UKC

Can't see the rock for the trees?

Mick Ryan

This has been read 2,396 times
Ever had to fight your way to the base of the crag through thick dense undergrowth? Or even ever failed to find the crag on a hillside of dense foliage? In our human-modified environment woodlands are managed for many reasons. Left alone many woodlands can become dark impenetrable jungles home to few species and can hide beautiful rock features that are pleasing to the eye. The BMC and many climbers around the UK are involved in appropriate woodland management that can improve climbing opportunities and at the same time increase species diversity and enhance landscape values.

Following on from work at Cheddar Gorge and Wintours Leap climbers started work recently at the cliffs of Tremadog in North Wales. Over 20 climbers, after discussions with conservation bodies, crag owners and the National Park, set to work clearing brambles and ivy from routes at Bwlch y Moch. Driven by the BMC backed North Wales Climbers Action Group (NWCAG) routes such as The Neb, Neb Direct, Anagram, Final Exam, Grotto, Grotto Direct, Tremudrock Finish, The Mongoose, Emily Street, Brother Direct and Smarter than the Average Bear are all vegetation free and ready to be climbed again.

Further work is planned including the opening up of the bottom of the crag to sunshine by selective pruning and clearing by a professional arborist and funded by the BMC. You are also invited to do your bit and have full licence to trim or remove brambles or ivy.

To further this important work the BMC under their Access & Conservation programme are funding research for a publication focusing on the management of woodland and vegetation on and around cliffs used by rock climbers in England and Wales.

More details from the BMC at their website

This post has been read 2,396 times

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Comments

Jon Greengrass
16 Nov, 2006
about bloody time
Chris Fryer
16 Nov, 2006
Guisecliff and Eavestone could take up a lifetime.
Morgan Woods
16 Nov, 2006
agent orange....napalm?
Chris Craggs
16 Nov, 2006
Froggatt Far Left Baslow Far Right Most of Gardoms Bits of Chatsworth Turning Stone Edge Eastwood Rocks (if they can do anything about this place I will be impressed) That will do for starters. Chris
bluebrad
16 Nov, 2006
Was hoping it was Gardoms that was going to get a bit of pruning when I saw the title but alas no - still it does make a fun day trying to guess where you are from the top of the crag. Chatsworth could do with some serious attention as well judging from the one visit I have made to it. bluebrad
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