Pridhamsleigh Cavern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pridhamsleigh Cavern |
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|---|---|
| Location | Ashburton, Devon, UK |
| Depth | 55 metres (180 ft) |
| Length | 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) |
| Geology | Limestone |
| Access | Open |
| Cave survey | J.H.D. Hooper's 1963 Survey |
Pridhamsleigh Cavern is a fascinating cave located near Ashburton in Devon, England. It stretches for about 1.1 kilometers (almost a mile) underground. The deepest part of the cave, including a section called Prid II, goes down more than 50 meters (about 164 feet). This cave is a popular spot for people learning about caving.
Contents
Exploring Pridhamsleigh Cavern
Pridhamsleigh Cavern is a great place for new cavers to explore. It can be quite muddy inside, so be prepared! The cave has many different types of tunnels and rooms. This makes it perfect for longer trips underground.
Cave Passages and Maps
The cave has many phreatic passages. These are tunnels that were formed completely underwater. They often connect and overlap in confusing ways. Because of this, maps of Pridhamsleigh Cavern can be tricky to read.
Key Areas Inside the Cave
Inside the cave, you will find some important areas. One is called 'Bishops Chamber'. This is a wide room near the entrance. Most of the different routes into the cave start from here.
Another famous spot is 'The Lake'. This is a long, deep pool of water. It is more than 30 meters (100 feet) deep!
Gerry's Chamber Discovery
In the early 1970s, divers using SCUBA gear explored 'The Lake'. About 24 meters (80 feet) down, they found a hidden opening. This led to a second chamber that was partly filled with air. No other passages lead from this chamber. It is the largest chamber in all of Devon. It was named Gerry's Chamber after its discoverer, Gerry Pritchard.
Even though Pridhamsleigh Cavern does not need advanced caving skills, it is quite complex. There are three different ways to get from 'Bishop's Chamber' to 'The Lake'. If you are visiting for the first time, it is important to pay close attention to your path. It is easy to get lost or turned around inside.
A very accurate, hand-drawn map of the cave exists. You can find it in the reference section of Plymouth Library.
Unique Wildlife
Pridhamsleigh Cavern is home to a special creature. It is the only known place for a tiny, blind, white cave shrimp. This shrimp is only 3 millimeters long. Its scientific name is Niphargus glenniei. It was first identified in 1952 by a scientist named Spooner. This unique shrimp is found only in the southwest of England.
