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Some areas are now starting to open again,
check locally for the latest news. It is critical to avoid causing
friction with farmers and land owners now that could persist long
after Foot and Mouth disease has gone, please ensure you act responsibly.
RJM.
Message From the CDG Secretary
The official position of the cave diving group is that all countryside
activities should cease in the U.K. until we receive the all clear.
John Buxton Hon. Sec. 3/3/01
Yorkshire Dales
Bull Pot Farm
28-02-01 23:00
Foot & Mouth Outbreak
RRCPC, at the request of the land owner, is closing Bull Pot
Farm for at least until the middle of March for all cavers.
If you are booked in your deposit will be returned.
Access to Land
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has today
(Thurs 1 Mch) formally closed all public rights of way in
the National Park and notices have been posted in shops and
on key access points.
28/02/01 Ingleborough, Leck and Casterton Fell are closed
in accordance with advice from MAFF.
Wales
Brecon Beacons National Parh
From the National Park Web Site - 1/3/01
Foot and Mouth Disease latest- 2000 Kilometres of Rights of Way
closed.
The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Warden Service will be
putting up notices advising people that Public Rights of Way and Open
Hill land in the National Park are now closed.
Under the Foot and Mouth Disease (Amendment) (Wales) Order
2001/Foot and Mouth Disease Order 1983 the Public is prohibited
from walking, cycling, horseriding or motorcycling along any Public
Rights of Way which cross farmland including rural common land
or unenclosed rural land. Contravention of this order is an offence
under S73 of the Animal Health Act 1981. Persons found guilty of
such an offence are liable to a fine of up to £5000.
The latest news from the NCA:
Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2001 12:45 AM
FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE - UPDATE
The situation has deteriorated rapidly during the past few days
with twelve cases now confirmed in various parts of the country.
In view of this very grave situation everyone is requested to immediately
stop all caving and associated activities until the crisis is
over. Indeed all unnecessary visits to the countryside should be
avoided. Many clubs have closed their headquarters to visitors and
have cancelled bookings.
The MAFF website at www.maff.gov.uk has up to date information
on the situation. They also have a helpline available from 0800
to 2300 daily on 0845 0504141.
Graham Price
Conservation Officer
National Caving Association
http://www.nca.org.uk
Saturday, February 24, 2001 10:33 PM Subject: Foot & Mouth Disease
In view of the current situation with respect to the Foot & Mouth
outbreak the following statement is being issued by the NCA. Please
circulate the information as widely as possible. Apologies to those
of you who may receive a number of copies but it is extremely important.
Thank you
FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE
The current Foot & Mouth outbreak is extremely serious and the
Countryside Agency, the National Trust and other organisations are
advising everyone to stay away from all areas containing livestock.
Cavers are therefore being asked to follow this advice and limit
their activities until all restrictions are lifted.
It is very important that everyone cooperates in this matter which
poses a severe threat to the farming community and others. If there
is any doubt whether a cave is situated on land that may be affected
please contact the regional Conservation and Access Officer; contact
details for which can be found on the NCA web site at www.nca.org.uk.
The basic rule to follow is DO NOT go onto any land if there is
any doubt, or without first obtaining permission from the landowner.
Currently there is no access to many caves on Mendip, in the Peak
District and the North, however some local Wildlife Trusts and other
organisations are continuing to allow access onto some of their
land and access to some other non-grazing land may be permissible,
but it is essential to check first.
General information on the disease and restricted areas is available
on the MAFF web site at www.maff.gov.uk.
Graham Price
Conservation Officer
National Caving Association
24 February 2001
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