In reply to CurlyStevo:
The BMC owned rocks are Stone Farm and Harrisons Rocks and they are managed by the HRMG (Harrisons Rocks Management Group). Details can be found here:
http://www.southernsandstoneclimbs.co.uk/p/hrmg.html
An awful lot of work is carried out by this dedicated team of volunteers as well as the volunteer work from the SVG (Sandstone Volunteers Group) that coordinate with the HRMG regarding work that needs doing, such as the Woodland Management Plan that is currently taking place for the next 20 or so years. The problem is that some of the work is so well done its not noticeable, such as the repair work done at the top of the crags in some areas. Holds are repaired the best they can using special methods that will not detract or destroy the stone. There is always going to be erosion on sandstone and we all do our best to prevent this, but is certainly is not as bad as what is being made out.
The code of practice is something we all need to encourage people to undertake, such as correct footwear, wiping your feet before climbing and good rope set-ups. If everyone has a fully protected set-up at the top of the crag and climbs with care in good conditions then repair work will be massively minimised.
We tend to have a no tooth brush policy on the rock, more for people who do not understand how easy it is to break the surface and damage areas.
Good rock that has sand on it (naturally occurred from rain or running water or just in general) should use a towel to lightly wipe it away or a super-duper soft brush (such as the ones you use for cleaning your car with) for cleaning larger areas, so it moves the sand and nothing else.
Dogging is a point of view but no evidence has come about that I know off damage caused to the rock from resting and continuing to climb. The exceptions to this are those who have poor set-ups. But most people tend to enjoy the pure ground -up approach where possible.
In reference to the bolting of sandstone; Sandstone is sand with a hard coating keeping it held together. Leading on sandstone, bolted or not, would just cause it to explode and cause mega damage. It’s solo or top-rope and nothing else.
It’s real great to see some concerned individuals on here and I would love to see you at an open meeting so you can put forward your concerns and ideas which is sounds like there a few weather they are miss informed or not.
The website www.Southernsandstoneclimbs.co.uk has all the latest information and news on all thing Sandstone and may well answer some of your questions that have been raised to give you a better insight. Also there is a Facebook page that you can ‘like’ where information and items of interest are posted so you can keep in touch.
Regarding the issue of more signage; more is needed and this will be something that will hopefully be addressed in the near future in a different manner hopefully.
Post edited at 16:20