Caving for Nature!
Event information
Have you ever wanted to explore the world beneath our feet? Perhaps you’re an adrenaline junkie, or maybe you want to overcome a fear of small spaces? Or perhaps you simply want to do something amazing whilst raising vital funds for wildlife?
With ecological and climate emergencies declared, we need your urgent help to put nature on the road to recovery. By Caving for Nature, you'll raise vital funds to help put a light at the end of the tunnel.
This introduction to caving challenge is expected to fill up quickly, so take a deep breath, secure your spot today, and you'll see things you can't imagine in the incredible underground world of the Mendip Hills.
Sunday 16th March 2025
Burrington Combe, near Cheddar
Registration fee: £25
*Early bird offer: use the code Nature20 to get 20% off before the end of January
We think £100 is a good target to aim for, but there is no minimum sponsorship - every penny helps!
*Participants aged 9-17 to be accompanied by an adult underground
We’ve partnered with Aardvark Endeavours to put on this challenge.
Fundraise for us
Head over to Just Giving and set up your fundraising page today, it's so easy! Being part of Team Wilder is so much more than hiking through Exmoor National Park, it is your chance to save wildlife for the future, and we're here to support you on your journey. Have a question? Email: fundraising@somersetwildlife.org
Lucy Marsh
Georgia and Raf raised £362!
Tony raised £165!
FAQs
How your fundraising helps
You'll be caving to protect and restore Somerset's wildlife and wild places!
Over half of UK species have declined since 1970, while more than one in ten are under threat and at risk of disappearing altogether - we are in an ecological and climate emergency, and your support couldn’t come at a more critical time.
By getting sponsored, you’ll help us work towards our goal of at least 30% of land and sea managed for nature by 2030, and you’ll help us fight harder to achieve our vision of a Somerset wide Nature Recovery Network. This will create more space for wildlife and nature to thrive, it will reverse the decline in species diversity, and will create resilient landscapes and habitats for wildlife (and people), that can adapt to a warming climate.
Be the champion that Somerset's wildlife needs and secure your place today.
Are there any age restrictions?
Participants aged 9-17 to be accompanied by an adult underground.
What time do I need to get there?
Your arrival time and 30 minute caving time slot will be assigned to on the weeks leading up to the challenge.
Time slots will fall between 9:30am and 1pm.
If you require a specific time slot, you need to change it, or you’d like to confirm your time sooner, please email fundraising@somersetwildlife.org or call 07549 031738.
Directions and parking
Park at either Goatchurch Cavern parking area where we will meet, or additional parking at Burrington Coombe public car park, BS40 7AT.
What will happen on the day?
Upon arrival, please head straight to the Goatchurch Cavern parking area to check in at the Somerset Wildlife Trust gazebo.
You’ll wait to be called forward by your instructor for your safety brief and to be fitted with an oversuit, headtorch and helmet.
Our instructor will talk through what you're about to do, and will guide you to the entrance of the cave, in groups of 6-10. It’s about a 15 minute walk up a rocky path to the entrance.
From there you follow a rope through the cave; there will be a qualified instructor at strategic places to ensure you don’t get lost or struggle with a climb or tight bit.
There is a short climb of approx. 6m at the end, which will be manned. The whole trip underground can last from 15-30 minutes, depending on how fast you go!
How long will it take?
It’s about a 15 minute walk up a rocky path to the entrance, then you'll spend around 15 - 30 minutes underground depending how fast you go.
Level of fitness required
You will walk, slide, climb, crawl, scramble, shimmy and get an all over workout as well as a unique experience, but if you have medical issues then please talk to us first to find out if caving is OK for you.
Toilets and refreshments
Toilets are located on site at our meeting point at Goatchurch Cavern parking area.
Bring your own refreshments.
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 and footwear (wellies or walking boots) TRAINERS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. You’ll be provided with an oversuit.
- nothing in your pockets that may fall out - phone/keys/money.
- If you require any medication on the day, please bring it with you - especially asthma inhalers.
- We’ll provide you with a helmet and a bright, long-lasting, head-torch.
What if I have never caved before?
Our Caving for Nature is suitable for complete beginners, even if you have never done anything like this before.
What if I have claustrophobia?
There may be small spaces but claustrophobia is rarely an issue – you’ll be so fascinated by the environment around you that you won’t think about the squeezy bit! If you are worried, please do call our instructor Ian at Aardvark Endeavours on 07976 315121 or email aard.endeavours@hotmail.co.uk
Do I need insurance?
Climbing, caving and other outdoor activities are risk sports. 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.
How much do I need to raise?
We think £100 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 challenge?
No. Your registration fee covers the cost of your caving experience, allowing all of the funds you raise to go to Somerset Wildlife Trust.
Contact details
Thank you on behalf of all at Somerset Wildlife Trust for your interest in Caving for Nature! If you have any questions, check our FAQs above, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for, please do contact Kate:
Email: fundraising@somersetwildlife.org
Call: 07549 031738
If you'd like to speak directly with the organiser, contact Ian at Aardvark Endeavours:
Email: aard.endeavours@hotmail.co.uk
Call: 07976 315121 / 01934 843062
Web: aardvarkendeavours.com
