gorge gorge limestone gorge near village somerset england gorge site caves britain oldest complete human skeleton estimated years old found older remains era years ago found caves produced activity underground river contain gorge called including caves attractions tourist destination poll radio_times readers following appearance television programme named second greatest natural wonder britain surpassed dan caves gorge attracts visitors year geology gorge lying southern edge maximum depth gorge near vertical cliff face south steep grassy slopes north road runs gorge area slate limestone limestone series contain fossil debris evidence seen rock places strata resulted formation immature soils gorge formed floods cold periods occurred million years ice ages blocked caves ice frozen mud limestone melted summers water forced flow surface carved gorge warmer periods water flowed underground limestone creating caves leaving gorge dry today gorge river underground river emerges lower river maintain series dams ponds supply nearby diameter pipe takes water upstream public park gorge opposite jacob ladder gorge susceptible flooding great flood flow water washed large gorge damaging cafe entrance cave washing away cars cave flooding lasted days road gorge closed weeks following damage road surface extensive flooding ownership south gorge owned administered bath estate cliffs north gorge owned year gorge owners contribute funds clearance bush trees area commercial visitor activity gorge owned south including access main commercial caves visitor centre operated owned company director fact tourist numbers dropped caves year 1980s runs estate behalf family trust proposed installation metres cable car estimated cost taking visitors entrance area caves directly cliffs opposed proposed development stating view experience creating ride area feel like amusement park planning permission gained spring operations start spring ecology notable species gorge include yellow mice slow worms rare large blue butterfly small pearl bordered wide variety wild birds seen including flora include chalk grassland loving species wild pink known grows wild gorge common gorge declined picked collectors home unique species nationally rare little robin nationally scarce species include slender dwarf mouse ear rock occur gorge areas southern britain found gorge important site survey carried nationwide survey species identified new species previously unknown science nineteen specimens oval shaped leaves named specimens leaves brown bark named twin cliffs thirteen long narrow leaves named rock evolved cross common grey unique gorge survival threatened goats introduced specifically growth new trees encourage rare plant species pink taken trees grown estate large land introduced goats programme encourage biodiversity area goats intended replace sheep gorge 1970s announced march plans release flock sheep gorge purpose consult local residents interested parties fence gorge introduce cattle prevent sheep small flock feral sheep gorge caves main caves open public gorge owned extensive cave smaller cox cave named respective known geology suggested caves site prehistoric cheese making cave discovered leads rock face contains variety large rock chambers formations cox cave discovered smaller contains intricate formations cox cave turned walk experience theatrical lighting video projection gorge caves home colonies greater lesser bats channel_4 television programme investigated cooper hole attempt find evidence human activity caves inspirations caves helm deep towers caves scheduled ancient monuments nationally important archaeological sites including old cave great hole hole soldier hole recreational use cliff road runs gorge offers popular climb maximum gradient ascent featured stage tour britain officially graded rock climbing routes cliffs generally open october march year routes named included majority climbs traditional means leader places protection sport routes bolts left place scale coronation street route visitors gorge experienced number accidents rescue services including local mountain rescue cave rescue groups frequently use gorge stage exercises training location military rescue helicopter pilots inspired discovery ancient contains information caves development exhibits include original flint tools human remains excavated caves walk jacob ladder crest gorge road views gorge experience offered path steps built gorge known jacob ladder biblical description ladder heavens provides degree view entire area village open bus tour operates summer cheese lower gorge cultural references 1960s band caves backdrop band photo debut album included billboard hit single wild thing panel game played series sorry haven clue gorge location tower resistance fall man science fiction person shooter video game playstation developed gorge site labyrinth starring
Cheddar Gorge