Digs & Exploration
Discover the involvement of MCG Members in exploration, conservation and digging projects across Mendip.
Caves of the Blackmoor Valley
Since the formation of the Group in 1954, The MCG have spent many years thoroughly exploring the caves and mines of the Blackmoor Valley.
Stainsby’s Shaft
A long-term project involving the excavation of a deep shaft to attempt to enter the Blackmoor system below.
MM Mine
Exploration and conservation work in this interesting mine system, revealing much about its history and structure.
Charnel Shaft
A historic dig on the Charterhouse Rakes, discovered by the club in deep snow in 1963, then lost for nearly 60 years.
Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar Gorge is a world-famous landmark, Britain’s biggest gorge, attracting millions of visitors. For cavers, it holds special significance as the location of stunning show caves, sites of major archaeological importance, and numerous other caves and digs, many of which have been explored by the MCG.
Sandford Hill
Only a few miles away from the MCG Cottage, Sandford Hill contains many mines and caves. There is also a story of a missing “Gulf”, a very large chamber under the hill, which has drawn interest in exploring the underground here. Work by MCG members has extended many of these sites.
Pearl Mine
Re-opened by MCG members after being blocked in 1970, with nearly 250m of previously un-entered passage now accessible.
Sandford Levy
Significant finds have been made in this early 19th century lead mine, exploring the interconnected passages leading off the Levy itself.
Sandford Gulf
A legendary ‘lost’ cave described in 1829 as a great gulf where a man was lowered 10 fathoms without reaching the floor. If you’d like to know more, click the link to read more on the MCRA website.
Caves around Nordrach
The area immediately surrounding Nordrach Cottage is rich with caving history and opportunities. Many of these sites have been discovered, dug, and explored by MCG members over the years and remain popular spots for evening trips and training.
Pinetree Pot
The entrance is in a field near a row of pines, secured by a concrete blockhouse with a locked lid. The cave was dug by MCG members between 1959 and 1960.
Ubley Hill Pot
Dug open by the MCG in a single weekend in 1960. The entrance is a concrete blockhouse with a locked lid, in a private back garden.
Other Notable Mendip Caves
If you are looking for information on the longest and deepest Mendip caves, as well as information about other selected significant sites, then use this page as your starting point.