Access Rules for Ogof Agen Allwedd

1.0

Conditions for Entry

1.1

Access to the cave shall be either by a key issued with a specific permit, or utilising a club's annual key. Keys remain the property of the management committee.

1.2

Trips must only be undertaken if the party has a valid permit. Clubs issued with an annual key will be issued with an annual permit.

1.3

Only electric light is to be used, mounted on a properly fitting helmet. The use of carbide is specifically prohibited.

1.4

The gate should be kept locked at all times.

1.5

The book kept at the entrance must be fully completed for every person entering the cave. This should include a clear indication of the club, key number, route to be taken, etc.

1.6

The cave environment is both delicate and irreplaceable. Conservation of the cave is therefore of paramount importance. Please do not touch mud or calcite formations, alter the structure of the cave, or cross or move marker tapes.

1.7

Bats are a legally protected species. Agen Allwedd is a nationally important site. Particular care must be taken not to disturb them (i.e. keep a reasonable distance, keep noise levels to a minimum, avoid shining main lights at them). Bats are particularly susceptible to cigarette smoke; therefore no smoking during your trip, please.

1.8

Installations, apparatus and equipment in the cave must not be tampered with or damaged.

1.9

During your visit all litter should be taken away. The committee would appreciate the removal of any litter discovered.

1.10

The permit allows access to Agen Allwedd only. Proposals for camping, blasting and research require special permission. Note that blasting is not permitted in the section of cave from the entrance to Barons Chamber, or in the bat roosting season ( from 1st October to 20th May). Apply to the permit secretary.

1.11

Safe caving practice must be maintained. Adequate caving clothing, footwear, helmets and lights must be used. Emergency equipment, such as a first aid kit, exposure blanket, spare food and spare light, is highly recommended.

1.12

The leader of the party is responsible for ensuring that the party is adequately equipped, for the conduct of the party, and for ensuring that the trip is not beyond the capabilities of any of the party. He / she must have attained the age of 18 years. Cavers with limited experience are only permitted in a ratio of no more than 1:1 to experienced cavers. Overall responsibility rests with the club to which the permit has been issued.

1.13

The emergency depots are NOT to be used, unless the party is in dire circumstances. Parties should not assume that such depots are in a serviceable condition. Any use of emergency depots must be reported to the Permit Secretary. Replenishment / refurbishment of the dumps will be expected.

1.14

Party size is restricted to a maximum of 8, unless by prior arrangement. The recommended minimum is 4.

1.15

For club trips, the '50% rule' must be applied. The ratio of club members to non-club members in any party should be 50% or above.

1.16

Leaders of parties are requested to report any conduct which is not in accordance with these access rules.

1.17

Cavers enter at their own risk. The cave is not recommended for children.

2.0

Applications for Access

2.1

Caving clubs may apply for permits / keys, provided they are members of the British Caving Association, an equivalent body abroad, BCRC, NAMHO or the William Pengelly Trust. Commercial and Specialist caving groups may also apply, but will be subject fully to these rules. Applications should come from the club Secretary, and include -

1. the name of the caving club or organisation,
2. the name of the leader, who must be at least 18 years of age.
3. number in the party,
4. date of proposed visit(s),
5. a £10 cheque payable to CCW, dated one week prior to the trip,
6. a stamped addressed envelope.

Keys are issued at the Permit Secretary's discretion. No reasonable applications will be denied.

2.2

Any club carrying out a minimum of 4 trips a year may apply for an annual key. Such keys will not be unreasonably denied. Clubs subsequently failing to carry out 4 trips a year will have to return their annual key(s).

2.3

Commercial and Specialist caving groups (e.g. Local Education Authorities with some experience) are not permitted during the bat roosting season. Such groups must be covered by their own insurance.

2.4

Breach of these conditions may result in future applications for access or annual keys being refused, or the return of annual keys, at the Permit Secretary's discretion.