Some while back NPHT revised/updated the access arrangements at Nenthead Mines for independent mine explorers
http://npht.com/wordpress/2010/09/22/underground-access-arrangements-at-nenthead/ 
(Please note that the information about group access refers to commercial groups - ie people who are running a business taking people or students underground)
People quite rightly pointed out that we have no system at Nenthead for people to make these donations, particularly when the Heritage Centre has limited opening times.
We now have a system in place whereby people can now securely leave us some money. The donation boxes will be emptied every night for security.

Even if you are just using our car park a small donation would be gratefully received. We have calculated that it costs us about £150 a day to maintain the scheduled monument site. This year our support from Local Authorities will be about £5000 for the year, when in 1992 it was £45,000 !!

Of course if you are a member of the Trust we do not ask you to pay anything. Membership costs only £10 a year and includes free access to our sites, a regular newsletter, a vote at our AGM and regular information about special events
http://www.npht.com/about.php 

We estimate that there are over 2000 underground entries a year by independent mine explorers on our site (perhaps a core of 100 people making multiple entries accounts for half of this total). If every entry came with a £2 donation it would help us to maintain the site.

Thank you

Have any changes been made regarding access to the mines or are the gates still freely liftable?

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No changes. Gates are still freely liftable.

I would personally urge everyone with an interest in the Nenthead Mines to support the work of the Trust, preferably by joining.

The Trust has proved itself over the years to be a good friend of the underground explorer as well as its excellent work in preservation etc.

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I have full intention to join the trust as i think they doing superb work in looking after the site and allowing us access to the mines :flowers:

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You can as we have done, increase your membership fee by
taking out a family subscription.
Many of our browsers may not be aware that the gates were installed by an enlightened Cumbria County Council in the 1980's.
The main reason for the"heavy" gates was to discourage mine exploration by single individuals.
The idea was one person could hold the Gate upright whilst entry was gained by the other person.
All the mine entrances-which were open at that time were fitted with these gates and vertical shafts capped or fitted with grills.
They even appointed a mines liaison officer,Pat Newman to keep in touch with the interested societies and I think as a direct result of all of this activity the NPHT was born.

to discourage mine exploration by single individuals.

Am I the acknowledged exception or the person they were thinking of John?
:lol:

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As you know Roy we always consider you to be an exception but even you will admit in the early days of your mine exploration you were often accompanied by the little woman!
Once you learned the tricks of the trade then as long as some one had been told where you were then it is reasonably safe.
I must also add that over the last few years we have met several single parties so you are not the only one venturing underground by yourself!