A resident of Draycott for many years, Martin Grass heads up the Mendip Cave Rescue team as their Chairman. His passion has always been Caving and Geology.

The Mendip Hills in Somerset are famous for their unique combination of sandstone and limestone. They are undoubtedly the custodians of countless undiscovered secrets.

After visiting Wells museum in Somerset, founded by Herbert Balch, the father of Mendip caving. Tiggi was keen to find out more about both Herbert Balch and William Boyd Dawkins. Both lived Wells and were pioneers of caving in the 1800’s. Their collaboration and work has documented some extraordinary discoveries, and dispelled some out of date theories. With Darwin on the scene, their discoveries supported a new look at the world, with evidence kept safe under the earth for millennia.

Space exploration attempts to give us the first human to step out on new turf, but costs billions. Martin happily recounts the time he was one of 6 people to discover a new cave. They christened it “The Frozen Deep” and it only cost a few quid in petrol!

Martin has been involved in countless rescues, including some high profile cases such as the Thailand footballers in 2018.

With celebrities in tow deep underground, Martin has acquired a neutral respect for politicians and church members alike.

A journey through geological history will get you thinking the next time you are “Out on the Hill”. What might be happening underneath your feet?

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