Natural England (NE) recently held the first review of climbing activities at the crag since the introduction of Open Access legislation in the region.

Held at the Agencies new regional headquaters in Newcastle, the BMC were represented by Guy Keating (Regional A&C Officer), Alan Dougherty (local activist) and Peter Hay (Durham & N. Yorks access rep.). Also in attendance were NE conservation staff and Mike Ogden (Durham County Council).

To identify if climbing was damaging the important conservation features, Alan Dougherty had undertaken photo-monitoring of the crag over the past 12 months and the BMC is pleased to report that even though climbers have regularly visited the site (and produced a few new routes) there appears to be no evidence of any significant damage occurring. 

So, a big 'Thanks' to all of you who have been there and adhered to the crag guidelines. A pamphlet detailing all the important conservation features of the site will remain available from an on-site dispenser.

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