List a short summary of the main Expedition objectives.
Note expedition main dates are Easter and Summer amounting to some 45 days, plus some work at other times by small groups (not included in figures above), but Easter will be subject to any Covid-19 restrictions still then in place. To continue pushing caves and finds made in 2019 and the limited work in 2020 including: diving and pushing dry far reaches of Fuente Auanaz; Diving sump 6 and beyond in Cueva Valline with aim to link to Cueva Renada (currently each at about 35km); Extending the Four Valley system (currently 67km) and trying to link to Cueva del Torno (5.5km); Exploring the west side of Monte Llusa (new area to expedition which had only limited work in 2020); generally pushing, digging and surveying caves in the expedition area. In addition work will continue on hydrological mapping, bat research, and entomology project. As normal we will coach new young members in expedition surveying and prospecting, they can then apply elsewhere.Please explain the aspects of the trip which make it eligible for Ghar Parau funding.
The vast majority (90%+) of expedition members are British and with over 60 caves expected to visit in 2021 this means the grant benefits a large number of British caves from different clubs and UK caving regions. The benefit of younger and new expedition members gaining experience in expedition surveying and the safety aspects is of benefit to UK caving in general and many have in the past taken these skills to expeditions elsewhere in the world. Any grant money will go towards equipment including, rope, drills/hangers; water mapping OBA, rescue medical materials, and surveying and processing (PC replacement) equipment and to pay for use of our temporary office in the back of the restaurant in the local bar. Members pay for their own travel and accommodation costs. Given we did not have our 60yrs of exploration event in 2020 we expect more people to attend in the summer when we may hold some presentations etc, but only cavers doing exploration work are listed above.Give a more detailed account of the purpose of the trip, including any particular known caves you intend to visit, specific areas where you will explore for new cave, and scientific experiments you will attempt.
The objectives for Matienzo 2021 will be dynamic in the sense we have some primary objectives, but detailed work will depend on what is found and to a certain extend weather conditions. The primary objectives are:Give details of any previous work in this area by your own and other teams. Include references to reports and articles published on the area, and the names of any local cavers or academics with whom you have discussed the Expedition.
The main way our work is made available is via our very extensive web-site where all our work is recorded with open access to our surveys, testing records and finds. This site is a model for ready and easy availability of information on all our work and finds and is available to all. In addition, the Expedition has given support to scientific work including paleoclimate studies being undertaken by Lancaster university.Travel plans: |
# from UK: | 44 | Travel costs breakdown (for personnel leaving from the UK): |
Total costs from UK: | £20,000 | Ferry with car to Spain and return with up to 3 occupants - 14 x £750 Flights from Manchester to Bilbao and return - 24 x £250 (incl park at aiport. Car hire costs 10 x £350 |
# from outside UK: | 4 | Travel costs breakdown (for personnel leaving from the UK): |
Total costs from outside UK: | £2,250 | Flight Hongkong to Bilbao via Madrid - £600 plus car hire £350 2 persons travel Denmark to Matienzo by Car - £900 incl tolls 1 person from USA (details of flight not yet known) est £400 (of above only one is British (from Hongkong) |
Travel total: | £22,250 | Travel p.p. from UK: | £454 |
Travel p.p. from outside UK: | £562 |
Total: | £996 | Comments: |
Subsistence p.p.: | £21 | Cavers provide own meals either cooking, local Bar or restaurant - at local Bar Set meals are 15€ (£14 say £16 with Breakfast - About 800 man-days on site or travelling = about £12,800 Camping and other accommodation - £3500 (note several members have accommodation in area and these are at nil cost to expedition) |
Total: | £2,215 | Comments: |
Gear p.p.: | £46 | A lot of equipment to be used is from previous years of on loan from members so does not appear in the costs. Below is new and replacement gear only. Replacement of first aid kits, rescue equipment (ID and pulleys) - £250 Sundres for surveying - paper, waterproof cases, pads etc - £100 Snappers etc to remove rock - £210 Equipment to make safe two entrances (Plastic drainage tube, acro props, scaffolding, concrete, and Stainless re-bar - £500 Bags for tackle at £25 each x5 - £125 Hangers and bolt |
Total: | £700 | Comments: |
Special 1 p.p.: | £15 | Extra equipment for cave radios (SubPhones) so they also work on "earth return" - £100 New PC equipment for surveying work etc - £600 |
Total: | £500 | Comments: |
Special 2 p.p.: | £10 | Hire of room at back of restaurant for expedition office £200 for both Summer (5 weeks) and Easter (3-4 weeks) |
Exped Total: | £26,661 | Exped cost p.p. travelling from UK: | £545 |
Exped cost p.p. travelling from outside UK: | £653 | ||
Mean Exped cost per person: | £555 |
Total: | £0 | Comments: |
No direct funding - but support from members re loan of equipment (ie not included above) including surveying equipment and all members pay own way etc. |
Total shortfall: | £26,661 | Mean shortfall per person: | £555 |
Please give the names, addresses and phone numbers of two suitably qualified people whom the Committee can contact. You should ensure that they are aware of the objectives of your trip, and that you have their permission for the Committee to contact them.
Reason: John has been to Matienzo as part of a research workshop organised by Lancaster University and is fully aware of the work of the expedition, the area and the quality of our work.
Reason: Nick is aware of the work the Matienzo expedition does as well as the benefit of having an easy to get to (both with respect of timing and location) expedition open to all that can then feed in skills to UK cavers who may then go further afield.