Thrupe Lane Swallet
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Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST603457 | — | Favourable | 0.46 | 2010-12-07 |
Geology & landscape
Geological Feature: Cave / Cavern, Geological Fault, Sinkhole / Pothole
Landscape processes: Karst
Description
Area, 0.50 ha. 1.24 ac. Description Thrupe Lane Swallet is a small, single pothole cave system which shows a form of development not seen elsewhere in the Mendips. Its particular uniqueness derives from the fact that the system is dominated by a series of deep and mainly vertical passages, which follow fault lines, natural joints in the rock and mineral veins and which reach a depth of 117 metres. The significance of the system derives from the very marked and obvious control of the cave form which is exerted by lines of natural weakness within the limestones. The effect of the Thrupe Fault, a major dislocation within the area, is particularly well known.