The site is situated 90 metres NW of Foxholes Farm and 455 metres S of Farlow village and is found adjacent to the western side of a rough track leading up to the village from the valley bottom. It is best approached by taking the farm lane at GR SO 6448 8014, sited on the NW side of the road from Clee Hill to Oreton village.
This property is strictly private and permission to visit must be obtained from the owner of Foxholes Farm. At present, NO DIGGING or EXPLORATION is allowed on this property (17 May 1979)
Description
This site is NO LONGER IN EXISTENCE
The doline was about 2 to 3 metres in depth ‚ - 23 metres SE of Foxholes Main sink. The doline took large quantities of water in flood conditions. The site was recorded and excavated by Duncan Glasfurd (Northern Pennine Club) and colleagues in 1968: a shaft of 6 metres was excavated at the base of the doline which led into a narrow rift and then into a small chamber. Blasting revealed an additional lower chamber which showed signs of being submerged in flood conditions. Glasfurd noted that the doline took a lot of water during flood and that it must connect with the main sink. It was at this stage of the exploration a large slab or boulder blocked further progress. This obstruction was duly blasted but the result was never ascertained due to the tragic death of Glasfurd who was killed whilst exploring the Lancaster-Easegill system in Aug.1969. No further digging at this site has taken place since.
Subsequently, in 1977, the result of farm cattle falling into the doline caused the owner of the property to become involved in expensive rescue and compensation costs which incited the owner to completely fill in the doline so ending Glasfurd's interesting excavation and the existence of this site. Further to this, the owner has placed a complete ban on any further digs and explorations on his property.
History
Site also visited and recorded by Hereford Caving Club 1973,
Hydrology
Conservation
Survey
References
Proc, Geol. Soc, Jan.8th. 1862: The Garb. Limestone of Oreton and Farlow, Glee Hills, Shropshire by Prof. J.Morris and Mr, G.E.Roberts. Ref,p,96: Source of a Mole River is a stream which loses itself in a hollow called Foxholes.
