Nettleden.com is a factual website presenting research and information about interesting and unusual underground locations in the South West of England. The information and photos contained on the site represents a small group of friends who enjoy photographing and researching the secrets of underground Britain.
Nettleden.com does not recommend visiting any of these locations and sites that do allow public visits are very rare. Some of the locations are in the hands of the MOD, Military Police take a very dim view of unauthorised visitors. Some locations are privately owned, even abandoned sites can still have a security presence. Some locations however are accessible but can be extremely dangerous places which should only be entered with experience and caution. Remember some locations are closed to the public for very good reasons, there are many hazards (structurally weak floors and roofs, asbestos, shear drops). Please read the safety advice below for further information on safely visiting underground locations.
If you visit any of the locations mentioned on our site please treat it with respect, these places are an incredible part of our country’s history. As the commonly used phrase goes “take only pictures and leave only footprints”.
All photos contained on this website are taken by Steve Higgins unless credited otherwise, we are happy to share the photos with anyone for web use but we ask that you ask our permission first and provide us with a link from your site.
Our views can be found on this site and this site only, forums and emails containing thoughts and comments related to Nettleden are unlikely to be officially connected to this website in any way unless stated so on this site.
It is recommended that if you wish to explorer any of the locations we list that you join a specialist society or caving club which would be able to organise official and safe visits.
If you have any queries on the above please contact Steve Higgins:
Mines, quarries and other underground spaces are dangerous and should be visited with great care and appropriate preparation. In places the roof can be extremely unstable. It is possible to get lost in the maze of passages but this may be avoided by using a survey where available and keeping to suggested routes. To help avoid accidents and conserve the environment of these sites visitors should observe these basic rules:
Never touch any props or displaced blocks - these may be supporting the roof.
Avoid places where the roof is obviously unsound
Carry the correct equipment and wear suitable clothing (see below)
Never visit the mine alone
Always let someone know that you are visiting the mine and your expected time of return
Let the same person know your intended route or area of exploration
Observe the privacy of those who live near the mines
Do not try to force an entry into Ministry of Defence or any other opporational underground facilites
Suggested Equipment
Nettleden.com suggested you take the following when going underground:
Helmet or hard hat
A boiler suite or protective overalls
Sensible footwear
A hands-free head lamp
A 4-cell hallogen torch
A spare torch or lamp plus spare batteries
A compass and maps where available
A first aid kit
Candels as markers
A camera
A bottle of water
A mars bar
a good place to buy caving equipment is Bat Products in Wells
Underground Exploration and the Law
Trespass means going onto land or entering a building without permission. It is not a criminal offence, but a civil matter. Therefore it is nothing to do with the police. A person (e.g. a security guard) may use reasonable force to remove you, but only if they are on the land or in the building at the time. However it is a criminal offence to commit criminal damage getting onto land or into a building.
Act: Common Law Subject: Trespass
Any intentional, reckless or negligent entry into land or premises is a trespass if the building or land is in possession of another who does not consent to entry. An occupier and those acting on behalf of the occupier are entitled to use reasonable force to remove trespassers from the land. This is a matter of civil law. Power of Arrest: n/a
Section: 68 Act: Criminal Justice Act 1994 Subject: Aggravated Trespass
It is an offence for a person to trespass on land in the open air, and do there anything which is intended to:
intimidate so as to deter,
obstruct, or
disrupt persons engaged or about to engage in lawful activity on that or adjacent land in the open air.
Land includes highways which are footpaths, bridleways, cycle tracks, byways open to all traffic (BOATS) or roads used as public paths (RUPPS). Does not include other highways and roads or any building.
s68(4) - A constable may arrest any person he reasonably suspects is committing the offence. Max. Sentence Magistrates Court: 3 months / Level 3 fine. Method of Trial: Summarily Power of Arrest: Statutory Power of Arrest
Section: 1 Sub-Section: 1 Act: Criminal Damage Act 1971 Subject: Destroying Or Damaging Property
A person who without lawful excuse destroys or damages any property belonging to another intending to destroy of damage any such property or being reckless as to whether any such property would be destroyed or damaged shall be guilty of an offence.
Damage less than £5000 tried summarily. Max. Sentence Magistrates Court: 6 months and/or £5000 fine Max. Sentence Crown Court: 10 years, 14 years if racially aggravated Power of Arrest: Arrestable Offence
