Top Sink entrance scaffolding
A few months ago, we received a report that the scaffolding in the entrance of Top Sink in Ease Gill Caverns was badly corroded and of compromised integrity. We put out a general warning to appear on the webpage for Top Sink, and which is displayed to anyone making a booking. Simultaneously we got in touch with our Conservation Officer and the Red Rose Conservation Officer to see if any remedial work or inspection could be arranged.
We received very quick replies from both, but in the end, our very own former Access Officer, Tim Allen (who is no stranger to scaffold-support for cave entrances) kindly volunteered to have a look and make some estimates on the scale of any remedial work needed.
On 5th April, Tim, accompanied by Frank Pearson, took a walk up to Top Sink, and reported on the status of the entrance as they found it based on visual assessment:
“The top is ringed by a dry-stone wall in solid and stable condition about a metre deep. There is a metal lid which serves to stockproof the hole. Below that most of the 5m shaft is in solid bedrock. On one side, only about 300mm across, it is exposed to cobbles. These appear to be well consolidated and jammed up against the limestone. In front of these are three vertical scaffold poles, with associated cross-supports which are in advanced stages of corrosion. However, I expect even if these were removed the cobbles would remain in place. The scaffold does provide handy footholds and prevents cavers kicking or disturbing the cobbles. For the bottom two metres there is a modern alloy ladder tied in place.”
Based on this report, we (CNCC) are satisfied that despite the poor state of the scaffolding, a collapse of any magnitude arising from a single point scaffold failure seems unlikely for now.
The warning note on the CNCC website will remain in place as a reminder and to encourage extra care.
Although not particularly urgent, we would support any individuals, groups or clubs who would like to take on this project. The existing scaffold could be easily cut out and replaced, hopefully without any significant movement of the cobbles behind. Alternatively, the volunteers may feel it is better to cement the cobbles in place. We would fund material and reasonable mileage costs for volunteers to undertake the work. Therefore, if you are looking for a (hopefully) simple project for a summer day in Ease Gill, this could be a fun and rewarding opportunity.
If this sounds like something you’d like to do, please email conservation@cncc.org.uk
Thank you to Tim and Frank for their time to go and look at this and report back, and for the photos accompanying this article (the first three photos are by Frank and the second three are by Tim).