In early October, our Training Officer was approached by the landowner at Braida Garth Farm while preparing for a training workshop at Valley Entrance.
The landowner was was concerned about an abandoned dig near the Braida Garth farmhouse which he recognised as a danger to his growing children (who have an enviable adventurous location to grow up in) and straying livestock.
A photo of the site was transferred to CNCC’s Project Officer, Andrew Hinde, and the site was quickly identified as Gin Trap Hole.
Gin Trap Hole, in Braida Garth Wood was dug exactly 50 years ago, and offered a high potential for a back-door into the East Kingsdale Master Cave, four years before this was finally achieved at Valley Exit. The dig never succeeded and was abandoned, leaving an open scaffolded shaft as an obvious hazard. With the landowner's children now roaming the land, it was time to make this safe.
A site visit was carried out the following day for measuring. Materials and equipment were delivered the day after.
Over the course of two days, Andrew Hinde and John ‘Lugger’ Thorpe undertook the work. The 2m wide shaft was was built up to the surface with scaffold tower and topped with a layer of weld mesh. This was sealed with 12mm plastic stock board for a durable and safe result.
Thanks to Lugger and Andrew for their work, and Andrew for the photos.
