Hidden Earth 2025

The Loss of a Crown (Kiln Piece Hole to Slaughter Stream Cave Connection)

30 minute Lecture|Tim Nichols

Abstract

Slaughter Stream Cave at over 14km in length has long held the crown as the longest cave in the UK with a single entrance - Wet Sink - often leading to confusion as to the naming.
Long suspected, but only confirmed in 2024 through dye-tracing, was a small choked swallet discovered in the 1970's, know as Kiln Piece Hole as being a possible feeder to the system.
A 2km long passage in Slaughter was pushed without conclusion in 1994 and never returned to. Kiln Piece Hole was dug in the 2004 to a sump.
It was up to the next generation dedicated to the Greater Slaughter Project to finish where others left off.