At the request of Natural England, DCA has agreed that a gate should be placed on the new extensions to Water Icicle Close Cavern, which is part of a Scheduled Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI). This is to ensure the protection of the very fragile floor deposits, which were carefully taped by the original explorers when they were first found, and to allow cave scientists to examine the new section while it is still, as far as possible, in pristine condition.

Note that the gate has been installed in the crawl in the breakthrough area leading to the new extensions - there is no restriction whatsoever to anyone visiting the main section of the cave which has been known for many years. Thanks are due to Orpheus members who have constructed and installed the gate, which DCA will fund.

There is no intention to exclude cavers altogether and arrangements for visiting the new extensions will be announced very shortly. Thanks for your patience.

Jenny Potts, DCA Secretary