English Nature are expressing concern over drilling at Rubicon Wall…

English Nature have contacted the BMC to express concern over the appearance of a number of drilled holes in the otherwise largely pristine wall of Piranha. Rubicon Wall lies within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which is protected by law, and for which English Nature are responsible. A member of their staff was rebuffed by climbers drilling blatantly away on the afternoon of Sunday 11 August when she inquired as to what authority they had to inflict the damage they were causing. The area of rock in question is described in the Wye Valley guidebook as featuring 'bold traditional routes'. The holes are large - at least 18mm diameter - and grouped in the lower half of the rock below the bedding plane. Some are less than two feet above the ground. They are apparently random and do not follow any line. It appears some have been there for some time. Their purpose is obscure, unless drilling finger pockets has become the 21st century's contribution to chipping. If their purpose is obscure, the position of English nature is not. Apparently wanton damage to a SSSI by climbers will have only one consequence: the total exclusion of climbers. Treasure Rubicon Wall of lose it.

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