Does anyone have any more information about Fern Cave at the top of High Tor, Matlock Bath (Near Lovers Walk & Giddy Edge)?
I have been in them and it looks like a great place to take kids for a mini adventure (carefully supervised, obviously). However, there seems to be limited information about their safety and were fenced off (only with a wooden post & rail fence) in 1999.
Some information online suggests that they are not safe to enter but not sure if this typical local authority, over protective advice or there are some serious hidden hazards in there. I'm aware of basic hazards and risks in these types of areas but wondered if there was more information available.
The 'Caves of the Peak District' (by Iain Barker & John S Beck, revised edition 2010) book seems to suggest that they are ok to enter.
Any information greatly received as don't want to take kids in without equipping myself with prior knowledge.

The problem is they both have voids below them, the council did want to reopen them and spent a lot of money on bolting and spraying the weathered areas to consolidate them.
So are you walking on old rotten stemples, false floors or leaf mould on solid rock ?

https://pdmhs.co.uk/MiningHistory/Bulletin%2017-3%20-%20Metal%20Mines%20through%20Time.pdf  but be aware it's 60Mb.

As Darkmole says, it's not really a place you can say is "safe" for the casual visitor. Personally, for somewhere to take kids I'd suggest Devonshire Cavern if you stick to the old showcave route, or Mouldridge Mine at Pikehall. Both of these are well used for scout groups and have regular inspections.

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It is possible that my interest in caving and mine exploration started here, as I have a clear memory of walking through Fern and Roman Caves as a very small child on a day trip to Matlock Bath with my parents. A visit to the odd show cave somewhere else in the country followed at some time later but this could have been the first and the most important. No idea that there were big holes underneath then though!

Thanks for all the info. The floor felt pretty solid when I went in but just goes to show that you never know without doing some research. I was more concerned about the potential of loose material overhead.
Not read the big pdf yet but will have a look when I get chance.
Thanks again