External Links - William Pengelly Cave Studies Trust

British Caving Association

The Trust was one of the organisations that participated in the formation of the National Caving Association in 1970 and was instrumental in setting up the Association’s Conservation and Access Group. The NCA has now become the British Caving Association (BCA) and the Trust remains a constituent member alongside representatives of national and regional interests in caving, cave research and cave conservation. Information about BCA is available at its website

Explore More

The Devon and Cornwall Underground Council

The Devon and Cornwall Underground Council (DCUC) is the regional caving council for Devon and Cornwall. It is an organisation composed of individuals, caving clubs and other organisations who are interested in caving and exploring mines within this area. DCUC is a constituent member of the British Caving Association

Explore More

Devon Cave Rescue Organisation

Devon Cave Rescue Organisation (DCRO) is a volunteer-run search and rescue charity, comprised of local cavers who assist others who may be lost or injured in the caves or mines of Devon. Team members are on call, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to ensure injured and sick casualties are safely delivered into hospital care. They also regularly help search for missing children and vulnerable adults above and below ground

Explore More

Plymouth Caving Group

The Plymouth Caving Group was formed in 1963 and is affiliated to the British Caving Association. It has links to the Devon and Cornwall Underground Council and is associated with the Pengelly Centre in Buckfastleigh, where it holds meetings, keep equipment and houses its library. It is associated with Devon Cave Rescue, which is made up partly of our own members.

Explore More

Devon Speleological Society

Founded in 1947, the DSS is one of the oldest established caving clubs in the country with active members aged from 18 to 70+. The club focuses on making the majority of club trips suitable for both the novice with limited experience and the very experienced caver, adapting the trips to the ability of those attending, and making these enjoyable and safe.

Explore More

Natural England

The designation of the Centre as a Site of Special Scientific Importance (SSSI) was originally made in the 1960s by the Nature Conservancy Council. Oversight of the SSSI has now passed to Natural England and the Trust normally expects to consult over any changes to the site that would affect the caves and bats.

Explore More

Devon Wildlife Trust

The Higher Kiln Quarry site and its boundary fields and land are a local nature reserve now owned by the Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) which leases the buildings area and access to the quarry and caves to the Pengelly Trust. The two Trusts operate a management committee that meets as the need arises and DWT contributes to the upkeep of the quarry area. DWT is one of the county wildlife trusts.

Explore More

Dartmoor National Park

The cave studies Centre and quarry, which are within the Teignbridge District Council area, are also within the Dartmoor National Park. The Trust has had good and productive relations with the Park Authority.

Explore More

Devon Bat Group

Devon Bat Group is one of a large number of bat groups across the whole of the UK and was formed in 1984 by a group of people concerned about the decline of British bats. As part of its work the Group conducts an annual count of bats in and around Buckfastleigh Hill, including in the caves in Higher Kiln Quarry.

Explore More