dighalloween

With Nick, Jake, Tav, Jon, Brockers, and young Harley Bennett came back for more. Got to do our part to encourage and support future generations of diggers.

Underground ahead of the teams arrival, a bit more work on the skip-run between the entrance and pot/ledge. Laid down a strip of plastic belt to see if that might ease the movement of the skip around the bend (it wasn’t a success, some further consideration required!) The team arrived…

Before digging in Can of Worms commenced, a brief discussion re: chemical alteration of passage shape, the outcome – not necessary at this moment. Nick got on with digging, I was clearing away the filled bags (filled a few with some ‘trample’ too), Jake was hauling the skip from the dig to the ledge, Tav transferred the spoil to the next skip to be hauled to the entrance by Jon, Brockers was on the surface with Harley.

In Can of Worms, Nick seemed very happy, the digging effort concentrated on following the sediment-filled bedding to the south-west. As yet, no sign of a “supermassive black hole” but then do we really care, after all, ‘breakthroughs’ only spoil a good dig!

Today’s total was 69 bags filled, hauled and emptied on the surface, although there were some bags emptied below ground to ‘level-up’ the skip-run. There were not many rocks suitable for wall building today. A fine session, always better when the cave dries up!

Refreshments were enjoyed at the Hunters’ as tradition dictates!

Just me to start with but Roz joined me later in the morning!

Today’s objective involved more rock bothering focusing on removal of the rock and calcite obstruction that impedes the ‘free-flow’ of the loaded skip from the pot/ledge to the entrance. Calcite is always difficult to deal with, and the rock, geothermally ‘altered’ marl was fine-grained, ‘baked’ hard (‘ceramic-like’) and splintery.  

Slowly chunks were removed, and with much hammering and chisel work the skip route was improved although it might require some ‘levelling-up’ by the addition of a few bags of silt/clay material, we’ll soon find out on the weekend.

Roz arrived and moved the pile of rock debris to the bottom of the entrance, and gravel was bagged and moved too. Roz also took quite a few photographs, and a selection are included with today’s summary.

I packed the kit away (drill and plugs/feathers) before, quickly, going along to the current end of Can of Worms to check on progress. Some discussion had taken place on the weekend about whether some chemical persuasion might be required. I could take off some rock at roof level to increase the working are but the floor needs cleaning to get a better view of what could be done there.

Back on the surface, cave secured, picked up Tav’s helmet (left behind at the weekend) and we returned to the farm. No Hunters; today (closed). Job done!

Vince, Jake, Nick, Jon, Tav, Mike, and todays guest digger, Harley Bennett

While waiting for the team to assemble at the cave I spent some time ‘titivating’ the spoil heap prior to the morning’s activities, before packaging the dried bags ready to be refilled later.

The team duly arrived. I wanted to have a look to see if the area where the bears are located had dried out so took Harley on a round trip to An Unexpected Development (Harley is working towards a Duke of Edinburgh Award) ending at Can of Worms. The ‘bear’ area has not dried sufficiently so no further excavation possible at present. There are a lot of tools and bags left in this area that could do with clearing back towards the cave entrance so they can be used elsewhere. When we got to CoW, Harley was directed towards the dig where Tav and Jon were busy digging and I went to the bottom of the entrance to help with spoil removal, Jake went up to the surface to haul bags and rocks out. Mike was on the ledge hauling spoil from the dig, Nick was doing his own ‘thing’ on the ledge, I’m not sure it is entirely necessary, but I couldn’t be bothered to argue the point.

The backlog of bags and rocks in the entrance were cleared, and I returned to the surface to help Jake empty the bags and add rocks to the wall before going back underground to resume my position. The morning progressed steadily.

At the end of the session, about 75 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied plus several skip loads of rocks added to the wall. And the weather was good!

Onwards to the Hunters’ Lodge Inn for the usual refreshments and debrief discussion.

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

At the cave waiting for the team to arrive fiddled about with the spoil heap walls and started packing the dry bags into bundles ready to be refilled later.

On surface duties today so stripped off oversuit, the sun was shining, and it was likely to be busy today. Jake was continuing the dig towards the southwest in Can of Worms assisted by Tav, Jon on the edge of the pot hauling away the spoil from CoW (I assume), Nick attending to a ‘protrusion’ of sediment that had been left following a recent slump of material, and Brockers at the bottom of the entrance. When there was a lull in proceedings, Brockers came up to the surface to help empty bags. Rocks were added to the wall. That’s how the morning went really.

By the end of the session, at least 100 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied plus quite a few rocks added to the spoil heap wall. A satisfying and productive digging session to be rounded off with a visit to our favourite hostelry, the Hunters’ for some refreshments and conversation.

Vince, Jake, Tav, Sam, Jon, and Nick

Got to the cave ahead of the others planning to reduce the lump of rock and calcite at the dig in Can of Worms. A slight distraction was caused by a pile of rocks, and I could not resist the temptation to add some of the stones to the spoil heap wall. Tore myself away to get underground and get on with my original objective. There has been a spell of fine weather over the last few days and in the cave, it is drying up noticeably, kit stays much cleaner.

I was just finished and packing away my drill and plugs/feathers when I could hear the sound of bag bundles being dropped down the entrance and I was soon joined by Jake. I got on with digging to the SW side of the chamber, Jake cleared the pile of rocks I had created and filled bags. Jake also had a poke in the SSW corner of the chamber but that did not develop into anything of further interest. Tav was hauling spoil from the ledge position with Sam and Jon clearing spoil to the entrance, Nick was enjoying the sunshine on the surface and hauling, emptying bags (and the rocks).

Sam and Jon decided to have a trip to the end of the Gnarly North because Sam had not been there before and to retrieve the digging paraphernalia left there several years ago. It was not a surprise to hear there was still water in the ‘spa’ and that it was cold! But, that section of the cave is now clear of stuff (this required two trips!)

Back in Can of Worms, as the morning passed by, the dig slowly inched forward, the roof began to rise, and more space was created. Most of the digging had been led on my side but at the close of the session I was now able to sit up and dig. The way forward looks promising – always good to finish on a positive note.

On the way back across the ledge something looked different and there was a ‘nose’ of sediment that would probably need tidying as it might soon come away. I was to learn later that there had been another minor slump that Jon had dealt with.

Today’s total = about 60 bags filled, hauled, and emptied plus another considerable quantity of rocks added to the wall. Another productive session, but now time for the Hunters’

Walking across the fields, a procession of diggers carrying lots of old skips and plastic bags to be recycled (instigated by Nick, I think)

Vince, Nick, Jake, Tav, and Jon. And then there were five…

Another earlier start for me (underground by 08:45) to break up the very large lump of calcite and conglomerate left on the floor in Can of Worms last weekend. Quickly set to work with plugs and feathers, drilling longer holes today (14mm x 260mm drill bit) due to the thickness of the lump. This process worked well but ran out of battery power (3no. 14ah 36v) before the job was finished, something left for next weekend.

Just as I ran out of battery juice Nick arrived at Can of Worms and the pile of rock debris was removed to the surface. Nick then got on with digging, concentrating on working under the low arch on the SW side of the chamber. I cleared away the filled bags and sporadic rock to Jake perched on the ledge, Tav was flitting to and fro between the entrance and the ledge, Jon made his way up to the surface to haul out the spoil. The digging is not especially easy at present through a compact, alternating layers of calcite flowstone and fine-grained sediment (silt, sand) but Nick maintained a steady flow of spoil. It was noticeably drier in the cave compared to last weekend and certainly not as mucky.

At the close of today’s session, 68 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied and a lot of rocks were added to the wall-building pile. It was pleasant on the surface in the sunshine but now it was time for the Hunters’.

Vince, Brockers, Nick, Jon, Jake, Tav, Mike, and Sam came back for another go!

While at the cave awaiting the arrival of the team carried out some essential wall repairs and some spoil heap management duties.

A full squad assembled for this morning’s activities and while others were sorting out who was going where I took the opportunity to take Sam along to An Unexpected Development. Along the way a brief account of the history of the cave’s exploration to date. Followed the route including Merlin’s Magic Milk Parlour, Tuck Shop, Another Emotional Journey to AUD, returning through ‘the hole in the floor‘ to Trick or Treat along to the pot and up to Can of Worms. Sam continued out to the surface to join Jake and I joined the ‘support’ team (Nick and Brockers) on the ledge, Jon and Tav were busy digging away in CoW. Brockers was hauling the spoil from CoW, and I was loading the skip to Mike at the bottom of the entrance, this left Nick stuck in the middle, so he continued to ‘tidy’ the area where a small alcove had been revealed by the ‘slump’ of material a few of weeks ago. Everyone was happy doing something, there was plenty of banter.

Throughout the session there was a continuous, steady flow of spoil (filled bags and rocks) going out to the surface. Some of the rocks were on the lumpy side and the ‘rock-net’ was put to use on several occasions – good wall-building stuff. When it is busy time passes quickly and all too soon it was time to pack it in and clear the last of the spoil from the cave. My presence was requested in Cow. A large (almost 1m dia. x c.0.5m thick) lump of calcite and conglomerate had become detached and required size reduction. After a close inspection I think I can deal with it using plugs and feathers with some hammer and chisel work if necessary. Out to the surface to join the others.

Today’s count = 101 bags filled, hauled, and emptied plus plenty of rocks added to the extension wall. Time for refreshments at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn.

Vince, Mike, Jake, Jon, Tav, Nick, and Brockers. The full squad!

At the cave, while waiting for the team to arrive added the pile of stones recovered last weekend to the wall extension and levelled spoil behind the wall, created more space for emptying bags later.

The team assembled. Underground in Can of Worms, me and Mike rotated the digging under the ‘arch’ on the SW side of the chamber, Jake, Jon, and Tav removed the spoil and between filled bags and rocks cleared the remaining slumped material off the ledge. Also, venturing to the bottom of the pot to tidy the spillover material from there too. Nick and Brockers were on the surface taking care of spoil redistribution.

At the dig face, a large boulder was removed from overhead that had been part of the sediment-fill in another ‘cross-rift’ that needed to be cleared before concentrating again on forward progress. Much of the silt trickling down your neck, which was irritating! Steady progress was made throughout the session and with the full team assembled spoil was shifted through the cave to the surface and on to the spoil heap. This meant digging was continued beyond midday. No idea how many bags were filled, hauled, and emptied today – someone said, “quite a lot!”

Satisfied with the morning’s effort, we departed, re-assembling at the Hunters’ for the usual post-digging refreshments.

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

Packed drill/plugs and feathers into tackle bag and loaded into Kangoo along with the previously prepared skips and all the other stuff required for a digging session in HR. All loaded, over the hill towards Wookey Hole. A bright, sunny morning was a welcome change from the recent persistent rain.

At the cave, quickly underground and along to Can of Worms to deal with the boulder left there (4no. holes – 4no. pieces), then back to the ledge where another boulder had been left. This was, similarly, dealt with. As I was packing kit away Nick and Brockers arrived to get digging underway at the current end of CoW.

A little while later Mike arrived and between us, we started to remove spoil back towards the entrance where Jake was waiting, Jon on the surface (Jake and Jon later swapped positions). It was a busy morning and there was not much time to clear the ledge of slumped material the result of last weekend’s prodding! The small decorated ‘grotto’ is just that – small, it doesn’t have much potential for anything else.

Time slips by quickly when you’re busy and, all too soon, it was midday. As expected, the diggers were reluctant to stop, the way forward was quite easy digging and they were happy to continue…but there was spoil to clear from the cave and there were bags to empty.

Today’s count = 103 (or thereabouts) bags filled, hauled, and emptied and about 15 skip loads of rocks in a pile ready to be added to the spoil heap wall.

It was still sunny! To the Hunters’ for some refreshments.

Vince, Nick, Brockers, Jake, and Jon

Got to HR before the team arrived to clear some vegetation (mostly brambles) and prepare the ground for the continuing extension of the spoil heap wall – somewhere for the inevitable supply of rocks to be utilized.

When the team arrived, Jake and Jon made a ‘beeline’ towards Can of Worms, Nick and Brockers provided the main support clearing away the spoil to the entrance. I started at the bottom of the entrance until a suitable quantity of filled bags had amassed then went up to the surface to haul them out and empty the bags, any rocks were added to the previously prepared area.

Just before Nick went underground, I mentioned that he might take a look at the perched rocks above the ‘slump’ along the ledge. There has been a lot of rain this week so for the sake of ‘safety’ they needed checking. On reflection, that was like ‘a red rag to a bull’ with the predictable result – the rocks were removed and immediately followed by more slumping! This resulted in a lot more work for me and also kept Nick occupied. An interesting consequence of this action was a small ‘viewing’ chamber containing some decent stalactite formations was revealed. This has yet to be fully investigated as it was decided that it might be better to let things settle down a bit and let gravity to its work.

Meanwhile in CoW, things were also progressing, and later reports were encouraging, the small ‘arch’ revealed last weekend continues and is showing some positive signs. It has now been opened up considerably and at the end of the session a lot of rocks were removed, digging is now much easier. As ever, time passes quickly and reluctantly digging came to an end, the last few filled bags and rocks were cleared from the cave and deposited on to the spoil heap. Today’s total: about 100 bags filled, hauled, and emptied plus many rocks added to the wall extension!

A very satisfactory session rounded off with a visit to our favourite hostelry – The Hunters’ Lodge Inn.

Vince, Mike, Jon, Jake, Tav, Brockers, and Nick. A full squad gathered!

As planned I arrived at the cave ahead of the others and was quickly underground. I wanted to get the slumped material bagged up and clear the path along the ledge. This was necessary to enable the spoil from Can of Worms to be moved safely. I was just filling the last couple of bags when the team started to arrive.

A brief discussion with Jon and Jake about the slump then joined Mike in CoW. Left Mike to get on with digging (SW side) while I loaded the rocks (from yesterday) into the skip to be hauled away by Jon. Jake transported the spoil across the ledge, Tav was at the bottom of the entrance with Brockers and Nick on the surface. More material was cleared (by Jake and Jon) from the ledge path in between bags.

In CoW, digging is not easy going downwards – calcite-cemented boulders and large lumps of fractured, displaced ‘flowstone’ – it was slow going. At one stage it was not looking quite so good, but towards the end of the session, an ‘edge’ was poked and prodded and a promising ‘arch’ was revealed, there appears to be a way forward trending SW blocked by calcite-layers and compact fine-grained sediment. It was good to end the digging session on a ‘positive’ note! During the morning there was a stream of visitors (Jake, Jon, Tav) into the dig to check on progress. It was soon time to pack it in and return to the surface, there had been mumblings about “getting wet” relayed to the diggers from the surface – it may have been ‘Chinese whispers’, I’m not sure.

Today’s total = 80 bags filled, hauled, and emptied plus quite a few rocks to be added to the wall. Everyone was happy, and it was not raining! To the Hunters’

Solo

Packed the Bosch Powerhammer 36v (for a change) along with plugs/feathers, loaded the Kangoo and set-off over the hill to the farm. I was soon at the cave.

On arrival, I got distracted by the pile of rocks hauled out last weekend and could not help myself. All the rocks were added to the western wall extension before venturing underground.

It has been very wet recently and the ingress of water into the cave has resulted in a slump of sediment from the bank alongside the ledge path around the pot. It is in the way and will require clearing tomorrow before spoil can be removed from Can of Worms – good job there is a hand-line in place! I negotiated a route around the slump and made my way into CoW. It did not take too long to deal with the large boulder there before retracing my steps to the ledge.

On the ledge another, smaller, boulder was reduced in size. Photographs were taken, kit was packed away (again) and I made my way out of the cave.

A brief stop at the Hunters’ for refreshments on the way home.

Vince, Jake, Brockers, Nick, and Mike

The plan for this morning was to get up to the cave and along to Can of Worms ahead of the team, real in the wire, and see what effect the ‘bang’ had. At first appearance it did not look as successful as the last blast, but after some poking and prodding it was apparent that many fractures had been induced – might just require a bit more effort to get the rock out!

But that was a task for Nick and Brockers who had just arrived at the dig. After a brief discussion with them I made my way back to help Mike shift the imminent procession of rocks and filled bags along to Jake waiting at the bottom of the entrance. It was not long before a considerable pile of spoil had accrued at the entrance, and I moved along to help Jake get it up to the surface. All cleared, back for the next lot, and so it went.

When the bulk of the loose debris had been cleared there was enough of a lull in proceedings to go and have another look at the end. There is no need for another phase of chemical persuasion, still plenty to dig; there are some large boulders that will require further attention and the use of plugs/feathers. There appears to be some potential moving forward to the ‘southwest’. I returned to spoil removal duties.

At about midday the diggers very reluctantly downed tools and joined the effort to clear the cave and empty bags, rocks were moved closer to the wall. Todays total = 65 bags filled, hauled, and emptied plus an unknown quantity of rocks shifted to make a big pile for the wall, and some are heavy!

Time for the Hunters’ Lodge Inn. Another satisfying session done.

Vince, Jon, Brockers, Jake, Nick, Tav, and Mike. A full squad assembled today!

Got to the cave ahead of the team and quickly along to Can of Worms reeling in the wire as I went. On arrival at the dig site, it was obvious that Monday’s ‘bang’ had the desired effect – there was a lot of rock debris to be cleared. Back to the surface where I busied myself with wall preparatory work and awaited the team arrival.

The team arrived and there was a lot of chatter before getting underground. Eventually, me and Jon were left on the surface, and it was not too long before spoil began to arrive – shattered rocks and bags of cobbles, gravel and finer-grained sediment. It was busy!

In the initial stages it was calculated that the number of skip-loads of rocks removed were equivalent to the number of bags removed multiplied by Pi (π = 3.1416). This ratio was later adjusted to the number of skip-loads of rock removed being, at least, equal to or greater than the total number of bags removed. The total number of bags filled, hauled, and emptied = 57, although there is a slight discrepancy regarding a ‘knee-pad’ and whether this is included in the total number of bags removed or might be added, therefore bringing the total number of bags to 58.

At the end of the session, the spoil heap wall had been built-up considerably and backed by a significant quantity of cobbles, gravel, and finer-grained sediment. Another bang will be useful. For now, though it was time for the Hunters’!

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

Arrived at the cave ahead of the team carrying drill and plugs/feathers to deal with a couple of boulders left-over from last weekend on the ledge. Just finished as I heard voices approaching.

I moved along the passage into Can of Worms to get digging underway, I was soon joined by Jon. There is plenty of room for two people to dig. Jon concentrated his effort on following the narrow fissures downwards, while my effort was focussed to the southwest where calcite-cemented boulders of conglomerate and fine-grained sediment needed to be removed. It was not especially easy digging but by the end of the morning we had created more space than we had started with, progress was made. There are a couple of large lumps of conglomerate impeding downward progress, they are beyond the capabilities of plugs/feathers requiring more aggressive attention. A job for another day.

All the spoil had been moved to the surface where Nick had emptied all the bags and added rocks to the spoil heap wall. No idea how many bags, but all seem satisfied with the mornings progress. The session was rounded off, as usual, with refreshments at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn.

Note – 12th January: solo trip into Can of Worms to attend to the rock obstructions. We’ll see on Saturday just how well things went!

With Nick and Jon

As is my wont arrived at Hallowe’en Rift ahead of the team bringing with me a digging hoe ready to prepare the ground for the spoil heap wall extension. There were plenty of rocks piled underground awaiting removal to the surface.

Nick and Jon arrived, for one reason or another only a small team assembled for today’s activities, no matter. A brief discussion before all going underground towards Can of Worms. The rocks were removed. While me and Jon got the rocks up to the surface, Nick returned to CoW to get on with digging. On the surface the rocks were used in the wall extension and then me and Jon went back into the cave to clear the backlog of spoil accumulated by Nick’s endeavours. All spoil was shifted out to the surface, rocks added to the wall, bags emptied into the space created. Back for more and the whole process repeated. And repeat for one more time, this time Nick followed the spoil out. Today’s total = 31 bags filled, hauled, and emptied and more than a dozen skip loads of rock added to the wall.

At the dig, things are still looking interesting, and progress is still going downwards. Nick reported that the digging is not especially difficult. A good session with a small team. But now time for the Hunters’!

Solo. “Rock-bothering session!”

Dragged the drill and plugs/feathers into Can of Worms to deal with the boulders left there last weekend. While I was there had a poke around with a bar to see if there were any other loose rocks that required some further attention. Rocks in the current end ‘chamber’ and those left on the ledge were reduced to more manageable pieces, job done, packed kit away and exited the cave.

Walked down to the farm, a brief chat with the farmer, and then up the hill to the Hunters’ Lodge Inn for the customary refreshments. A good way to start the New Year!

Vince, Callum, Jon, Nick, Jake, and Tav

I was pleased that Callum was available to join us for today’s digging session. We arrived at the cave ahead of the team to take a quick tour out to An Unexpected Development. Outward journey via Merlin’s, Tuck Shop, Another Emotional Journey, and Thou Shalt Not Dig There. No ladder (or rope) to descend the rift but it is still an impressive section of the cave. The return leg was through the ‘hole in the floor’ and Trick or Treat along the passage to the pot and up into Can of Worms. I was just showing Callum the dig in CoW as the team started to arrive, left Callum to dig in CoW with Jon and joined Nick to remove the spoil back to the entrance where Jake and Tav were on surface duties.

Filled bags and rocks were being removed at a good rate to the surface, although there are some rocks that require size reduction prior to removal (that will be another day). As ever with digging things did not quite go according to plan and more interesting features were revealed. More discussion followed, the outcome of which was more digging was required to see what was happening.

By the close of play another 70 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied plus 20 skip loads of rocks added to the spoil heap wall. And there is still plenty more to come! Time for the Hunters’.

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

Met with the team at the farm this weekend so that they could sign a card for the farmer and family (only Brockers was absent – so an ‘X’ was signed for him!), and a seasonal goodwill gesture was delivered. Access to the cave from the farm makes life so much easier and we are extremely grateful.

Time to go digging. A tongue-in-cheek suggestion to dig at the far NE extent in AUD area was met with derision. It would most likely have been a rather soggy and squalid experience given the amount of recent rain! Can of Worms it was!

Tav and Mike were digging (at present Can of Worms remains remarkably dry), Jon and I were the underground support team, with Nick and Jake on the surface. It was a slower start to get things underway, so I took the opportunity to take a look at the current conditions in the NE extent, Trick or Treat/AUD area, and as expected it was wet!

Back at CoW, things settled into a steady rate, and all were kept reasonably occupied. Whilst poking about with a bar Tav opened a small ‘hole’ in the floor about 150mm length x 50mm width, and as digging progressed, the ‘hole’ developed into something quite interesting – c.500mm length x c.75mm width, and of an undetermined depth. The NE side appears to be solid rock, a lower continuation of the rift wall, to the SW seems to be larger boulders but this needs further work to be certain. It is possible the ‘hole’ is a space between the solid wall and boulder/fine-grained sediment infill of the rift. Time will tell; there’s a lot more clearance to be done before an idea of what’s going on can be established. A good, positive development though!

About 60 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied and just a few token rocks today were added to the spoil heap wall. On the surface, a lot of tidying had been done – leaves cleared away, steps re-cut, etc.

Time to make our way to the Hunters’ for some refreshments.

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

Got to site ahead of the others to continue clearance of undergrowth, mostly brambles, to make more space available for spoil disposal.

A full squad assembled for this morning’s digging session. After being at the front digging last weekend Jon and I moved to the end of the queue to carry out surface duties this weekend. Thankfully the sun was shining and it was pleasantly warm. Of course we were overdressed!

Jake and Nick were digging in Can of Worms, and it has to be said that most of the bags were filled rather too enthusiastically! Also, the filled bags and rocks were arriving on the surface at a good rate. Some of these bags and rock loads required both of us on the surface to get them up and out of the cave. It would appear that last weekend’s digging had removed the ‘crust’ of calcite-cemented boulders and fragmented flowstone to reveal fine-grained sediment and stones below. The digging was easier and, hence, more productive (in terms of bags filled). Brockers, Mike, and Tav provided the underground support team for the digger’s and were kept busy moving the spoil through the cave to the bottom of the entrance.

By the close of play, about 80 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied plus a substantial quantity of rocks were added to the spoil heap wall(s).

It was time for the Hunters’.

Vince, Jon, Jake, and Nick

Arrived at the cave entrance with plenty of time to break up the rocks left from last weekend in Can Of Worms. Unfortunately, I allowed myself to become distracted and felt compelled to add some rocks to the spoil heap wall extension. Eventually dragged I myself away and set off underground with drill and plugs/feathers to CoW. Two large boulders were reduced to more manageable pieces, and I had just finished when Jon arrived. Kit packed away we got on with digging. Some smaller boulders put aside on the ledge for size reduction were moved to the entrance any further attention from me not necessary. Jake, on the ledge, hauled away the rock debris and filled bags from CoW. Meanwhile, Nick was on the surface clearing leaves (they can be very slippery when moving bags up the slope!) before joining the team below the surface.

In CoW, I dug away at some fine-grained sediment in one corner of the NE facing wall, while Jon set about lowering the floor. Slow going at first but then as a boulder was loosened, others quickly followed, and a large pile of rocks was accumulated and filled bags. Beneath the layer of calcite-cemented boulders was a deposit of finer-grained sediment and looser cobble-sized conglomerate and fractured calcite. Jake and Nick came through to check on progress. The floor still needs lowering so we can establish if there is a way forward under the SW wall.

Time was moving on, so the loose sediment was bagged and the rock pile removed. Digging was ceased and all hands to clearing the cave of spoil. Nobody counted bags or skip loads of rocks out to the surface, but it had been enough to keep us all fully entertained for this morning’s session. Now, however, it was time for some refreshments at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn.

Vice, Jake, Nick, and Tav

On the surface at the cave there were lot’s of rocks waiting to be added to the spoil heap walls so I got on with that until the others arrived.

Can of Worms again this weekend. Jake and Nick digging – battering rocks, filling bags – some more robust rocks were put to one side for further attention at a later date. Tav was on the ledge hauling away the spoil from CoW. Between us, Tav and me got the spoil back to the entrance and some was moved further out to the surface where a few bags were emptied. Only bags went to the surface at this stage rocks were left for later. The hauling rope was slippery and not easy to grip and some of the rocks were heavy. After a good soaking the rope was slightly easier to grip.

Midday came, digging ceased, and all the spoil removed to the surface, somewhere about 30-40 bags filled, hauled, and emptied and, there were a lot of rocks added to another stockpile for the spoil heap wall! Time for the Hunters’ Lodge Inn

Vince, Tav, Jake, Mike, and Nick

It was a wet walk across the fields, up to the cave.

Underground, there were stones on the ledge awaiting size reductions with plugs & feathers so got on with that until the team arrived. Due to wet conditions and team numbers, it seemed an obvious choice to continue the digging in Can of Worms. In the increasingly larger chamber me and Tav got to work, mostly concentrating on the southern side but also lowering the floor to give more space going forward. Room to swing the mattock or sledge! Currently the way ahead is not exactly clear so it is hoped the removal of an obstruction caused by a mixture of calcited boulders and degraded will reveal something. A consequence of removing boulders and large lumps of fragmented flowstone is that even more space is quickly created. It is also noteworthy that the sediment is no longer dry, and removal is somewhat easier with the addition of moisture.

Jake was hauling the spoil away from CoW, across the ledge to Mike at the bottom of the entrance. Nick had gone out to haul the spoil (filled bags and rocks) up to the surface. The weather had not improved and there was still persistent rain which was a complete change to the past few days of dry, sometimes sunny, and frosty days. Nick didn’t complain…much.

No-one actually counted the bags, but all agreed (later in the Hunters’) that it was more than 40 with a lot of rocks added to the stockpile waiting to be added to the wall some time in the future – too wet today to mess around with that!

To the Hunters’ for refreshments and an open fire, very comforting!  

Later this evening at the Hunters’ were the ‘J’Rat Digging Awards.’ Well done to Ali Moody and team at Longwood Valley Sink on a tremendous effort and discovery.

Below is the slide presentation that I gave on the evening regarding faunal and human remains found and recovered in 2024/2025.

Vince, Jon, Jake, and Tav

Venturing underground the first thing I noticed was the sound – the sound of dripping waters into puddles in the Soft South, and there were trickles of water along the cave passages. The cave was much wetter than of late after the recent heavy, persistent rain, the overlying soil now saturated.

To the ledge at the approach of Can of Worms and set about breaking up a boulder there with plugs & feathers. Just about done as the team arrived and packed kit away. Jon moved past me to get to work digging in Can of Worms and it wasn’t very long before the plugs & feathers were unpacked and put into use again as several boulders appeared. Tav and Jake removed the resulting rock debris and filled bags out to the surface where Jake added the rocks to the eastern side of the spoil heap wall, thereby creating more dumping space.

In CoW, Jon worked on the southern side. The sediment was a bit easier to remove now that it wasn’t quite as dry. There was a moment when it seemed the dig might be ‘broken’ but some perseverance and the removal of calcite-cemented conglomerate boulders and fragmented flowstone soon rectified that minor ‘hiccup’ and so digging proceeded. All too soon it was time to stop digging and clear the cave of the few remaining bags and rocks. Time passes quickly!

Today’s count = 37 bags filled, hauled, and emptied plus a lot of rocks hauled out and added to the spoil heap wall, the were a couple of boulders left on the ledge waiting size reduction, a job for next weekend.

Refreshments at the Hunters’ as usual!

Vince, Nick, Brockers, Jake, Jon

Early at the cave to replace 10mm jute rope on the haul up out of the ‘pot’ with a 14mm hemp rope. These twisted natural fibre ropes are easier to grip with muddy gloves. The knots tied only last week were already tight. I was just about done as the team arrived.

Apparently, Brockers had been selected as ‘digger’ and he made his way towards AUD followed by Jake, Jon, and Nick. Meanwhile, I made my way into Can of Worms to continue the removal of calcite-cemented conglomerate boulders on the southside of the [current] end chamber. Just working at an annoyingly loose rock that just wouldn’t come free when I heard movement in the pot so went to help with spoil clearance dragging the few bags I had filled with me.

At the pot met Nick, who then helped with removal of rocks from CoW, before we cleared all the spoil from AUD and CoW out to the surface. Then returned for the next lot. The backlog of spoil was also moved out to the surface, this time with Jon’s added assistance. Back for more, by now time had moved beyond midday and a message was relayed to the digging team at AUD. Soon others could be heard, and all spoil was moved out the surface, bags were emptied, and racks added to the western wall extension. Nobody bothered counting how many bags; later at the Hunters’ we agreed it was greater than 10 but less than 100. It was a fun morning as ever!

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

Early to the cave to install new pulley on the haul out of the pot, new jute rope too (but this will be replaced as it was too thin, 10mm. Have ordered a 14mm hemp rope). Also replaced the worn-out skip on the haul from ledge/entrance. The rest of the team arrived.

Headed off to AUD with Nick where we both were digging either side of the large stalagmite ‘boss’. Mike was hauling the spoil up the slope to Jon who was somewhere near the hump. Jake, meanwhile, with Tav, was busy in Can of Worms loosening and removing calcite-cemented lumps of conglomerate on the southside.

Eventually, in AUD, Nick and me, managed to dig all around the stalagmite ‘boss’ but the connection was rather small, lots of calcite. To the SE side of the ‘boss’ it all closed down, on the NW side there is still plenty of digging to be done and, hopefully, we can continue to make some progress in a NE direction. All too soon it came time to finish digging and empty the cave of spoil.

Today’s total = about 70 bags filled, hauled, and emptied plus a token rock. There is a large boulder on the ledge awaiting some size reduction, a job for another day.

Refreshments were enjoyed at the Hunters’ as usual.

Vince, Jake, Mike, Jon, and Nick

I got to the cave ahead of the team to collect some sediment samples from An Unexpected Development (AUD) area for a local artist who wants to experiment with natural pigments (I have already collected samples from the Polden Hills, Dolebury Warren, and Wookey Hole). While I was there, photographs were taken too.

Just about done as the team arrived. A quite emaciated newt was removed from the passageway and placed on a ledge out of harms way. Later, when I went to collect it, the newt had gone.

Jake set about digging in the AUD area circumnavigating a rather large ‘stal’ boss, as I was there, I cleared the filled bags back to Mike, who hauled them up the slope to Jon. The spoil was moved further along the passage. Meanwhile, Nick was in Can of Worms ‘attacking’ the floor in an effort to move forward in a south-westerly direction, about 10 bags were filled. Nick then joined in with spoil removal. Periodically, the filled bags were moved through the cave and out to the surface to be emptied.

Just after midday (12:15) digging was stopped, loose material bagged, and the remaining spoil moved out to the surface. Today’s total = 64 bags filled, hauled, and emptied.

Refreshments were enjoyed at the Hunters’ as usual.

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

An earlier start for me, drill/plugs and feathers packed. Arrived at the farm, chatted briefly with the farmer, got the key from the shed, changed and walked across fields to the cave.

Once underground set off to Can of Worms and got to work removing a calcite obstruction that was impeding the ‘free-flow’ of the skip when being hauled. Just finished off as the team arrived. I was surprised to find we had a full compliment of men for this session. A quick discussion resulted in Brockers, Jake, and Nick heading off to AUD to continue the digging there while Mike joined me in scratching around in Can of Worms, it’s not exactly inspiring in here at this moment. Tav and Jon removed spoil to the base of the entrance, including the debris I had earlier created.

At 11:00 it was time for me to go (attending Mendip Rocks Lectures at the Earth Science Centre, Stoke St. Michael, and very good they were too!), so no idea what happened after that. Although as I was leaving Jake had returned from AUD with many bags and was busy hauling them out of the pot with Jon on the ledge, Tav at the base of the entrance.

Hopefully an additional report will be forthcoming…

Jon later provided the following account:

“Summer is over. Mike returned to the fold. A full team of seven met at the farm for today’s events.

As usual, Vince arrived early. His aim for the day was to break up a boulder to ease the skip run into Can Of Worms. Having achieved this, he left early.

Mike dug in Can of Worms, initially assisted by Tav and Vince. The rest of the Team went on to the further dig site, where a recent connection was made into the known cave around An Unexpected Development. Brockers dug while Nick and Jake explored known cave. Jon started moving the spoil out. When the explorers returned, Nick assisted Brockers; Jake and Jon hauled bags of spoil back to the Soft South. Tav then moved to the surface and started hauling supported by Jon from the bottom of the entrance. Within Can Of Worms, the left and right sides are now both solid. A decision is needed concerning breaking through the calcite floor. At the other site, Brockers dug to the left of the constriction; this continues.

The Team’s efficiency dropped off towards the end of the session; the bag count during the last hour was notably low. Sixty 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, Nick, Jon, and Tav

Due to a variety of circumstances, a suggestion was put forward “shall we have a Sunday session?” There were some minor glitches but, eventually, it came to pass. A suitable team gathered at the farm on Sunday morning.

Underground, Jon and Tav were dispatched to Can of Worms to continue the excavation on the southernmost side, Nick and I provided the support, clearing filled bags and rocks, also did a bit of mud scraping along the ledge. The bags and rocks were taken out to the surface; bags were later emptied and rocks added to the wall extension.

In Can of Worms, the digging doesn’t get any easier – dry, compact sediment. The ‘alcove’ that was just being exposed last weekend developed into a more substantial wall, in effect, constricting the southern direction. It might be that the only option is to dig the floor and try to get some more depth. Which ever option will result in slower progress. We could split our efforts and have two small teams working at the NE and SW extents in AUD and Can of Worms, respectively. Time will tell.

On the way back to the surface a palmate newt was picked up and relocated to the entrance area. Today’s total = 57 bags filled, hauled, and emptied and quite a few rocks added to the wall. It was now time to set off for the Hunters’ and refreshments.

Vince, Nick, and Jon

Arrived early at the farm, got changed, and wandered up to the cave. There were no bags to pack up so added a few stones to the spoil heap extension wall before going underground.

Into Can of Worms to see last weeks progress and, while I was there, decided to remove a large lump of calcite-cemented conglomerate on the southernmost side of the current end “chamber”. This lump was then reduced to smaller pieces. Got to work to define contact between sediment infill and the underlying calcite layer that, in turn, seals accumulated ‘roof-breakdown’ and other material. It was at this point that Nick arrived, accompanied by Jon. I continued digging away using a mattock to loosen the very dry and compact sediment, it’s like ‘concrete!’ I put the mattock down to place the loosened material into bags, Nick could not resist the temptation and picked up the mattock and continued to dig away, I carried on filing bags. Meanwhile Jon hauled away the skip and very tidily stacked the filled bags (and stones) on the ledge. That’s how the morning progressed, two of us digging, Jon hauling away, until all the available bags in the “chamber” had been filled. It was time to clear the cave.

50 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied plus three skip loads of rock added to the extension wall. A good session by a small team. Time to refresh at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn.

Some of us were attending Hidden Earth (BCRA national caving conference) in Llangollen, North Wales. Others were digging but, so far, a report on Saturday’s activities has not been forthcoming…until now

Report by Jon:

“…Jake, Paul, Tav, Nick, and Jon

Things started well. Paul assumed control and the Team remembered The Key. At the cave, Jon and Tav were instructed to dig, supported by Jake. Nick and Paul hauled and stacked the spoil bags, including a few extra. Inside Can of Worms, Tav dug on the right and cleared back to what appears to be solid wall, all across. Jon dug to the left, currently this is ongoing, but hard digging. The infill is very dry and compact. More broken stalagmites were found on both sides.

80 bags of spoil were removed from the cave, along with a few rocks.

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

Solo

Spent a couple of or so on the surface at the cave undertaking some spoil heap management tasks. Cleared overgrown vegetation (mostly brambles) before adding the available rocks to the western wall extension and levelled dumped spoil thereby creating space for more bags to be emptied. It was very pleasant in the warm, autumnal sunshine, peaceful too listening to the birdsong.

With Brockers, Jake, and Nick

Arrived at the farm early only to remember that my key to the cave was in my car and that was at the garage! And I could not find the spare key. Nothing for it but to get changed and wait for the others to turn up. Jake soon directed me to the key, and I went up to HR.

Opened the gate, moved some stones onto the wall, a replacement pulley was installed (although it was of dubious quality and there were some doubts about whether it would survive the session!) and when the team had assembled at the cave, underground. Can of Worms would be today’s destination – me and Brockers digging, Nick and Jake shifting the spoil out to the surface.

The digging was concentrated on the southernmost side, and it is hard work. The sediment is quite compact and has dried ‘rock-hard!’ A variety of picks, mattocks, and bars were employed in an effort to loosen the sediment. A ‘new’ small pick supplied by Nick was useful as it was sharp, and as ever, the ice-pick was effective. We ended up with one loosening the spoil while the other filled bags and loaded the skip to the support crew. At the end of the session 76 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied plus a few rocks added to the pile. The forecast heavy rain did not happen for which we were thankful.

As ever, refreshments at the Hunters’

Report by Jake

“Nick & Jake digging in Can of Worms, on the southernmost side. A total of 40 bags were filled, hauled out to the surface, and emptied.”

and from Nick

“… arrived at the farm to find no other participants. Undeterred the two chipped away the hard dry side of the Can of Worms removing a total of 40 quality regulation weight bags between them. Oil is required for the surface pulley or perhaps a new pulley for the next session and a slight narrower small but heavy pickaxe would be useful.”

Vince, Nick, Jake, and Tav

An earlier start for me at Can of Worms with drill/plugs and feathers to deal with the boulder loosened and pushed to one side last weekend. Spent an hour or so reducing the rock to more manageable pieces and was just ready to pack kit away as Nick arrived. The pile of rocks was removed (plus the rocks left underground last weekend).

A small team assembled again this week so, as we were already there, continued to dig in CoW. I worked away on the southern side while Nick concentrated his effort to the northern side. With two of us filling bags the support team, Tav and Jake, were kept busy. The task not improved as the pulley on the haul out to the surface was not performing as required, more of a ‘friction’ device!

Todays final count was 80 bags filled, hauled, and emptied plus about 0ne dozen skip loads of rock added to the wall building pile. A good productive session.

Refreshments at the Hunters’ as usual.

Vince, Brockers, and Jake

A small team assembled today, and because of that Can of Worms was the chosen digging venue.

Underground,a brief discussion on digging strategy before Jake and Brockers got to work on the southernmost side at the current end of Can of Worms. My job was to haul away the spoil and carry the bags along the ledge to the skip (a skip replacement was required). When about 30 bags had been piled up with Brockers help these were moved up to the surface where they were emptied. The forecast was for rain later in the morning, so we wanted to get most of the surface work done before it got wet. The bags were dry enough to be repackaged and returned underground. Then back underground to clear the next lot. A brief interlude followed as Brockers wrestled with a large boulder. When the boulder finally came free some evasive action was required before it was moved to a position where it could be reduced in size (on another day!). The loose sediment was bagged up and the cave was cleared of spoil. A total of 48 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied plus quite a lot of rocks were still in a pile on the ledge to be removed when a bigger team becomes available. As we left the cave, there were some spots of rain.

Refreshments were enjoyed at the Hunters’ and looking out through the window it was now raining heavily!

Vince, Nick, Brockers, Jake, and Tav

The team assembled and all underground, digging today in the NE extent, in the AUD area. It was my turn to dig supported by Nick (who also was digging as there is plenty of space!), Jake was top of the slope hauling up the bags. Brockers and Tav were filling a few bags in Can of Worms (10no.).

I hadn’t been digging very long when a small hole was punctured through the thin calcite layer than formed the roof of the current dig. The ‘hole’ was expanded to allow my head to poke through and see whereabouts we were in AUD and then, satisfied with where we were the hole was made large enough to pass through into the passage beyond. The team all came forward to have a look, Jake and Brockers went to look at the rift at the far extent of An Unexpected Development. This part of the cave is seldomly visited.

Digging then continued, initially clearing the debris from the access route. Then worked around a large ‘stal’ boss and lowering the floor by digging the accumulation of ‘trampled’ sediment thereby creating more space to work in. It appears there are several phases of ‘open and closed’ passages separated by calcite flowstone (false floors) and sediment infill, these processes occurring over an unknown time span. Meanwhile, Nick was paying particular attention to a ‘lower’ false floor (?) and had pried loose some fragments calcite layering. Although the last bag of spoil had been filled, we could not leave the ‘wobbly’ rock so combined our efforts to remove it. It was past midday and time to clear spoil from the cave to the surface. Today, 64 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied, plus a few rocks, and another ‘hole in the floor’ or roof depending which side you are on!

To the Hunters’ for some refreshments!