cave exploration and research,

Hi, my name is Vince Simmonds and I have a long and active interest in cave exploration and research, in particular the caves and karst of the Mendip Hills in Somerset.

Fellow of the Geological Society of London and Member of the British Cave Research Association.

Keep up to date with all the latest news from the exploration of one Mendip cave, Hallowe'en Rift,  through the blog - dighalloween

archaeology,

I have put together 'An overview of the archaeology of Mendip caves and karst' available on the Mendip Cave Archaeology page and also online at mcra.org.uk in their archaeology section.

more speleology,

Recent discoveries in Hallowe’en Rift, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK during 2018 have revealed some interesting morphological features and an abundance of shattered speleothems. It had been suggested that this damage was likely caused by earth movements. However, after a close examination of the speleothems, it is apparent that the cause of the fracturing and damage has been through the actions of frost and/or ice during the Pleistocene.

Throughout the c.80m length of An Unexpected Development are fractured stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones, some are left precariously balanced. In places the floor is strewn with shattered speleothems, some of this in piles.

These discoveries are the subject of an ongoing research project.

& the great outdoors.

Speleologist, archaeologist, geologist, outdoor enthusiast and generally enjoy the natural world around, follow the blogs -

digwookeyhole all about the further exploration of this fascinating cave system;

ramblingon about exploration, excursions, walks and thoughts in the countryside.