The Ghar Parau Foundation

A 100% voluntary-based charity providing grant-aid assistance for British caving expeditions to all corners of the world.

Photo: Sunbeams in Doline 1 Hang Son Doong, Vietnam. (Ryan Deboodt)

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The Ghar Parau Foundation is a 100% voluntary-based charity. Through the management of an investment fund, the GPF provides grant aid to British caving expeditions, in particular those that include an element of innovative exploration or scientific study.

Since 2007, the GPF has awarded £143,750 to 217 expeditions travelling to 48 different countries.

We are also particularly keen to encourage young cavers into expedition caving. Over the last 18 years, the GPF has additionally awarded 105 individual grants to cavers going on their first foreign expedition.

Photo: Alum Pot, Yorkshire Dales, UK (Mark Burkey)

EAGRE 18

Posted on By Henry Patton

2018: EAGRE18 aimed to explore caves on the Wegener Halvø peninsula of East Greenland and, where available, collect cave sediments for palaeoclimate research. The environmentally-friendlier approach involved a return sailing trip from Iceland to Greenland. After 20 km of hiking, and with the help of drones, the majority of cave leads were discovered.

Find out more on the ‘caves’ of Wegener Halvø … Continue Reading >EAGRE 18

Pozo Azul 2017

Posted on By Henry Patton

2017: A 7 day camp was made, with an interim camp in Tipperary. The main camp was beyond Sump 3 around 8 km from the entrance. From this camp several trips were required to transport kit for a dive in S6. This sump was explored for a further 140 m to an unexpected depth of 40 m where equipment issues prevented further progress.

Read more on this cave diving exped in Spain … Continue Reading >Pozo Azul 2017

My First Expedition

Posted on By Henry Patton

“My first impression of the CUCC expo (Austria), just from talk, was that it would be hard.”

Alice Shackley recounts the first-hand experiences of her first caving expedition with the Cambridge University Caving Club. Alice was the recipient of an Alex Pitcher Award from the GPF – a grant awarded to enthusiastic young cavers going on their first expedition abroad. Read more … Continue Reading >My First Expedition

Rgsslider

Golden Age of Caving

Posted on By Henry Patton

To celebrate 50 years of pioneering British cave exploration, renowned explorers of the subterranean world will come together to share their discoveries and experiences during 4 entertaining days at the RGS, London.

A fantastic grand prize draw includes a top prize of an expenses-paid trip to Mulu National Park, Borneo!

More details on this unmissable event, incl. tickets, talks and prizes. … Continue Reading >Golden Age of Caving

Tresviso 2017

Posted on By Henry Patton

2017: Tresviso 2017 focused exploration in the Cueva del Nacimiento in the Urdon Gorge (Tresviso, Cantabria). Avens at the back end were climbed, increasing the height to +534 m from the entrance, and with more leads identified. Sump 2 in Cueva del Marniosa was dived, with dry stream passage found beyond.

Read more on this year’s accomplishments … Continue Reading >Tresviso 2017

Expedition insurance

Posted on By Henry Patton

Cavers travelling abroad on expedition have had many concerns regarding their travel insurance – is cave exploration covered? Will the insurer actually pay out?
The BCA have been working hard on behalf of their members to solve this problem and are pleased to announce the launch of BCA Member Caving Cover.
Find more details and get a quote online at: https://www.bcacavingcover.co.uk … Continue Reading >Expedition insurance