CAVERNS IN A HOLE
Lisa Bowerman, co-owner of Stump Cross Caverns in North Yorkshire, says the attraction’s history has been put at risk by the impact of the pandemic, lockdown closures and social distancing. Now a £53,000 crowdfunding appeal has been launched.
STUMP CROSS Caverns are believed to have been formed around half-a-million years ago, with the limestone cave system in North Yorkshire discovered in 1860 by lead miners and being open to the public ever since.
But that rich history has been put at risk by the impact of the Covid pandemic, lockdown closures and social distancing.
Owners of the family-run attraction, between Pateley Bridge and Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales, say ticket sales have fallen by more than £350,000 in the past year as visitor numbers have plummeted from 60,000 to just 15,000.
To help prevent its doors closing for good, Stump Cross, a site of Special Scientific Interest, hopes to raise £53,000 through its latest two-part crowdfunder appeal, with owners, Lisa Bowerman and Nick Markham, putting their own Volkswagen T30 Campervan up as the prize in the first draw, which costs £10 to enter.
Alongside this, in return for pledging £2, the second appeal offers the chance to take part in a £500 draw, with five prizes worth £100 each up for grabs. Each winner will receive memorable Stump Cross experiences, activated upon the site reopening. Since the launch of the fundraising campaigns, more than £24,000 has been raised with more than 1,300 people entering the prize draws.
Ms Bowerman says: “We’ve worked tirelessly to offer an outstanding experience to all our customers since we took ownership of Stump Cross Caverns 18 years ago.
“Sadly, all of this is under threat unless we raise vital funds to keep us up and running.
“Our appeals will hopefully mean that we can continue to welcome visitors to the Caverns for many years to come.
“By pledging donations, our supporters will also be helping us and our local suppliers, continue trading and keep tourism alive in the Yorkshire Dales.”