Cave Archaeology Group
Caving, Archaeological Materials and the Law
Some caves, and the archaeological materials in them, will be protected by law. This flowchart should help you identify when a cave is protected and by what legislation. Responsible exploration is possible in protected caves but it is important to be clear about what permissions are needed. The Cave Archaeology Group can help with this. The advice on this page is provided for guidance only and should not be relied upon as a definitive statement of the legal position, if in doubt please contact the relevant government body.
Is the Cave a Scheduled Ancient Monument?
In England, Scotland and Wales, archaeological sites of national significance are protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act (1979). Sites which are protected in this way are 'listed' on the Schedule of Ancient Monuments. There are some British caves which are also Scheduled Ancient Monuments. You can find out if a cave you are interested in is protected in this way by searching the databases of the national heritage protection organisations below (search forms will open in a new window)
Yes
Do not dig or otherwise disturb the cave. Removal of any deposits from within the scheduled area (which may include land around the cave entrance) is an offence. Excavation with a Scheduled Ancient Monument can only take place if the excavator and landowner have been granted scheduled monument consent in advance by the relevant Inspector of Ancient Monuments.
No
Most caves are not Scheduled. However, they may still contain archaeological remains which are protected in other ways, continue with the flowchart...
Have human remains been found at the site?
You can use the University of Bristol Spelaeological Society website to search Professor Andrew Chamberlain's gazetteer of British caves containing archaeological human remains. This will let you know if anyone has previously found human remains in the cave (search form will open in a new window)
Yes
The cave is a known burial site. Before any excavation takes place you must have a licence in place from the Ministry of Justice to remove human remains. This licence sets out who is responsible for the remains and what processes are in place to ensure they are treated with respect. MoJ licences have been granted for cave exploration work in the past. Contact the CAG for advice on how to apply for one and continue with the flowchart...
No
The cave may still contain archaeological remains which are protected in other ways, continue with the flowchart...
Is the cave part of an SSSI?
Many caves are in landscapes which are protected as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The citation for the SSSI sets out what features make the landscape significant and these often include the archaeological and geological contents of the caves. You can find out if the cave is within an SSSI by searching the databases of the national environmental protection organisations below (search forms will open in a new window)
Yes
The cave and its contents are likely to be protected. Before any excavation takes place you and the landowner must have consent from Natural England, NatureScot or Natural Resources Wales. Contact the CAG for advice on how to apply for this.
No
The cave may still contain sensitive archaeological remains. Explore with caution and please keep the CAG and the relevant statutory bodies informed.