a level c.0.75m below the roof (1◊) in the SE ‘alcove’ area. More faunal remains were recovered. After a couple of hours lying in the damp, I needed to answer a call of nature so packed away the kit and samples and made for the surface.

Relieved. There were several loose stones that had been hauled out previously that I could not resist adding to the spoil heap wall. It was pleasantly sunny and sheltered at the cave.

3rd October

Vince, Roz

Following recent rain, it was soggy underground beyond Trick or Treat and difficult digging conditions. Nothing to be done but to get on with it and do the best that could be done. Spent a couple of hours or so carefully digging in the SE ‘alcove’ beyond Trick or Treat and recovered quite a few more identifiable elements and fragments including left scaphoid, phalanges, vertebra, and occlusal surface of molar. All finds were bagged and tagged, packaged for removal and cleaning/drying back at home later.

Vince, Tav, and Jake

Down on numbers this weekend due to a variety of reasons – no matter always plenty of stuff to do. Arrived early today to get on with the excavation in the SE ‘alcove’ to clear around and expose any faunal remains so they can be recorded and recovered. After the recent heavy, persistent rain underground conditions were not ideal for fiddly excavation with small wood tools. Still, it is unlikely to improve through the autumn months. Slowly worked away carefully removing sediment and filling bags. Some smaller elements were recovered (including mandible fragment with dentition, phalanges, Ursus arctos). Tav and Jake arrived and cleared the small accumulation of spoil before Tav continued to work on the north side of the current dig site (BTOT). When about 20 bags had been amassed, Jake and Tav decided to get them out to the surface (but not emptied) while I carried on with excavation. As time approached midday digging was curtailed, and the last few bags were removed from the cave. Today 35 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied. Underground Jake has created another pile of rocks to be removed at another time when there is a bigger team.

Digging done, time to take some refreshment at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn as usual.

Report by Jon

“Jon, Jake, Paul and Nick turned up at the farm at the appointed hour. Jon remembered the key; Jake took responsibility for it.

Underground, Jake took the lead, digging to the left of the boulder at the current end. Care was taken to ensure that any bones were not missed; none were seen.  It was reported that the way ahead to the left appears to be somewhat low in height. Jon worked at the back, moving spoil bags from the chamber to the main haul point. Nick and Paul worked in between, improving the infrastructure (my heart sinks a little when reference is made to “Nick…improving the infrastructure!”) There were no time devices underground. Jon and Jake raised the issue of time within a few minutes of each other; the Team then departed.  Hauling was very efficiently done. 45 bags of spoil were removed.

Jake returned the key to its rightful place. The Team then retired to a local hostelry for light refreshments.”

Vince, Jon, Jake, Nick, and Brockers

Arrived at the farm early and, so too did Brockers and Jake. Not so far behind were Jon and Nick. Underground beyond Trick or Treat before digging got underway, a discussion (an ‘induction’ if using Brockers’ terminology) regarding the best way to excavate around the faunal remains and a strategy for recording.

That done I was left to dig in the SE alcove while the rest of the team removed  the bags I had accumulated through the week (Monday to Wednesday) and a pile of rocks stacked further back in the cave. While I was slowly trowelling away a rethink about and suggested to Jon that careful digging along the N side (avoiding the potential ‘bone bearing’ deposit) might be achievable, and so it was. The morning progressed and all were busy. At around 12:15, digging was ceased, the area tidied, kit packed away, and the cave cleared of spoil. Today’s count was 55 bags filled, hauled, and emptied plus an estimated 5no. skip loads of rock.

Refreshment was, of course, taken at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn.

Vince, Jake, Nick, and Will (?)

Got the wheels back from the garage so set off for an early start. It has been quite wet for the last few days so wanted to see what (if any) effect this might have at the current dig site (and bone deposit). At the farm tarried a while to have a chat with the farmer.

Underground, it was evident that water had been flowing down from the entrance into the pot. It was surprising that there was not a pool of water at the bottom of the pot although the buckets were full (water is used to lubricate the skip hauls). The NE passage was mostly free from dripping water, however, in the chamber (Trick or Treat) there were pools of standing water and pronounced drips throughout this section to the E dig. The question is does this suggest a sediment-filled route to the surface allowing faster ingress of surface water? Also, of concern is at the SE alcove there was dripping water. Started to tidy around last weeks digging to better expose the calcite layer and potential ‘bone-bearing’ deposits.

It wasn’t long before the team arrived. A discussion with Will to explain what was going on here and then continued to clear around the dig face. Will clearing away the filled bags to Nick and Jake, who proceeded to shift the spoil back through the cave. Digging was a slower process today so some of the bags were moved back towards the entrance. At the dig face more small fragments of bone were recovered and a ‘tiny’ phalanx.

At around midday digging was wrapped up and the cave cleared of spoil. A total of 33 bags filled, hauled, and emptied. Time to go to the Hunters’ Lodge Inn for some refreshments.

Vince, Nick, Brockers, Mike, and Jake

Had planned to get to HR early but a few mishaps put paid to the best of plans. The car wouldn’t start, the alternative vehicle – the key battery was flat so had to find a replacement battery, eventually got to the farm to find I had forgotten my caving helmet so had to go back home and get it. Finally arrived at the farm to find the rest of the team were already changed and were up at HR.

Underground, at last! Went up to the dig to have a chat with Nick (who was digging), tarried a while and cleared a few bags back to Brockers before making my way towards the back of the queue. Brockers continued to clear away bags of spoil from Nick, Mike moved the filled bags across the chamber in Trick or Treat to the ‘hump’ where I hauled them over and transferred the bag to Jake at the bottom of the ramp, he then moved the bags along to the bottom of the pot. When a suitable pile of around 20 – 30 bags had amassed in the pot I moved back with Jake to get the spoil up on to the ledge. Then returned to our original positions to do it all again. As midday approached, we made another move back to start moving the filled bags up to the entrance and out of the cave to the surface. Soon digging activities were curtailed and bags were emptied, 63 of them in total.

Hunters’ Lodge Inn for refreshments as usual.

29th August:

Vince and Tav

A quick trip to the Soft South to tidy up the survey to the current dig(s) beyond Trick or Treat and Can of Worms. Survey was later annotated to show various points of interest.

Vince, Nick, Jake, Jon, and Brockers

Another early start to drag a couple of 1.2m x 0.6m sheets of 6mm plyboard to the current end of the cave beyond Trick or Treat. The purpose was cover over the potential ‘bone’ layer to allow further removal of overburden. Nearly finished as the team arrived. Then ensued a brief discourse regarding strategy and for future plans to excavate the ‘bone’ layer (once more is exposed).

All good, I set off to the back of the queue, Jake got on with digging, Nick clearing (?) spoil away, Jon transported the spoil across the chamber to the hump, and Brockers dragged it over. I was at the bottom of the ramp hauling the spoil from Brockers and carried it along to the bottom of the pot. Every now and then Brockers came along and together we hauled the spoil to the top of the pot and onto the ledge.

Midday came and digging was ceased to clear out the cave. In total, 73 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied on to the heap. It had been raining quite a lot and it was now very slippery and mucky!

Refreshments were enjoyed by most at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn.

Vince

Spent the morning continuing to clean around and recover faunal remains in the SE side passage/alcove at the current end of the cave beyond Trick or Treat. Some nice finds too including bear canine, more phalanges (also bear), and many more bone fragments. Excavation can be frustrating at times especially as some of the bones are so fragile requiring some careful digging using wooden (clay modelling) tools. Some remains are mineralised, some are quite abraded perhaps suggesting some turbulent flow has affected the remains (at some time!)

Vince

Spent a very peaceful couple of hours or so cleaning area around faunal remains and defining section of sediment deposition overlying the remains. Photographed, faunal remains left in situ for the time being as there is more cleaning required to fully expose potential accumulation of ‘bones’.