Chesterfield Caving Club have traditionally been very active in Stoney Middleton Dale. We undertake regular conservation activities including clearing rubbish, cleaning graffiti and SSSI monitoring on behalf of Natural England. One of our member is currently preparing a Conservation Audit and Cave Management Plan for the Stoney Middleton Dale Caves on behalf of the Derbyshire Caving Association (DCA). A Desk Study report and an Underground Investigation report have been produced for the Dale, and the Audit document is in the process of being finalised. Once completed the audit will be made available here and through the DCA website. It is intended that the audit would provide a guide for those interested in conservation in Stoney Middleton Dale.

 

Members of Chesterfield Caving Club are also interested cave exploration in Stoney Middleton Dale. Recently a discovery was made when undertaking conservation work on the Nicker Grove Mine ‘Timbered Shaft’. On reopening of the long closed route to the Nicker Grove Streamway, a well decorated aven was discovered. Many of the large formations had been historically removed by Miners, and so the aven was named ‘T’Owd Mans Grotto’. Another notable discovery was made by members of the Club when exploring in Merlin Mine, which re-connected Gimli's Dream and with Carlswark Cavern.

 

If you are interested in conservation or exploration in Stoney Middleton Dale and would like to find out more about the Clubs activities contact Mark.

 

 

The Caves and Cave Access
Access to the caves and mines in and around Stoney Middleton Dale is largely open to cavers. Therefore the up-most respect should be paid to ensure that this favorable situation for cavers remains. Please be careful not to damage the environment in and around the caves, stick to footpaths, close gates, do not make fires, excessive noise nor disturb livestock etc... You know it makes sense!

 

The Dale is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981 as amended). What is more 'Reckless' damage to a SSSI is now a criminal offence under the Countryside & Rights of Way (CRoW) Act (2000). Statutory protection is of benefit to cavers as it means the caves are protected from development and will always be there for us to enjoy. However it also means that cavers should be responsible and seek appropriate permission, both from the landowner and from Natural England, before undertaking any activities that could damage the SSSI (i.e. digging). Refer to the Nature on the Map website for the details of the designation and a list of potentially damaging operations requiring Natural England consent. For further advise please contact the DCA Conservation Officer - it will only take an email or a phone call!

 

A overview map of the known cave & mine entrances (blue spots) and the SSSI boundary (yellow) is presented below. Also shown is the limestone boundary (blue) and mineral veins (dashed orange). An xy database of the Dale cave and mine entrance locations can be downloaded here.