Cave study to preserve past (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Cave study to preserve past

11:09am Sunday 25th March 2007 in

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The results of a special three-year study of caves in the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, jointly led by a Bradford University academic, were due to be released on Monday.

The study reveals the fascinating history of the caves and showing how to protect them for the future.

The survey of more than 400 caves was funded with £95,000 from English Heritage and the project was led by Professor Andrew Chamberlain, of the University of Sheffield, and Dr Randolph Donahue, of the University of Bradford.

The project team recorded the setting and dimensions of each cave and looked for archaeological deposits within them to establish which criteria made particular caves attractive for use in the past. These findings will now guide national policies for cave conservation.

Professor Chamberlain, said: "Thanks to the survey we can help preserve these windows to the past by working in partnership with local caving groups and Natural England to establish priorities and promote the wider picture of what caves have to offer.''