BCRA Cave Archaeology Group Spring Field Meeting

Join us at the British Cave Science Centre at Poole’s Cavern, Buxton on the 9th/10th May 2026 for a programme of talks, practical sessions and field visits exploring the cave archaeology of the region. This event is available to anyone with an interest in cave archaeology.

Saturday 9th May

Programme 10am to 4pm

9.30 – 10.00 Registration and refreshments

10.00 – 10.40 Practical Introduction to Zooarchaeology for Cavers by Sarah Hunt

10.40 – 11.20 Cave Use in the Neolithic and Bronze Age by Rick Peterson

11.20 – 11.40 Refreshment break

11.40 – 12.30 Recording Historic Graffiti by Linda Wilson

12.30 – 1.30 lunch break. Bring your own, or visit the café at Poole’s Cavern.

1.30 – 2.00 Introduction to the Cave Science Centre by John Gunn

2.00 – 4.00 Break into two groups inside the cave who will swap over after an hour for:

The Archaeology of Poole’s Cavern. The excavation areas are visible from the cave pathways.

Recording Historic Graffiti – Practical Session. Bring own helmet and light and camera or phone and an additional light of your choice. If you do not have helmet and lights, let us know and we will do our best to assist.

Sunday 10th May

Field Trip 10am – 3pm

Meet at 10am at Poole’s Cavern to organise car sharing where possible. We will then visit:

Fox Hole Cave, High Wheeldon SK 0997 6618

Wetton Mill Rock Shelter/Nan Tor Cave SK 0952 5619

Darfar Ridge Cave SK 0980 5587

Old Hannah’s Hole SK 0998 5569

Thor’s Cave SK 0986 5496

Elder Bush Cave SK 0978 5488

Most sites are no more than a 15 minute walk of the parking. Bring helmet and light and sensible footwear. If you do not have your own helmet and light, please let us know and we will do our best to assist.

Accommodation is available at the Orpheus Caving Club cottage near Buxton. Please contact the Orpheus direct to make a booking, quoting the reference BCRA CAG and we will collect the £10 hut fee from you at the event and pass it on to OCC. https://orpheuscavingclub.org.uk/html/cottage_bookings.html

For attendees a donation of £10 on the door to BCRA to cover the costs of this event will be welcome.

On Saturday night (9th) we intend to visit Sacro Lounge in Buxton https://thelounges.co.uk/sacro/ for a meal. If you are interested in this, please contact us as we will need a deposit from you by 13 April 2026 to enable a booking to be confirmed. Please check their menu to ascertain if your dietary requirements can be catered for.

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Host or Publisher Cave Archaeology Group