Upper Flood Swallet

Access

Upper Flood Swallet is an exceptionally well-decorated cave. Controls are in place to conserve the cave and to monitor the number of trips. Novices are not allowed. Access is managed by Mendip Caving Group at the request of the landowner. Party size is limited to three plus the MCG leader. There are many overhead formations which can only be avoided by crawling in the stream and suitable clothing must be worn - e.g. oversuit and furry, neofleece, or wetsuit. Gloves and balaclava, as well as food and drink, are recommended for longer trips. A straightforward return trip to the Red Room takes about 2 hours. There are a few constrictions and one very wet section (the Lavatory Trap) which, depending on water levels, can be easily passable or almost a sump. On long trips, the level of the water in the Lavatory Trap can rise substantially, making it a sump on the return leg, which then has to be bailed.

Beyond the Red Room is a boulder choke containing 13 squeezes (the tightest of which is 23cm for a distance of 30cm) and an awkward rope climb. The choke is a natural feature which may be unstable and liable to movement. Cavers must take extreme care in this section, and understand that they pass the choke entirely at their own risk. A rescue dump is maintained in the Departure Lounge. A return trip to the far reaches is not to be underestimated, and should only be undertaken by suitably experienced cavers. It is arduous and typically lasts some 6 hours with many obstacles requiring a good level of physical fitness, stamina and an awareness of cave safety. Participation on a trip is at the discretion of the Upper Flood Swallet leader. To arrange a trip contact the MCG Secretary or write to Mendip Caving Group, Nordrach Cottage, Charterhouse, Blagdon, Bristol, BS40 7XW

Guest Warden Scheme

Guest Warden Criteria

The responsibility of a warden is primarily to the cave, its conservation and its wildlife. This means taking an active role in guiding a party through the cave (including curtailing or refusing a trip to any party not thought to be competent) in order to ensure that caver impact is kept to a minimum.

Prospective wardens will be expected to:

• Demonstrate a level of caving and leadership ability commensurate with the difficulty of a trip to the far reaches of the cave
•  
• Have a sound knowledge of the history of exploration within the cave (see history and Occ. Pub. 4)
•  
• Have visited (as far as is practicable) all areas within the cave and be competent in route finding, particularly with regard to the main boulder choke
•  
• Be aware of the particular dangers and conservation sensitive areas within the cave
•  
• Actively participate in conservation and maintenance projects
•  
• Have knowledge of the cave's rules and guidelines as detailed at Annex A
•  
• Be available to take a minimum of 2 trips per year

To enable prospective wardens to meet the criteria listed above, they should participate in a minimum of five training trips, encompassing all open access areas of the cave. These trips should be accomplished in a time frame of not more than 18 months, with at least two different established wardens, one of whom must be a MCG member.

On completion of each trip, applicants should fill in the table provided by the MCG Caving Secretary - see Annex B - obtaining the signature of the warden present. Once the form is completed, it should then be submitted to the MCG committee for ratification.

Upon approval, for a one-off donation of £5, wardens will receive a key and access card to Nordrach Cottage, as well as the combination for the box containing the cave key. Wardens and their guests are welcome to use the facilities in Nordrach Cottage, in return for a £1 day fee, payable in the changing-room donation box.

The MCG committee will collate logbook data annually. Wardens who have not taken 2 trips into the cave will lose their status, unless the committee is made aware of any mitigating circumstances beforehand. Wardens whose status has lapsed may re-apply, subject to completion of any additional re-familiarisation trips thought necessary by the committee.

The rules and guidelines set out in this document are not intended to be exhaustive. The MCG reserve the right to make changes at any time.

Annex A. Rules and Guidelines for Wardens

• Number of non-MCG wardens to be limited to 10. Prospective wardens should be active Mendip cavers who are willing to take regular trips. Prospective wardens must be paid up-members of the BCA (British caving Association)
•  
• Party size is limited to warden plus three, except where the fifth member of the party is a prospective warden, pre-notified to the MCG committee.
•  
• Digging is controlled by the MCG. Guest wardens are welcome to dig with MCG leaders
•  
• All trips must be logged. The logbook is kept in the lectern below the callout board in Nordrach Cottage
•  
• Wardens must leave a trip card on the MCG callout board, regardless of whether they set an additional callout. This card must then be posted in the adjacent hut fees box on completion of the trip
•  
• Any problems relating to Nordrach Cottage should be reported in the first instance to the MCG Cottage Warden, or another member of the committee
•  
• Lost keys must be reported to the MCG caving secretary. Any warden who loses a key will be responsible for the cost of its replacement
•  
• No carbide
•  
• No novices. Wardens must exercise their own judgement in determining a party's level of competence. The trip involves flat out crawling in the stream and the passing of a hazardous and arduous boulder choke. Is the party suitably equipped?
•  
• Existing fixed aids must be left in place. No additional fixed aids to be added without first consulting the MCG caving secretary. Any damage to fixed aids must be immediately reported to the MCG caving secretary
•  
• The rescue dump is maintained by the MCG. Any person found to have tampered with it unnecessarily will be permanently refused access to the cave
•  
• Due to its unique, profuse and extremely vulnerable formations, Neverland is strictly out of bounds
•  
• Any conservation, safety or security issues (i.e. damage to formations, instability, problems with entrance etc.) in the cave must be reported to the MCG caving secretary as soon as possible

Annex B. Application to Become an Upper Flood Swallet Warden

To apply to become an Upper Flood Swallet guest warden please contact the MCG Caving Secretary