Sweetwater Hole is found at the western end of Southerscales pavement near Meregill, Ingleborough.
The fencing surrounding the open entrance shaft was in a bad state of repair. This was a particular problem because the grazing regime here has changed in the last few years from sheep to Belted Galloway Cattle to enhance the floral diversity of the nearby limestone pavement.
Naturally, cattle require a much stronger fence to prevent them falling down the open shaft.
The repair was requested by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT) who own the Nature Reserve, and who now own the land around Dow Cave (Wharfedale), where a further partnership is planned to cap open mine and cave shafts.
Work took place on 20th December in glorious winter conditions with our Projects Officer, Andrew Hinde, and conservation volunteer Pete Bann in attendance.
The job was made much easier by having the materials delivered to site with a quad bike and trailer, with thanks to Natural England staff.
We're pleased to partner with YWT on this work, to help support their efforts to improve floral diversity on our limestone pavements. We are also very thankful to Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust for providing funding.