Several handbooks were produced by the CNCC from 1969 until the 90's when the BCA handbook and later the CNCC website took over this roll. The purpose of the handbook was to let people know the current land and cave access and how to obtain permits as well as information on good caving practice. You can download the 1969, 1979 and 1985 handbook below which makes for some interesting nostalgic reading!
The 61 year history of CNCC in a nutshell. Know of any errors or omissions? Let us know - pr@cncc.org.uk
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2023
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Chair: Andrew Hinde A great year for inclusivity and greater representation within the CNCC, including a new Youth Development representative (Aila Taylor) and Inclusivity Coordinator (Josh White) plus discussions leading to constitutional changes at the 2024 AGM to open the position of Individual Caver Representative (IC-rep) beyond just BCA DIM members. Generally greater attendance of younger cavers at our meetings. The year ended with a name change to Council for the Northern Caving Community. This was a reflection of the more encompassing direction the CNCC has been heading over the last several years, while retaining the well-known acronym. A positive year for us in many way, including support for conservation and entrance restoration projects at Bull Pot, Stump Cross, Beck Head Stream Cave, Malham Cove Rising, Death's Head Hole and the Buttertubs, not to mention the long-awaited restoration and opening of Wretched Rabbit following the 2021 collapses. Sadly no progress with the access situation at High Birkwith, with access to Old Ing, Birkwith, Dismal Hill and Browgill Caves now being disallowed by the landowner with all doors to further discussion being firmly closed. A terrible reminder that countryside access is not always a forward-moving area. This year saw the widespread promotion and expansion of our new-to-caving events, through fliers, posters and a bespoke section of the website being created. We also continued our ever-popular program of training workshops, which for 2023 as a calendar year included a record 41 separate workshops, offering 235 total places of which 222 were taken. This was also a strong year for anchoring, with a push for greater collaboration and offline discussion between the installers to achieve greater consistency in approaches, and CNCC organising a workshop for installers from across the UK to come together and share knowledge, which attracted attendees from most caving regions. For the first time, we agreed to enable non-CNCC installed anchors to be displayed on our topos where there was benefit to doing so. The newly discovered Five Ways Pot was anchored, and quickly proved to be a popular trip. |
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2022
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Chair: Andrew Hinde After much back and forward, Birks Fell Cave is removed completely from a permit system after zero-resistance from National Trust. The cave is now totally open access for the first time ever. Some great conservation initiatives including restoring the collapsed shakehole into Great Douk, reopening of White Scar Cave by CPC members with CNCC help to install a pipe through the problematic choke, financial support given to the Grassington Mines project, conservation at Scoska Cave, more fallen trees removed at Gaping Gill, Barbon Pot and Rumbling Hole, stiles rebuilt around Alum Pot, and work to stabilise a collapse behind the Lancaster Hole entrance pipe. A busy year for volunteers from CNCC and several clubs and individuals. Our program of training workshops continues with dozens of sessions receiving very positive feedback and always fully booked. The newly discovered F'ing Hopeless Pot is anchored and a topo and route description published, along with several other new route descriptions for various caves, thus expanding our catalogue of topos and descriptions significantly over the past few year. After much discussion and unsuccessful efforts to work with the landowner, the CNCC issues a definitive statement on the situation at High Birkwith, clarifying continued access to Calf Holes is fine, but Birkwith, Browgill, Dismal Hill and Old Ing are being actively refused. Agreement struck to enable parking at Low Birkwith for groups visiting Calf Holes. A very disappointing loss of access. A selection of professionally printed caving photos are displayed at the National Park Bainbridge Headquarters for several months, helping to promote caving amongst staff and visitors and raise awareness of the value our sport has on the area. The CNCC's individuals mailing list reaches 500 subscribers! |
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2021
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Chair: Andrew Hinde A very busy and fruitful year for CNCC! The CNCC anchor team are prolific in following up on several years of reports of unsatisfactory anchors across a multitude of potholes including replacement anchors at Long Churn, Diccan, Simpsons, Notts, Ireby Fell, Marble Steps, Jingling, Rowten, Pool Sink, Lost Johns' and Heron Pot, and new anchors installed in the newly discovered Mayday Hole. Work completed and topos published for Curtain Pot, Scanty Lardos, Newby Moss Cave, Broken Finger Pot, Langcliffe Pot and Pasture Gill Pot. The entrance to Knacker Trapper Pot was rebuilt and Starting Handle Hole was cleared of rubbish. This was also the year of big collapses, with the closure of Wretched Rabbit entrance, White Scar just beyond the lake, and a major collapse into the Great Douk streamway, all becoming long term projects. Aygill Caverns was finally reopened after clearing of a collapse last year. This was also the start of several years of tree-related issues due to some severe winter storms and the spread of ash dieback, requiring CNCC to enlist a volunteer SRT-enabled tree surgeon! This year sees the first year of a full program of training workshops spanning SRT, geology, cave leadership, photography and new-to-caving sessions, setting the precedent for following years, and the biggest training offering the CNCC has ever had. Discussions commenced with National Trust about removing Birks Fell Cave, which is on access land, from the historic permit system. Sadly access continues to be refused at High Birkwith, and options are explored for post-pandemic to address this. Several initiatives to promote caving post-pandemic, including the producting of framed caving photographs for distribution to local venues and launch of a press and media webpage, plus ongoing advice to cavers who are returning to caving after a period of absence. The Three Counties traverse from Large Pot to Top Sink was finally conquered, generating a good news story for caving. The CNCC launches a mailing list for individuals to sign up to, for receiving direct news updates. |
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2020
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Chair: Andrew Hinde The CNCC welcomes a new Secretary, Treasurer, and for the first time in a while, a Training Officer. The co-opted role of Communications and PR Officer is created, aimed at promoting caving and the work of CNCC amongst cavers and the wider public. Casterton Fell is brought onto the Online Booking System, thus removing the last permit system spanning a major fell in our region. Coronavirus puts lots of activities on hold, but conservation projects continued with fencing at Sell Gill, remediation on Casterton Fell after a major rescue, stile repairs on route to Tatham Wife, cleanups in Yordas Wood and Brown Hill Pot, walling around Alum Pot and commencement of the restoration of the entrance to Knacker Trapper Hole. An equally big year for anchor installation including the route to Toyland in Valley Entrance, Growling Hole, and several replacements of wobbly anchors that have been reported over recent years, as the CNCC’s anchor scheme gains momentum and welcomes new installers. Relations with the new owners of High Birkwith Farm deteriorate, with all access being denied, creating challenges as these caves are not on access land; Advice sought from the Yorkshire Dales National Park. |
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2019
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Chair: Andrew Hinde The CNCC continue engagement with Leck Fell Estate to move the caves towards the online booking system. Despite initial positivity from the Estate, CNCC were unable to maintain dialogue. As with the Langcliffe situation last year, the decision was taken to withdraw from the existing Leck access agreement, advising cavers that the caves are on CRoW access land. Subsequent communications with the Estate enabled a productive discussion and the implementation of Leck Fell caves into the online booking system as a compromise. The Excalibur Pot access agreement was renegotiated to enable access to anyone, not just club/BCA members. Elsewhere, a series of cave modifications across our region were undertaken by persons unknow, including stemples in Kingsdale Master Cave and Ease Gill and blasting footholds in Wretched Rabbit. The CNCC takes remedial action and urges against such unilateral action. A new CNCC new mission statement is approved. Major conservation works in Crackpot Cave in Swaledale, Stump Cross and Lancaster Hole. For the first time, CNCC have a stall at Hidden Earth in Mendip, a great chance to promote our work. |
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2018
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Chair: Andrew Hinde The CNCC’s online booking system is launched, after extensive testing, for the caves of Ingleborough Estate (Gaping Gill, Newby Moss, Hurnel Moss, Allotment). Langcliffe Hall Estate (Penyghent Pot and Dale Head Pot) prove problematic, with land agents refusing to discuss the dated permit system and requesting that it continue. After all attempts fail, the CNCC Committee agree to withdraw from the agreement, emphasising to cavers that these caves are on access land and cavers therefore have a right to access them. The landowner quickly engages with CNCC, resulting in the establishment of simple Memorandum of Understanding enabling consensual open access. The BCA’s stance that caving is covered under CRoW is further embraced as CNCC adds to our website cave catalogue whether a cave is on CRoW land. Major cleanup and re-anchoring project undertaken in Roaring Hole at Chapel-le-Dale. Our Access Officer gave a presentation to the Yorkshire Dales National Park staff forum, around 140 people, showing the magnificence of our caves, the future potential, and the importance of educating non-cavers to their beauty. |
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2017
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Chair: Andrew Hinde The CNCC obtained agreement in principal from Ingleborough Estate land agents to develop an on-line cave booking system as a possible replacement to the existing permit system. Agreement was obtained that this can cover all cavers (not just clubs/BCA members). Work to develop this system commenced and a draft version was presented to the CNCC Committee and land agent towards the end of the year with encouraging results. Conservation works were performed at Penyghent Pot, Great Douk and Wilson’s Cave. An agreement was reached to establish a new CNCC resin anchor scheme using the IC anchor, thus bringing anchor installation back within the CNCC remit. Over 600 anchors were purchased, and an anchor coordinator was appointed to take this forward. |
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2016
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Chair: Roy Holmes Our region hosts EuroSpeleo 2016, a massive week-long caving festival at Dalesbridge near Austwick. A meeting was arranged between the CNCC and the three major caving estates (Ingleborough, Leck and Casterton), to discuss the future of cave access and try to break the deadlock that has seen few access improvements particularly on Leck and Casterton for several years. Landowners expressed a wish for a continuation of managed cave access, but a productive dialogue was opened towards a more modern means of achieving this. The results of a BCA poll mandated the BCA to campaign in favour of DEFRA changing their interpretation of CRoW to cover caving. Conservation works were performed at Gauber Pot, Slab Cave and Blood Cave and the IC anchor team become even more prolific and install resin anchors in several more potholes. A substantial overhaul of the CNCC website saw us providing rigging topos and cave descriptions online for the first ever time (many of them re-homed descriptions from Eurospeleo). |
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2015
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Chair: Roy Holmes Lots of access progress! The CNCC voted that all future access agreements, where possible, should enable access for individual cavers as well as clubs. The caves of Fountains Fell (Gingling Hole, Hammer Pot, Strangle Pot etc) and Hull Pot area (Little Hull Pot, Hull Pot, Hunt Pot etc) were successfully removed from the permit system in favour of a courtesy call on the landowner. The Fairy Holes quarry was sold and the CNCC commenced investigations to ensure future access. Following negotiations with the National Trust, the number of permits for Robinson’s Pot was increased from 5 to 8 annually, and the closed season for Birks Fell Cave was reduced from nearly half the year to just two months (March/April due to lambing). The CNCC voted to support a campaign to see caving recognised under the Countryside Rights of Way (CRoW) act. A new stainless-steel anchor (the IC anchor) was approved by the CNCC and the IC anchor team (privately run and funded) perform numerous installations. Conservation works were performed at Witches II (Shuttleworth Pot), Katnot Cave, Cove Hole, Yordas and Keld Head. |
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2014
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Chair: Roy Holmes Ongoing scrutiny and criticism resulted in the resignation of key long-standing CNCC individuals. The new team commenced a complete overhaul of the CNCC constitution to re-examine several aspects of the way the organisation worked. A new access agreement was established for Ingleborough Estate, enabling access on a one-permit-per-entrance-per day basis to all potholes of Gaping Gill, Newby Moss, Hurnell Moss and The Allotment with no closed seasons and for clubs or BCA member individuals, administered by email. A major step forward! The possibility of online permits was considered. The CNCC voted to pursue clarification of whether the CRoW act applied to caving. Landowners were updated on the current interest from the caving community in having this investgated. Restoration work was undertaken on the collapsed entrance of Providence Pot and conservation works were performed at Low Eglins Hole, Daimler Hole, Homeshaw Cave and Marble Steps. A brand new CNCC website was launched following a new webmaster (Gary Douthwaite) becoming involved. |
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2013
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Chair: Roy Holmes Various evolutions in access across our region. All Bowland Caves (including Whitewell Cave and Hell Hole) were added to the existing Whitewell Pot access agreement. A limited amount of access to Fairy Holes (Weardale) was negotiated (after two years of delicate negotiations). Concerns were expressed from landowner about increasing use of Casterton Fell caves by commercial cavers. Leck and Casterton Fell permits were made available by email, improving significantly on the former ‘letter with SAE’ scenario. Lengthy discussion was held at a CNCC Committee meeting about access for non-club cavers, with acknowledgement that this was something the CNCC may need to consider. Aygill Caverns access was simplified with permits becoming available by email. The CNCC is subjected to considerable scrutiny and attacks via an online caving forum from those concerned it had not been adequately proactive in improving access or engaging with the caving community, or constitutionally compliant, commencing the start of a very turbulant couple of years for the organisation. The former resin anchor scheme, active since 1990 performed its final installations before entering dormancy owing to the lack of availability of suitable anchors following a defective production batch. CNCC conservation volunteers stabilise the entrance to Brown Hill Pot. |
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2012
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Chair: Roy Holmes The CNCC successfully negotiated to remove Washfold Pot from the permit system. CNCC performs fencing work around Large Pot, Little Pot and Thorney Pot. |
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2011
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Chair: Roy Holmes CNCC publishes book ‘Shuttleworth Pot into Witches Cave II’, to provide background information on this new dig and to set out conservation guidelines for those wishing to visit. CNCC funds restoration work to Excalibur Pot following a forced entrance. |
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2010
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Chair: Roy Holmes The CNCC negotiated an increase in the number of Robinson’s Pot permits from 3 to 5 annually and Leck Fell from 2 to 3 daily, although at a cost of an annual (and highly divisive) £100 goodwill payment. Further efforts to discuss improved access on Leck Fell met with silence. Agreement met with new quarry owners of Fairy Holes in Weardale to establish a CNCC access agreement once the site has been made safe. Several publicity projects organised to promote cave conservation more widely, including display boards, posters, articles and local talks, and further hands on conservation works performed or funded at Long Churn, Cow Pot, Browgill, Gaping Gill, Aygill Caverns, Red Moss Pot and Voldemort Pot. Natural England Consent arranged by CNCC for the ongoing works at Shuttleworth Pot and The Cupcake and materials supplied. |
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2009
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Chair: Roy Holmes A busy year! A new access agreement for Mongo Gill was negotiated which removed the previous closed season. Work continued to stabilise, clean up and fence-off several caves in the Forest of Bowland area resulting in successful negotiation of a new access agreement for Whitewell Pot with the Duchy of Lancaster Estate. The CNCC funded material to construct an entrance to the recently discovered Excalibur Pot in the North York Moors. The landowner informed that he was amenable to other clubs coming to visit the cave but as the area was on a private shooting estate, limitations were necessary to control numbers and avoid caver presence during shoots. The CNCC undertake work to see the new Committee Pot entrance to Notts II added to the Leck Fell access agreement and to prepare a cave conservation management plan to help ensure the future conservation of the delicate formations. During a meeting with the Leck Fell land agent, efforts made by CNCC to have Lost Johns’ Cave removed from the permit system owing to its proximity to the road, with a view to expanding this to Notts II, but unfortunately discussions were not successful. Attempts to remove the closed season on the grounds of the Countryside Rights of Way Act were made, but the land owner was only willing to do this in return for a pay-for-access system, which the CNCC refused on principal that cavers should never pay to access open moorland. Later efforts to discuss improved access on Leck Fell met with silence. |
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2008
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Chair: Roy Holmes Roy Holmes replaces Geoff Barber as Chair. Another big year for cave conservation. Andrew Hinde, working as Cave Conservation Advisor to Natural England commences work in partnership with the CNCC and the wider caving community to collect SSSI cave monitoring data (the Northern Caves Monitoring Project). The CNCC makes sizable quantities of money available for surface conservation works and promotes this to clubs, resulting in conservation work over a two year period at Ireby Fell, Alum Pot area, Yordas, Gunnerfleet Cave, Aquamole, Ravenscar Cave, Whitewell Pot, Buttertubs, Barbon Pot and Link Pot. |
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2007
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Chair: Geoff Barber The entrance to Dale Head Pot, which had been collapsed for several years, was finally restored with the help of CNCC funding. Issues encountered with Fairy Holes access following closure of the quarry, work ongoing to negotiate future access. |
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2006
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Chair: Geoff Barber |
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2005
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Chair: Geoff Barber |
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2004
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Chair: Geoff Barber The British Caving Association was founded. The CNCC amended its constitution to recognise BCA member clubs as CNCC associate members thus allowing them to obtain permits. |
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2003
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Chair: Geoff Barber The idea of a CNCC website was first discussed. |
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2002
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Chair: Geoff Barber |
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2001
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Chair: Geoff Barber Access to all caves and potholes was seriously affected for several months due to Foot and Mouth Disease. |
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2000
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Chair: Geoff Barber Following the sale by the Estate of part of Leck Fell to the owner of Leck Fell House, The CNCC renegotiated access to Link Pot, Mistral Hole, Nippikin and Pippikin Pots with the new owner. This successfully removed these from a permit system in favour of calling for permission at Leck Fell House (an arrangement that has continued until the present day and includes Boundary Pot). Sell Gill Holes was also removed from the Penyghent permit system. |
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1999
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Chair: Geoff Barber The CNCC orchestrated restoration of the collapsing entrance to Notts Pot. Efforts undertaken to improve the number of permits available for Leck Fell at weekends (two per day). However, as part of these negotiations, and following the recent tragedy at Gaping Gill, the Estate requested to scrutinise the public liability insurance provided at the time by the BCRA. |
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1998
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Chair: Russell Myers Following several years of work, a CNCC access agreement was reached between the CNCC and the landowner of Casterton Fell, replacing the volatile and informal agreement previously administered between RRCPC and the Estate Office. The CNCC struck a renewed access agreement for Mongo Gill via Great Expectations with the new owners of Stump Cross show cave. Agreement reached with landowner and English Nature to enable the continuation of the ‘Iron Kiln Pot’ (Notts II/Committee Pot) dig. Les Sykes and Glenn Jones delivered a talk at Hidden Earth 1998 (Southport) presenting ongoing success of the CNCC resin anchor project. |
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1997
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Chair: Russell Myers Following discussions with the National Trust, access agreement established for Robinson’s Pot. The access agreement to Mongo Gill was terminated owning to the sale of the caving rights on the land to Stump Cross Show Cave. Work ongoing to establish an agreement with the new owner. |
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1996
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Chair: Russell Myers The CNCC negotiated access to Skirwith Cave and engages with National Trust to secure future access to Robinson’s Pot. The second CNCC rigging guide was released. The CNCC held a Special General Meeting to discuss the National Caving Association and put forward a vote of no confidence in its current structure, setting out expectations for NCA reform including better representation of sporting cavers, reduced beaurocracy and recognition that the principal of the NCA should be to distribute money to cavers and not take it from them. The access situation on Casterton Fell did not worsen, however, no further progress made on establishment of a more structured access agreement between the CNCC and the landowner. |
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1995
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Chair: Russell Myers CNCC funds fencing around Leck Fell Pots (total £598), work to install the entrance to Boxhead Pot, work to reopen Grey Wife Hole, work to stabilise Mongo Gill North Shaft and an emergency telephone at Bull Pot Farm. Position of Training Officer created for the first time. |
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1994
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Chair: Russell Myers The CNCC released the first rigging guide covering all caves fitted with resin anchors since 1991. This was a pioneering publication, the rigging topos from which are still used today! Agreement reached to remove dangerous old ladders from Stake and Stop Pots in Ease Gill Caverns and replace with resin anchors. Trial conservation plan for Knock Fell Caverns prepared to try to avoid gating. CNCC funds work to reopen the entrance of Grey Wife Hole on Newby Moss. |
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1993
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Chair: Russell Myers Informal agreement reached with the farmer for Strans Gill Pot to allow continued caver access. Knock Fell Caverns gated by English Nature – work ongoing to re-establish access. This year seems to have marked a major turning point in cave conservation, with significantly elevated interest from all regional councils. Casterton Fell landowner raises further concerns about erosion of unofficial footpaths and possible tenancy issues at Bull Pot Farm, which continue to threaten access via the temporary arrangement still in place between RRCPC and the landowner. |
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1992
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Chair: Russell Myers Les Sykes takes over from Phil Parker as Secretary. The CNCC negotiated removal of Antler Hole, Echo Pot, Fornah Gill Caverns and Magnetometer Pot from the permit system, replaced by a simple courtesy call at Neals Ing Farm (an arrangement that has continued until the present day). Threats received from a farmer to fill in the entrance of Strans Gill Pot – Discussions held with National Parks to try to avert this threat. Casterton Fell access remains a sensitive situation. |
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1991
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Chair: Russell Myers (Craven Pothole Club) A consensus was reached that all future bolting should use stainless steel resin bonded anchors. The CNCC resin bonded anchor scheme was born thanks particularly to efforts by Les Sykes. |
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1990
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Chair: Russell Myers (Craven Pothole Club) A fairly quiet year with no significant issues; the CNCC endorse removal of the unsafe ladders at Stake Pot and Fall Pot in Ease Gill Caverns. |
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1989
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Chair: Russell Myers (Craven Pothole Club) A fairly quiet year; the CNCC officially endorse the RRCPC access scheme on Casterton Fell. Meeting attendance remained low and general enthusiasm seemed to be lacking. |
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1988
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Chair: Russell Myers (Craven Pothole Club) A relatively low point for the Council, with all former Officers standing down, a struggle to make meetings quorate, and the ongoing stalemate at Casterton Fell, with Red Rose Cave and Pothole Club dealing with access instead. There was also a lack of CNCC input into the NCA (due to a lack of volunteers following the death of Roger Sutcliffe), and landowners particularly on Leck Fell were becoming increasingly irate about pirating. The AGM of 1988 was not properly notified to members and so was deemed by some to be a ‘shambles’ and unconstitutional, and there is a distinctly ‘bitter’ notes to many of the reports and meeting minutes. A Special General Meeting had to be held to ensure election of Officers was constitutional. |
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1987
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Chair: David Leonard (ANT) Follow refusal of the CNCC to levy the £2 access fee for Casterton Fell, the landowner terminated the access agreement, leaving cavers to contact the Estate directly for permission (and to pay the fee). All subsequent efforts were dismissed until the CNCC came up with a means to collect the money. The CNCC advised cavers to make their own private arrangements but not to pay the fee. This was supported in letter from Alan Jeffreys in Descent calling for cavers to make a stand and to refuse to pay. Support for a mass-trespass event was clearly mustering. Later in the year, a temporary access agreement was reached between Red Rose CPC (not the CNCC) and landowner to reinstate fee-free access (this remained in place until 1998!). Separately, the CNCC raised objections to a planning application for a scaffold tower down the main Bar Pot pitch. Lots of work for the Ribbledale Access Officer following rescues from Penyghent, Gingling and Hammer Pots, resulting in a fight to stop the farmer closing access to these caves. |
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1986
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Chair: David Leonard (ANT) Relations with Casterton Fell landowners deteriorated further. The CNCC managed to avoid implementation of a closed season by agreeing a compromise that cavers crossing the fell to County Pot should take a route via Lancaster Hole and not across the open upper fells. This was acceptable initially, but over the winter, the landowner decided to charge £2/person for access to the caves of Casterton Fell. The CNCC refused to administer this charge. |
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1985
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Chair: Mick Rhodes (Airedale Caving Club) The issues on Casterton Fell escalated. The landowner was concerned that grouse were being disturbed by continuous caver presence particularly on the route crossing the upper moor to County Pot. The landowner insists on instating a closed season. The CNCC sought legal advice. |
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1984
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Chair: Mick Rhodes (Airedale Caving Club) Casterton Fell landowner issued a complaint to the CNCC about pirating and damage to footpaths. The landowners put pressure on the CNCC to re-introduce closed seasons and to restrict further the number of cavers on the fell. This was successfully resisted. |
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1983
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Chair: Mick Rhodes (Airedale Caving Club) National Park offered to resume Weather Forecast Service in conjunction with CNCC. Council contributed towards the purchase of equipment for answering services based at Whernside Manor to provide weekend weather forecast for the northern caving region. |
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1982
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Chair: Mick Rhodes (Airedale Caving Club) CNCC Access and Conservation Officer made an official post. Closed season removed from caves around Penyghent (Hull Pots, Hunt Pot, Penyghent Pot, Dale Head Pot). The number of permits for Gingling Hole and Hammer Pot successfully increased from 30-35 and 15-25/year respectively. CNCC issued warnings of the effects of widespread gripping on the fells causing flash floods and serious rescue call outs in several areas. Members: 36 (full), 122 (associate) |
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1981
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Chair: Mick Rhodes (Airedale Caving Club) Further surge in demand for permits on Leck and Casterton Fells following news of the Link Pot discoveries. Littondale access denials were received from several farmers following unauthorised digging activity around Keay Hole above Scoska Cave; the culprits were caught twice by the farmer and the police were called on the second occasion. Mick Rhodes publishes letter appealing against pirating, which has recently been highlighted by several rescues on unauthorised trips. Members: 37 (full), 127 (associate) |
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1980
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Chair: Mick Rhodes (Airedale Caving Club) Leck Fell access increased to three permits per day, subject to further works by CNCC volunteers to help fence open shafts on the fell. For perhaps the first time in the Council’s history, access is now available to all major fells/areas (Casterton, Leck, Ingleborough, Penyghent and Fountains Fell) and most significant potholes with reasonable ease. Moorland gripping at South House Moor and more recently around Fell Beck, Ingleborough causes increased flood risks. Members: 34 (full), 112 (associate) |
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1979
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Chair: Allan Ball (FUG) Separate meets secretaries appointed for Leck and Casterton Fell to cope with the growing demand. Efforts to negotiate more access on these fells ongoing, helped by work by CNCC volunteers to repair walls and fences. The Birks Fell Cave access agreement was threatened by a rescue incident during the 'closed season', but additional restrictions were able to be avoided. Members: 31 (full), 105 (associate) |
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1978
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Chair: Randal Coe (Craven Pothole Club) Leck and Casterton Fells: Over 500 permits issued during the year, a record. A threat of cave-gating on Ling Gill Nature Reserve was successfully averted. Discussions held about Thackthwaite Beck Cave after a suggestion of a locked entrance had been put to the meeting as a compromise. The CNCC dismissed this as it was opposed to locking caves. After many years of being blocked and out of bounds, some progress made with Hammer Pot on Fountains Fell; landowner agrees to limited access in return for the shaft being made safe from livestock. Members: 29 (full), 98 (associate) |
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1977
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Chair: Randal Coe (Craven Pothole Club) Gingling Hole landowner owner agreed to increased number of permits. Thackthwaite Beck Cave entrance filled by landowner who considered it 'hazardous'. Sundry refusals of permission to visit caves elsewhere in the Dales blamed on landowners' fears about possible legal liability. Members: 27 (full), 88 (associate) |
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1976
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Chair: Randal Coe (Craven Pothole Club) A Special General Meeting was held in February to discuss serious pirating issues which it was believed threatened everything the CNCC had achieved over the last 12 years. Although no specific outcome, it was felt that it provided a chance for ‘airing of grievances’. This seems to have resulted in a complete change of hands of all Officer roles, amongst much criticism of CNCC performance in improving access (a situation which has since repeated several times). CNCC negotiates an increase in Casterton Fell permits to three clubs per day. Temporary access to Fairy Holes agreed for survey purposes but hopes receded for locating any new entrance away from the advancing quarry. |
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1975
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Chair: Jack Rasdell (Bolton Speleo) Jack Rasdell takes over as Chair and Graham Hudson as Secretary. CNCC Campaigns for proposed purchase of White Scar Cave by Yorkshire Dales National Park to protect from a potential quarry threat; YDNP was however out-bid at auction (by a businessman) but an agreement was reached with the new owner by CNCC to allow limited access to cavers for survey and scientific work, as a precursor to pushing for general access. CNCC takes an active involvement in the ‘National Park Plan’ being drafted. A legal agreement was reached to cover limited access to Fairy Holes, Weardale, signed with quarry company but this was subsequently withdrawn because of difference of opinion over safety of the excavated entrance. Cherry Tree Hole and Darnbrook Pot were reopened following negotiations with the new landowner. |
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1974
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Chair: Roger Sutcliffe (Gritstone Club) Continued contention over the membership fee necessary to obtain permits prompts open letter from Roger Sutcliffe, CNCC Chairman, to cavers to justify and explain the charges. Access agreement for Birks Fell Cave terminated by landowner following the 1973 rescue incident; negotiations later regained limited renewal but with extended 'closed season' over winter to reduce risks associated to groups getting flooded in. Access being refused at Strans Gill and Pasture Gill Pots and investigations ongoing; landowner will not talk to CNCC directly, only via his agents. Landowner refuses increased access on Leck Fell, citing pirating of caves as the main reason. Owners of Pikedaw Calamine Cavern agree to provision of unlocked lid following CNCC pressure and offer to cover costs; work carried out by a member club (YSS). Request raised (by Mendip Caving Group) to remove a constitutional clause that only allows clubs ‘based’ on the north of Britain to become full members; this did not receive a proposer so did not progress, on the basis that the Committee felt that only clubs based in the north would have adequate local knowledge and ability to attend meetings to contribute sufficiently. The Chair, as a gesture of willing, clarified that the term ‘based on the north’ was subjective and did not necessarily mean ‘domiciled’ in the north; and there was therefore nothing to prevent an associate member such as the MCG making a case for full membership based on their involvement with northern caving; each case would be heard out on a case by case basis. This practice and constitution wording was maintained until 2015, when it was finally amended to clarify that requirements for full membership were a ‘significant input or involvement’ in northern caving. Member clubs: 85 (28 Full and 57 Associate) |
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1973
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Chair: Roger Sutcliffe (Gritstone Club) Following negotiations with landowner, Leck Fell permits increased to two clubs per day. The farmer at Washfold Pot agrees to a permit system to restore access (in return for efforts to cover a second shaft which was proving dangerous for livestock) and repairs to an access gate. Rescues at Birks Fell Cave, Langstroth Pot and Strans Gill Pot resulted in additional access restrictions being imposed. Yet more trouble encountered with the farmer for Swinsto Hole because of unauthorised digging. CNCC makes enquiries about regaining access to Fairy Holes, Weardale. CNCC organised clean-up of farm refuse, dumped vehicles, etc. from stream-beds, cave entrances, and shakeholes in the Chapel-le-Dale area and elsewhere. Still no progress with Pikedaw Calamine Caverns, with landowners threatening to seal the entrance shaft. The recent constitutional change to only grant access to clubs which have paid a CNCC subscription was not a popular move with some; Letters of complaint received from all three other Regional Councils (DCA, CSCC, CCC), arguing that the fee was too high for those who may only visit the area occasionally, but equally praise from many clubs (including those outside the northern region) who believed the fee was very cheap to help ensure access availability in the northern region. Despite some compromise proposals, the CNCC stood firm on both the constitutional changes and the amount of the fee. The £2 fee was confirmed by the Treasurer to be necessary to ensure the future of the CNCC and its current work. Member clubs: 73 |
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1972
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Chair: Roger Sutcliffe (Gritstone Club) A challenging year for access. Red Moss Pot discovered, and entrance blocked on landowners’ instructions following newspaper reports of the discovery. The CNCC tries and fails to negotiate access. Efforts to negotiate access to Washfold Pot also fail. Cherry Tree Hole and Darnbrook Pot entrances filled in by farmer following a rescue incident which caused them ‘considerable inconvenience’. Reports received of refused permission at Pikedaw Calamine Caverns, and also at Langcliffe Pot following a much-publicised rescue. CNCC volunteers erect fences around open shafts on Leck Fell to improve safety and encourage better landowner relations. The CNCC publish observations of a significant increase in permit requests from non-northern clubs (118 of 462 across Leck and Casterton for 1972-1973), following completion of several major cross-country motorways, making it viable to travel further afield for caving at the weekend. This caused contention with northern clubs who were paying £2/year subscription to the CNCC to enable them to get permits but were now competing for the limited permit availability with clubs who were not paying this subscription. In December, a Special General Meeting of the CNCC was held to discuss a revised the constitution. Much of this overhaul was reflective of the evolving role of the council over the past 9 years; from access negotiator to a representative body for many clubs, and conservation and training roles too. One contentious change was to only allow permits to be issued only to CNCC member clubs, or members of other regional councils, who had paid the CNCC £2 subscription. This revised constitution was accepted. |
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1971
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Chair: Roger Sutcliffe (Gritstone Club) Jack Rasdell takes over from Tom Sykes as Secretary. Ongoing issues over Leck Fell pirating were expressed at CNCC AGM, which was resulting in increasing efforts from the Chair and Secretary to resolve with the landowners. Pressure from the landowners for the CNCC to ‘police’ the access agreements was resisted, but as a compromise, a new document (a ‘permit’) was introduced for legitimate groups to display to see if this would help matters. Access agreement negotiated with owners of Birks Fell Cave to restore access. Reports received that all access to Washfold Pot was being denied by the farmer following unauthorised digs. Efforts still ongoing to reopen Dale Barn Cave, and now also Mossdale Caverns, following the earlier tragedy. Member clubs: Unknown |
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1970
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Chair: Roger Sutcliffe (Gritstone Club) Following the recent opening of Gavel and Pippikin Pots, the CNCC received complaints from landowners about unauthorised access on the fells, with threats to close the fells completely if the situation did not improve. Tom Sykes, CNCC Secretary, called to a meeting with Mr Shuttleworth (Leck Fell landowner) over accusations of poaching by potholes. On Casterton Fell, the landowner agreed to ending the closed season. The issues at Dale Barn Cave were referred to the National Park Planning Committee with the backing of Yorkshire Sports Federation. Work continues to gain access to Birks Fell Cave, which has been problematic over recent years. Member clubs: 84 |
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1969
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Chair: Roger Sutcliffe (Gritstone Club) Tom Sykes, CNCC Secretary, penned an article in Descent magazine discussing the ongoing issues at Dale Barn Cave, where efforts to communicate with the landowner had broken down. More direct action was decided, resulting in legal threats from landowner. All options (including militant action) were considered. Landowners of Leck and Casterton Fells issued warnings about pirating. Attempts to gain general access to White Scar Cave ongoing. After years of work by the CNCC and other regional councils, the National Caving Association was constituted. CNCC agreed to publish weather forecasts in co-operation with Yorkshire Dales National Park Information Services. Member clubs: 77 |
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1968
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Chair: Roger Sutcliffe (Gritstone Club) Foot and Mouth outbreak resulted in voluntary closure of all caves for two months. At Bar Pot, the landowner was persuaded not to proceed with proposed gating following pollution to local water supplies. Reports received of access refusal at Birks Fell Cave. Route of access for Tatham Wife Hole agreed with the farmer. Access negotiated to the caves of Borrins Moor. Stile erected on route to Ireby Fell Caverns. Proposal to change the name from ‘CNCC’ to ‘NCC’ (Northern Caving Council) rejected. The CNCC proposes the formation of a National Caving Association, while extending CNCC membership to CRO and the Cave Research Group to create a more all-embracing northern council, but without affecting the individuality of its member clubs. A booklet called ‘Know the Game’ was published by the CNCC aimed at novice cavers. Member clubs: 68 |
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1967
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Chair: Roger Sutcliffe (Gritstone Club) Unsuccessful attempts to contact landowner of Dale Barn Cave; case prepared for scheduling as SSSI but rejected. Issues at Swinsto Hole and New Goyden resolved, and a route of approach agreed with the landowners, but issues encountered around the Alum Pot area, with access being either refused or permitted for considerable charge. Member clubs: 63 |
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1966
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Chair: Roger Sutcliffe (Gritstone Club) The entrance to Dale Barn Cave was blocked with concrete on the owner's instructions following contamination of private water supply by fluorescein. An increased number of Gingling Hole permits was negotiated, but Hammer Pot remains off-limits. Access difficulties investigated at Marble Steps, New Goyden Pot and Swinsto Hole, the latter caused by unauthorised digs on the surrounding land. The CSCC and DCA agree to join up with the CNCC to form a ‘Regional Council for Caving in England’, which the CNCC hoped would form the basis of the National Association they had been wishing for. Member clubs: 57 |
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1965
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Chair: Roger Sutcliffe (Gritstone Club) Limited access to Gingling Hole negotiated. At Mongo Gill Hole, the CNCC established an access agreement and permit system following a spate of digging and other unauthorised activity. Attempts by the farmer to charge clubs for access to Swinsto Hole were successfully resisted. An inter-regional meeting rejected the National Body proposed by CNCC earlier in the year. |
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1964
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Chair: A. Hurworth (Bradford Pothole Club) An agreement covering the Fornah Gill area of Fountains Fell was signed with the inclusion of the Penyghent potholes in the permit agreements at the landowners’ insistence. Access to Rainscar land (Gingling Hole etc) was still being refused and West Riding County Council turned down a request to consider serving an Access Order. Clubs were advised to refuse payment of an access charge being levied at Alum Pot because a 'right of way' was indicated on the draft footpaths map. A six months 'closed-season' on the Allotment area was called for by the landowner, but negotiated down to three. Fairy Holes, Weardale, was 'lost' to a quarry company. Marker posts and stiles were erected on Casterton Fell to facilitate caver access. A CNCC AGM resolution called for moves to set up a 'national body' for caving. |
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1963
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Chair: A. Hurworth (Bradford Pothole Club) The CNCC was formed by 11 established clubs as a joint negotiating body. Access to Leck and Casterton Fells was restored following the signing of an access agreement although, initially, only one club per fell was permitted on one day. Attention was then turned to Fountains Fell, which had been closed to potholers, and the respective landowners for The Allotment area, and Alum Pot, were also approached following reports of access difficulties. |
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1962
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Prior to 1962, access to caves and potholes was based on private agreements between cavers and the landowners. In 1962, the grouse moors of Leck and Casterton Fells were closed completely to cavers following the rescue of cavers from Pegleg Pot, which they had visited without permission. The landowners refused to negotiate with individual clubs but indicated that an access agreement would be considered if responsible clubs got together to help administer access. |
