BCRA Cave Science Field Meeting - South Wales 6 March 2011

[David Gibson]

The British Cave Research Association and the South Wales Caving Club are pleased to invite you to attend a Cave Science Field Meeting that will be held in South Wales on Sunday 6 March 2011, to follow the 22nd BCRA Cave Science Symposium at Cardiff University on 5 March. The meeting will be in two parts, and the arrangements will be left somewhat flexible, depending on the wishes of the registered participants.

An A4 document suitable for printing on paper is at http://bcra.org.uk/docstore/sci/11/wales-meeting.pdf


The Morning Visit will be to the show cave parts of Dan yr Ogof and Tunnel (Cathedral) Cave, with the kind permission of the National Showcaves Centre for Wales when the caves will be closed to the public. These visits will be led by Dr. Keith Ball, previously of the British Geological Survey, who will discuss the limestone structure and geology, speleogenesis and the place of the caves within the local geomorphic setting.

Following lunch, which may be consumed at Penwyllt, the SWCC headquarters, the Afternoon Visit will enter the Top Entrance to Ogof Ffynnon Ddu 2 (and possibly OFD 1). These visits will be led by Dr. Noel Christopher, previously at Leicester University, and Andy Kendall. They will lead a surface walk to consider the surface expressions of the underground geology and discuss the stratigraphy, structure and age of the Big Chamber Near the Entrance in OFD 2 (and possibly of the OFD 1 entrance series) during easy cave visits. Whilst in OFD 2, active cavers may also join a 20-minute trip to discuss the Bedding Chambers. An alternative afternoon walk to see more of the local limestone scenery and the associated industrial archaeology may also be arranged. Following the afternoon visit, the field meeting will conclude with a Q and A discussion over tea at Penwyllt.

Both the morning and afternoon visits will be suitable for adult cavers and non-cavers. Old warm clothing should be worn in all the caves. Boots and helmets will not be necessary in Dan yr Ogof and Tunnel Cave, but good lighting should be carried. Boots, helmets and lights will be required in OFD. The Top Entrance is steeply uphill from Penwyllt. The hiring of helmets and lights may be arranged locally on the day, if requested when registering. A packed lunch should be brought. The charge for this meeting will be £5 on the day, with free entry for BCRA, SWCC and SWGA members. There will be no charge to park at either Dan yr Ogof or Penwyllt. Available bunkhouse accommodation can be booked at Penwyllt via the SWCC website.

Pre-registration for this Field Meeting is essential and should be made to the meeting secretary, Dr. Trevor Faulkner, by email (see Contacts) by Friday 11 February 2011, and can be discussed by phone at 01625 531558. A more-detailed timetable and further information, including suggested reading, will be provided by email to those who pre-register. BCRA re-launched cave science field meetings in 2008 and participants have enjoyed six successful events so far. We hope you will come and enjoy this one so that similar activities can be staged in the future.