Natural England - Shedding light on a hidden world

Shedding light on a hidden world

Think of nature conservation and perhaps you’ll think of a flower rich meadow or ancient woodland.

Dave Webb

But in the Peak District volunteers Dave Webb and Christine Wilson are busy protecting a very different environment. Dave and Chris are experienced cavers who also volunteer for Natural England; carrying out monitoring work, clearing cave entrances and protecting the underground geological features.

The area contains many caves, more than 60 of which are scheduled as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s). Through the efforts of Dave, Chris and other volunteers, all the caves are now monitored, resulting in a SSSI award in 2002 and the Derbyshire Caving Association (DCA) being awarded First Prize for Wildlife Conservation by Greenwatch in 2004.

As the DCA Conservation Officer Dave has pioneered work to way-mark routes through cave systems that avoid vulnerable natural features. Both he and Chris have strived to raise awareness of the need to protect these; producing a leaflet of conservation guidelines and making presentations at caving meetings and conferences.

Above ground the DCA’s volunteer club cavers have cleared 100’s of tons of rubbish from in and around cave entrances helped by grants from Natural England. Many entrances have since been capped with mesh; which allows air to circulate and provides access for roosting bats.

Dave recognises the benefits of partnership working between the DCA and Natural England “it’s important to have a dialogue between both parties and increase awareness of each other’s position”. Chris agrees “There’s a lot of hearsay about Natural England's attitude to cavers and caving. Caving volunteers can dispel these myths. We can help ensure that others in the caving community understand that Natural England is actually on their side. We’re delivering Natural England’s PR work with a passion”.

Natural England’s Conservation Adviser, Jo Poll who has supported Dave and Chris since 2001, says “The caving project has enabled Natural England to meet the SSSI monitoring target; which we couldn’t have done otherwise. As a bonus it’s given Natural England a really positive profile within the caving community”.