Life-and-death mystery of 8,000 unmapped mine and cave entrances in Wales – Wales Online
Exploring what lies beneath our feet is growing in popularity, and few places offer more hidden worlds than North Wales. In the wake of the region’s industrial era, remnants such as numerous mine shafts, adits, and entrances can be found both above and below the picturesque landscapes.
Tasked with saving lost or injured cavers, North Wales Cave Rescue Organisation (NWCRO) is faced with daunting challenges due to the intricate labyrinth of caves in their jurisdiction, where knowing the exact location of each entrance could mean the difference between life and death. Until recently, this network was uncharted territory with many of its openings shrouded in mystery.
However, an NWCRO member armed with geospatial know-how has rectified this gap. Dr Edward Lockhart, a geospatial expert and caving enthusiast, has dedicated years to mapping the area and has created a detailed map showcasing not only mine entrances but also crucial meet-up points for rescue operations.
Dr Lockhart’s passion for caving intertwines with his academic expertise, significantly aiding the NWCRO volunteers in carrying out their search and rescue missions. Commonly called out to less than 10 incidents a year, these rescues are complex and can be protracted due to the challenges presented by the subterranean environment.
NWCRO covers a response area of 6,200 sq km, where many mines now lie abandoned and undocumented. Edward recognised the urgent need to catalogue all potential locations where rescues could occur. To achieve this, he used airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data, comparing it against digitised historic maps to locate entrance features previously hidden.
After years of dedication, NRCRO now boasts the most detailed record of subterranean sites in North Wales, mapping over 8,000 mine entrances and including data on nearby road access and mobile phone signal strength. This invaluable resource enhances the team’s ability to reach isolated and difficult-to-locate spots.
The North Wales Cave Rescue Organisation relies on public donations to continue its vital work. Contributions can be made on their website.