Wednesday 8 September - Scoska Cave, Littondale
We will meet at Arncliffe village hall at 10 a.m. on Wednesday 8th September, for some introductory talks before visiting the cave itself. The meeting will be led by David Hodgson of the Craven Pothole Club, who has studied the biology of Scoska Cave for many years.
The Meeting Secretary's 'first circular' (essentially a copy of what you are reading now) is available as an A5 news flyer
The aim of the meeting is to present information on the biology of British caves, with Scoska Cave as a prime example. Topics covered in the talks will include cave flora, herald and tissue moths, David Hodgson’s work at Scoska, and the Hazelton database of British subterranean biology. These talks will be followed by a visit to Scoska Cave where David will describe his work and point out interesting aspects of the ecology of the cave. The day will end back at the hall with a summary of events, and is expected to finish at around 3:30 to 4 p.m.
This event should appeal to those interested in subterranean biology, especially those who want a brief but diverse introduction to the subject. A collection of books and other literature will be available for consultation. Intending participants should register their interest by Friday 6 August 2010 by email to the meeting secretary, (see BCRA events diary for contact details) or, for initial queries, by telephone at: +44 (0)1706 839752. Final communications about the programme will be sent by email to those who have registered.
There will be a small charge, to include morning and afternoon refreshments,with a discount for BCRA members and students. Parking will be available close by in Arncliffe Village. We are most grateful to Mrs. B McKenzie for permission to visit Scoska Cave and to the people of Arncliffe for the use of their Hall.
Equipment required: We will not be travelling very far into Scoska Cave so full caving gear is not required. Wellingtons are highly recommended, because of possible deep water. Warm clothing and a waterproof jacket are necessary in case of rain. A helmet and light are certainly required. If you cannot supply your own helmet and light we can provide these for a small charge, but you must let us know in advance. You should also provide your own lunch as there is little provision in the village.
Suggested reading
Important items are indicated with an asterisk
- Altringham, J. 2003 *. British bats. HarperCollins. 218pp.
- Chapman, P. 1993 *. Caves and cave life. HarperCollins. 224pp.
- Culver, D.C., Kane, T.C. and Fong, D.W. 1995. Adaptation and natural selection in caves. The evolution of Gammarus minus. Harvard University Press. 223 pp.
- Culver, D.C. and Pipan, T. 2009. The biology of caves and other subterranean habitats. Oxford University Press. 254 pp.
- Cubbon, B.D. 1976 *. Cave flora. Chapter 11 in: Ford, T.D. and Cullingford, C.H.D. The science of speleology. Academic Press. 423-452pp.
- Jefferson, G.T. 1976 *. Cave faunas. Chapter 10 in: Ford, T.D. and Cullingford, C.H.D. The science of speleology. Academic Press. 359-421pp.
- Waltham, T. 2007. The Yorkshire Dales: Landscape and Geology. The Crowood Press. 224pp.