HIDDEN EARTH

The UK's National Caving Conference

Join us for all things underground
26 - 28 September 2025

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What's it all about?

Hidden Earth is the name for the British Cave Research Association’s (BCRA’s) annual caving conference.

This weekend-long event taking place in September every year is a friendly, educational, inspiring and social gathering of hundreds of cavers from across the UK and overseas.

The weekend is packed with lectures, with two or three parallel sessions running both days. Topics include new and old exploration from the UK and overseas as well as workshops covering cave science, research, technology and photography. There are competitions, games, videos and a trade hall with caving equipment vendors from across Europe selling their latest products. We also have our own bar (with excellent beer) and conference dinner with entertainment on the Saturday night to make this a great social occasion.

This is the premium opportunity for cavers from across the UK and overseas to get together, celebrate caving, and be enthused about British cave exploration and research.

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Hidden Earth Lectures

Lectures, Films & Workshop Sessions

The weekend is packed with lectures, with two or three parallel sessions running both days. Topics include new and old exploration from the UK and overseas as well as workshops covering cave science, research, technology and photography. 

We wouldn't have an event if we didn't have lots of exciting lectures so we encourage all cavers to submit a talk, film or workshop. You can submit your abstract online any time throughout the year - even if you haven't been on that expedition yet!

View the sessions list...

Hidden Earth Salons and Competitions

Salons & Competitions

Hidden Earth runs four media salons which are on display throughout the weekend to showcase your work in cave or mine related photography, videomaking, surveying and art.  There are competitions within each salon providing the chance to win some great prizes donated by our sponsors.

There are a number of other competitions running throughout the weekend, some with prizes and some just for fun! We always try to run as many as possible but due to time or venue restraints some may not run every year.

More details...

Hidden Earth Trade Hall

Trade Hall

The Hidden Earth trade hall is a great place to buy discount gear and see what new shiny things you might not have yet! Why not treat yourself to that new caving suit you've wanted - you're unlikly to get a better price than at Hidden Earth! Traders don't always have everything with them so if you want anything specific, please contact them directly and they should be able to bring it along for you.

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Hidden Earth Bar

Hidden Earth
Bar

Hidden Earth Stomp

Evening
Entertainment

Hidden Earth Dinner

Conference
Dinner

Hidden Earth BCRA Meeting

BCRA
Meetings