VANDALISM at the entrance to the Doward complex of old mine workings, forced a consortium of groups to come together for a mass clean up of the area.

Explicit graffiti had been daubed by vandals both on the surface and underground, which led to a 'working day' being set up last Sunday so that a group, made up from The Forestry Commission and the Forest of Dean Cave Conservation and Access Group (FoDCCAG), could clear off the offensive words and restore the area to normal.

The Forestry Commission provided the tools and materials, and, as the paint that had been used was thankfully water soluble, the graffiti was completely scrubbed away by the Forestry staff and the volunteer cavers.

Special permission had to be obtained from Natural England before the cleaning process could commence, since the mine is a Site Of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the flora that grows on the damp walls, and also the fact that they are a roosting and hibernating place for bats. The bats are regularly monitored, and two entrances to the complex have been fitted with gates to ensure they are left in peace as they sleep through the winter months.

Chairman of FoDCCAG, Paul Taylor, commented: "Those of us who have spent our whole lives enjoying the Forest of Dean's underground world love exploring these caves.

"FoDCCAG is pleased to be able to assist with the removal of this spraying, and hope that others who come back and visit the area will take notice that it has been removed, and, hopefully, think twice about putting some more in its place."

Dan Howell, Deputy Gaveller at the Forestry Commission said: "We are really grateful for the support the cavers gave us on the cleaning up event. Most people who visit leave our caves and mines spotless, so it is a shame when others decide to spoil places."

He added: "Thank you to Natural England who dealt with our request quickly."

The Doward 'Pancake' Mine, as it is known to cavers, is a combination of old iron mines and natural mines and caves, and has been used for many years as a training centre for young people. They are situated on the West bank of the River Wye, near Symonds Yat.