Mine access in the Forest of Dean

Mine exploration, photographs and mining history for mine explorers, industrial archaeologists, researchers and historians

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Dave Tuffley
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

16 years ago

If anyone decides to come to the fabulous Forest of Dean to do some mine exploration then please be aware that if you are not members of Royal Forest of Dean Caving Club, Gloucester spelaeolocial (spelling?) Society, Hades Caving Club, you will need to apply for a permit from the Forest of Dean Cave Conservation and Access Group. FODCCAG acts as agents for the Crown land owners, the Forestry Commission. Apply to me (See address below) and as long as you have the BCA insurance then you will be given a date specific permit. Before you moan about this, this is cavers looking after the interests of other cavers for the F. Commission. You will not be allowed to enter any coal mines due to the FC restriction due to the danger of suffocation.
Fodccag Permit Sec
Dave Tuffley
30, Coomb Drive,
Buckshaft Road
Cinderford.
Glos
GL14 3EF
tele 01594 824343
:thumbsup:

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Barney
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

16 years ago

Thanks for the info!

jagman
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

16 years ago

Permit and insurance?
I think that rules me out then. Just as well I don't like caves 🙂

JR
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

16 years ago

Hello David,

As Barny said, thankyou for the 'heads up'. Can I ask if this a recently negotiated agreement or a restatement of existing custom and practice? If it's new can you tell me which organisations/clubs where involved in the negotiations please?

Thanks
John 🙂

sleep is a caffeine deficiency.

Dave Tuffley
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

16 years ago

It has been in place since 2001 and involved the RFDCC, GSS and Hades C C in long negotiations with the Forestry Commission both in the F of D and at head office in Scotland. It is not custom and practice as pre-2001. Notification had been published in Descent mag & to BCA regional bodies when it happened and I have only just found out about this site to put it on. As long as you have the BCA insurance (or equiv't), belong to a recognised club and ask me for a permit then there is no problem at all. As it is not site specific then you can go where ever you want on Forestry Commission land. Private land is another matter and is subject to landowner's permission of course. SAE req'd as I don't wish to subsidise people's postage, sorry.
Please note that the F Commission in the F of D are caver/ mine explorer friendly unlike other F C areas in Wales etc.
Dave T :thumbup:

Barney
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

16 years ago

So once a permit has been gained, what happens next, is it a case of collecting keys from somewhere?

Dave Tuffley
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

16 years ago

If a key is necessary then I will have it and can be collected from me. There some places that require keys but quite a few places are not gated. It is generally a bat thing that causes them to be gated. No restriction during winter hibernating months, rest assured.
Unfortunately, to ensure the key is returned a refundable deposit is required. That ensures that the keys come back home to David.
When you apply for a permit then I will tell you if a key is required
Dave T

Moorebooks
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

16 years ago

Jagman - I am puzzled why it rules you out

Remember as Adit Now is a NAMHO member - members of Adit Now obtain the BCA insurance as a recognised group - thats two hurdles crossed. All it needs then is a a group of members to apply for a permit.

Thats simple aand shouldn't rule out anyone who wants to visit Forest of Dean Iron Mines (rather than caves). The rules and controls seem very sensible and will reduce mindless vandalism and looting of artefacts that has happened elsewhere.

Mike

AR
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

16 years ago

"Moorebooks" wrote:

Remember as Adit Now is a NAMHO member - members of Adit Now obtain the BCA insurance as a recognised group - thats two hurdles crossed. All it needs then is a a group of members to apply for a permit.

To get the ANMHS BCA cover, you do have to pay the fee to get your green card, being a registered site member does not automatically cover you or make you a society member. I think we'd agreed that anyone with BCA cover through another club or personal could be considered a member if they signed up to the society rules though.

Follow the horses, Johnny my laddie, follow the horses canny lad-oh!