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). Hopfully unlike in 2021 Easter will not be subject to any Covid-19 restrictions. Apart from prospecting and digging key sites objectives include: divers to continue work in far reaches of Fuente Auanaz, Fridge Door Cave (1800) and sump 6 and beyond in Cueva Valline where the water flows to Cueva Renada (each about 35km); Extending the Four Valley system (over 67km) including pushing Torca la Decepción (4732) extended in 2021, that should link to the far reaches of the system.; Continue work in Hazas de Cesto and Ribamontán al Monte areas including pushing: Fuente de Villanueva; In addition scientific work re hydrological mapping, bat research, and entomology. We will coach new young members in expedition surveying and prospecting, they can then apply elsewhere and have made contact with university clubs to offer this opportunity.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 2022 this means the grant benefits a large number of British caves from different clubs and UK caving regions. in 2022 we hope to make a special effort to coach younger cavers to gain 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grant money will go towards equipment including, IT and surveying equipment (PC replacement), new drills and replacing out of date rescue medical materials, (equipment needs are lower than normal due to less caver use in 2021) and to pay for use of our temporary office in the back of the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 many were not able to attend in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid we expect more people to attend in 2022.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 2022 are mainly a repeat of those for 2021 given only limited work could be carried out due to Covid-19. 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: | 40 | Travel costs breakdown (for personnel leaving from the UK): |
Total costs from UK: | £24,100 | Ferry with car to Spain and return with up to 3 occupants - 16 x £850 Flights from Manchester to Bilbao/Santander and return - 24 x £250 (incl park at aiport. Car hire costs 10 x £450 |
# from outside UK: | 4 | Travel costs breakdown (for personnel leaving from the UK): |
Total costs from outside UK: | £1,150 | Flight Hongkong to Bilbao via Madrid - £700 plus car hire £450 In addtion there will be two from Denmark and possibly one from USA - as these three are not British their costs are not included here. |
Travel total: | £25,250 | Travel p.p. from UK: | £602 |
Travel p.p. from outside UK: | £287 |
Total: | £16,300 | Comments: |
Subsistence p.p.: | £370 | 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 (nine caving members have accommodation in area and these are at nil cost to expedition) |
Total: | £1,303 | Comments: |
Gear p.p.: | £30 | A lot of equipment to be used is from previous years and 2021 in particular when due to Covid most new equipment was not or little used. Replacement of first aid kits, £50 Sundres for surveying - paper, waterproof cases, pads etc - £50 Equipment to make safe two entrances (Plastic drainage tube, acro props, scaffolding, concrete, and Stainless re-bar - £500 Bags for tackle at £60 each x3 - £180 + one large for dry suit - £80 MILWAUKEE M12 sds rock drill and extra batteries - £370 2xShunt for dif |
Total: | £1,050 | Comments: |
Special 1 p.p.: | £24 | New Laptop and Network server (for back office in Matienzo) - £1050 |
Total: | £500 | Comments: |
Special 2 p.p.: | £11 | Hire of room at back of restaurant for expedition office £200 for both Summer (5 weeks) and Easter (3-4 weeks) |
Exped Total: | £44,403 | Exped cost p.p. travelling from UK: | £1,037 |
Exped cost p.p. travelling from outside UK: | £722 | ||
Mean Exped cost per person: | £1,009 |
Total: | £0 | Comments: |
Total shortfall: | £44,403 | Mean shortfall per person: | £1,009 |
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. Was referee in 2021 email sent to confirm same for 2022
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. Was referee in 2021 email sent to confirm same for 2022