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M a t i e n z o C a v e s P r o j e c t | ||
Explorations during 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and more, including logbooks | www.matienzocaves.org.uk hosted at One.com ![]() |
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Web site intro Matienzo Caves Project & Minutes Summary statistics 5003 cave sites with descriptions, surveys and photographs. Updated: Sept 2019 QUICK ACCESS QUICK CODE SEARCH Updated: Sept 2019 Cave search Updated: Sept 2019 Logbook search Updated: Sept 2019 Matienzo docs, maps and aerial photos Archaeological remains in over 120 caves. Cantabrian government site. Contacts Cave exploration around Matienzo. Matienzo flowers, trees (ppt file) & gastropods |
Cave conservation Matienzo environment Castellano : English Selected photos of cave passage and formations around Matienzo Links to scientific work Resources for Spain and Cantabria. Surface photos from around Matienzo Travel, accommodation & Matienzo weather Other caving pages Matienzo bibliography and Spanish-English caving dictionary The Google Group for Matienzo Caves Expedition details Background reading & general interest Threats • Quarry / cantera • Wind farms / parques eólicos |
• L A T E S T U P D A T E S •
Matienzo Speleology - updated September 2019 The 26km² enclosed depression of Matienzo is about 30km south east of Santander in northern Spain. The imperviously-floored valley is surrounded by limestone hills with water resurging into the basin at a number of points and sinking at the northern end. Notable caves are included in the 5003 documented sites, e.g. The Four Valleys System (67.1km long), Cueva Vallina (35.3km) and the almost-linked South Vega System (34.6km). There are also numerous sites of archaeological interest, with extensive Iron Age deposits. Scientific work by staff and students from Lancaster University has revealed past climates with possible links to the Neanderthal demise. A major Spanish caving expedition took place in the summer of 1964 and British-led caving expeditions have been occuring up to 3 or 4 times a year since the late 60s. The length of known cave passage in the area has risen from some five or six km to 398.7km (September 2019). On average, three to five kilometres of cave are found each year, although in 1989, 2008 and 2009 over 15km, 13km and 14.8km respectively was surveyed. Collaboration with Spanish groups has resulted in new cave exploration. An area map shows the major caves. Permission to explore is given by the Cantabrian government and Spanish speleological authorities within both geographical (about 94km²) and time limits. Good relations are kept with the villagers, the caving authorities, and other spanish caving groups. We have had the support of the Ghar Parau Foundation which recommended grants for many years. Recent grants to the Matienzo Caves Expeditions can be seen here.
During the expeditions, many cavers camp in the field behind German's
Bar. The restaurant here is also the HQ - a computing and drawing up area.
Hostel accommodation is available at La Taberna in the village,
at Casa Tomás in Ogarrio and at the Restaurante Pension
Anjana near Ramales. There are also a number of self-catering facilities within a few miles of Matienzo. Search the Matienzo Caves Project site |
© Matienzo Caves Project 2019 : Photograph copyright remains with the photographers : Website by Juan Corrin |