FAQs
Got a question about Abseiling for Wildlife?
Browse below for the answer. If you can't find what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact Kate at fundraising@somersetwildlife.org
How do I secure my place?
Places are limited and expected to fill up quickly, so take a deep breath and book your place to Abseil for Wildlife on the link below.
Are there any age restrictions?
Minimum age is 9 and there is no upper age limit.
All abseilers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and our parental consent form must be completed.
Is there a weight limit? Level of fitness required?
The steep path up to the top of the abseil.
There is no upper weight limit to abseil.
Although the abseil itself is not strenuous, there is a very steep walk up to the top of the cliff.
When is it and what time do I need to get there?
*Saturday 18th May 2024*
Your arrival time and 20 minute abseiling time slot will be assigned to you shortly after booking. Time slots will fall between 9:30am and 1:30pm.
If you require a specific time slot, or you need to change it, please email fundraising@somersetwildlife.org
Can I do it on another day?
Yes. Abseils take place regularly all over the county. Although this particular abseil is the only one where everyone is fundraising for Somerset Wildlife Trust, you may prefer to contact the organiser to join an abseil on different date or location. Contact Ian at Aardvarkendeavours on 07976 315121 or via the website www.aardvarkendeavours.com
You can still fundraise for Somerset Wildlife Trust by setting up a fundraising page www.justgiving.com/somersetwildlife
Where is it and where can I park?
Parking is available at Uphill Beach Carpark (pay and display), less than 5 minute walk to the abseil venue:
Uphill Beach Carpark, Links Rd, Uphill, Weston-super-Mare BS23 4XY
Please note there are no disabled bays. Please contact Kate at Somerset Wildlife Trust if this is required.
From the car park, walk inland along Links Road and follow the Somerset Wildlife Trust signs. Your meeting point is at the Somerset Wildlife Trust gazebo in the quarry, next to the Uphill Wharfe Cafe Bar.
See you there!
Can I get there by public transport?
We always recommend taking public transport where possible, and should the Covid situation allow. Busses run from Weston-super-Mare to Uphill School, approximately 5 minute walk from the abseil venue at Uphill Quarry.
Toilets and refreshments?
There are public toilets about a 2 minute walk away. From the abseil venue, simply head towards the beach on Links Road.
There is a cafe on site.
What will happen on the day?
Upon arrival, please head straight to the registration point to check in at the big Somerset Wildlife Trust gazebo.
Once checked in, you may wish to leave personal items at the bag drop (keys/phone/wallet - anything that might fall out of your pockets!)
You'll be directed to a waiting area, ready to be called forward by your instructor for your safety brief and to be fitted with a harness and helmet. You will have a chance to do a “practise” abseil on the ground to ensure you are happy with the technique.
You'll walk up the steep path to the very top of the hill where you'll be greeted by another instructor, who will attach you securely to the safety rope, will talk through what you're about to do, and will guide you to the edge.
Don't forget to smile for the camera!
You'll keep leaning back into the ropes, feeling your weight through your harness in your back and legs. Your controlling hand (usually the right) stays beside your hip at all times.
To stop - put your control hand and rope behind your bum.
To go - bring the hand to your hip and let the rope slide through gently.
Take a deep breath - you'll step back, over the edge, being guided by your instructor, and you'll start your 130ft vertical abseil, down the cliff face to the bottom of the quarry, lowering yourself down, safe in the knowledge that your instructor has control of a second safety rope.
Enjoy the view!
An instructor will greet you at the bottom, unhook you from the ropes, and you've done it - you've abseiled for wildlife!
Don't forget to smile for the camera at the bottom too!
What do I need to bring with me?
Please ensure you bring the following with you on the day:
- your booking confirmation
- a hair bobble to tie back long hair
- comfortable clothing - anything "flappy" will need to be zipped up / tucked in.
- trainers are great for abseiling
- nothing in your pockets that may fall out - phone/keys/money (there will be a bag drop off point if required)
- If you require any medication on the day, please bring it with you - especially asthma inhalers. There is a very steep footpath to the top.
Can I bring spectators?
Yes! At the time of writing, we will need to limit spectators to one spectator per person abseiling so that we can ensure social distancing.
If anything changes, we will update you.
What if I have never abseiled before?
The Abseil for Wildlife is suitable for complete beginners, even if you have never abseiled before.
Will I fall off if I let go of the ropes?
The way we do it means no, you can’t fall if you let go.
You will have two ropes attached to your harness so if you did let go (not a natural thing to do) the instructor who controls the safety rope would stop your fall before it went anywhere. However you are in control all the time you are holding a rope.
Take a look at the Wells Cathedral charity abseil that Aardvark Endeavours ran for SOS Africa:
Do I need insurance?
Climbing, abseiling and other roped activities are risk sports. Any personnel operating ropes will be controlled by the British Mountaineering Council under the “Single Pitch Award” scheme. Aardvark Endeavours are fully insured and have an excellent safety record which they intend to keep. However you are advised to take out a personal accident insurance policy to cover you in the unlikely event of an accident. Aardvark Endeavours and Somerset Wildlife Trust staff and representatives cannot be liable for loss or damage to personal belongings, injury or death during activities which do not result from our negligence.
Can I camp?
There is a camp site immediately next to our abseiling venue, for caravans and motorhomes. It's a fantastic location but please note that they don't take tents.
How much do I need to raise?
We think £130 is a good target to aim for, but there is no minimum sponsorship - every penny helps! If you are struggling, contact Kate who is always happy to share ideas and offer advice - fundraising@somersetwildlife.org No matter how much you are able to raise, every penny helps us continue to protect our wildlife and wild places - thank you for your support.
Will the funds I raise cover the cost of the abseil?
No. Your registration fee covers the cost of your abseil, allowing all of the funds you raise to go to Somerset Wildlife Trust.
How will the money I raise help?
The money you raise will help Somerset Wildlife Trust protect our wildlife and wild places here in Somerset.
Somerset Wildlife Trust is:
- increasing habitat connectivity across the county
- increasing wildlife's resilience to current and future pressures
- working to influence Somerset's policy-making and planning decisions which affect the county's wildlife and wider environment
- engaging people and communities to value and take action to protect wildlife
- allowing nature to recover in our nature reserves and beyond
Thank you for helping us!
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