Hidden Earth 2023
A sink to rising Fairy tale in Weardale.
45 minute Lecture|Adele Ward
Abstract
At 3.5km in length, Fairy Holes is one of the most significant stream caves in the country, with some passage dimensions more akin to south wales than other classic yoredale series caverns. Accessed via a quarry near Stanhope, the area around Fairy Holes is steeped in mining history. Legend has it that lead miners once entered the cave and travelled for seven days eventually emerging two miles away in Westernhope carrying their last inch of candle. Long considered apocryphal, new discoveries put the tale in a fresh light. 2022 saw major upstream extensions in Fairy Holes, with 1.3km of cave in several branches now mapped beyond the previous 'sump'. At the same time, reopening of Westernhope Mine has given access to 0.5km of previously unexplored streamway. The downstream sump in Westernhope is currently 150m from upstream Fairy Holes and draughts in both caves suggest a connection will soon be possible.
More from 2023
Workshop|Paul Taylor
Video salon showcase. Viewing of submitted films, comments and feedback session.
Lecture|Marcin Stempniewicz
Using Underwater Photogrammetry to Map the Maria Concordia mine
Lecture|Kai Trusson
Setting up a Caving Club
Lecture|Keith Edwards
How to make a successful a caving film
Lecture|Lydia De Brett
Evidence of a Past Acid-Metal Mine Pollution Event Found within a Macrotidal Estuary on Anglesey
Lecture|Nadia Raeburn Cherradi, Sarah Parker
Totes Gebirge (CUCC) expedition 2023
Lecture|Bernard Lips, Jean-Philippe Dégletagne & Michael Laumanns
A new African Master Cave in the Kongo Central?
Lecture|Peter Dennis
Cavers Rescue Cavers - the role of BCRC
Lecture|Paul Taylor
Forest of Dean Round Up
Lecture|Simon Brooks
Caving in the Abode of the Clouds, Meghalaya 2020 to 2023