Restoration of Yordas Cave after graffiti damage
Back in April, cavers reported an outbreak of graffiti at Yordas Cave, mentioned in our last newsletter.
This easily accessed cave in West Kingsdale is very often the first venture underground for novice cavers and the wider general public. It is important that first time visitors realise that graffiti is not acceptable in the cave environment, and that this kind of damage detracts from the experience of those seeking their first underground adventure.
The extensive damage consisted of lettering engraved on the walls with a sharp instrument. This cut through the surface patina of the cave wall in many places. The cavers reporting the incident smeared mud on the graffiti in an attempt to hide the damage and prevent any further attacks by others who might feel the need to contribute to the unwelcome ‘artwork’.
An initial assessment was made by Jenny Hack, a professional conservator from Ingleton. Cleaning tests were undertaken to establish the best method of treatment that would disguise the lettering without removal of the rock patina.
A note of the location of 19th century inscriptions was made in order to protect their heritage value.
A team of five CNCC volunteers tackled the job on Saturday 26th July armed with the CNCC cave cleaning kit. The surface mud was washed and brushed away using 25 litre knapsack sprayers filled with cave stream water. The graffiti was disrupted using stiff-bristle hand brushes and finished with a light sponging of muddy water to even-out run-off marks and streaks.
The idea was to disguise the graffiti rather than completely erase it and avoid leaving a ghosted imprint of white rock.
There are several techniques for dealing with graffiti depending on the type of instrument used (marker pen, spray paint, engraving, soot etc). A wire brush is rarely the best option.
A light cleaning exposed what is probably a 200 year history of visitor abuse, but no matter how carelessly treated a cave has been in the past, all caves deserve respect, particularly in this era where there is little excuse for not being aware of the need for countryside conservation.
Thanks to Andy Hall, Rowan Worsman, Jeff Keating and Pete Bann for working so patiently.
Photos: Rowan Worsman working with a spray bottle, and an example of the graffiti.