Harrisons Rocks
Most of our local classes happen at Harrison's Rocks. These remain to be the best known of the outcrops in the South East mostly due to a large number of good climbs at most grades of difficulty. Given our Groombridge base this great climbing spot is only a mile away.
To reach Harrison's Rocks, head south from Groombridge, passing the shops on your right and the Junction Inn. At the first fork go right and after two hundred metres turn right down a narrow lane (watch out for the small sign for Birchden Wood). At the end of the lane you'll find the car-park with toilet facilities.
Sandstone rock is very fragile and it is always important to protect it as much as possible to prevent erosion. Soft soled shoes should only be worn, and every effort should be made to ensure that running ropes are not in contact with the rock. Climbers are asked to untie their rope at the top of a climb and walk back down to the bottom, rather than lowering off. Abseiling is not permitted here.
Harrison's Rocks is now owned by the BMC and donations to the BMC for the upkeep of the rocks will always be welcomed. Their website for more information is www.thebmc.co.uk.
There is a 'Sandstone Volunteers Group',
www.sandstonevolunteers.nildram.co.uk, who help to
maintain the rocks by:
- disseminating the objects of 'The Sandstone Code' and encouraging good
practice' which will prevent the heavy wear and tear to which the rock
has been subjected over many years - carrying out work to clear overgrowth and brush where appropriate
- repairing damaged rock, discouraging grafitti and other gratuitous
damage - recognizing and protecting unique areas of rock where botanical or
geological SSSI status could threaten future access - encouraging participation in projects as they arise by enlisting the
help of professional and voluntary bodies, where applicable, and the
climbing community - creating sustainable use of this unique climbing area through
maintaining good relationships with the owners and custodians of the
crags"
If you would like to get involved with this essential rock maintenance
then the Sandstone Volunteers Group would be pleased to hear from you.
The Steve Durkin Sandstone Trust
Sandstone Climbing is a fragile activity, both in terms of the rocks and its environment, and climbers' rights to actually access and climb on those rocks. Sandstone climbers have long respected and cared for the rocks' natural environment, and have well established relationships with organisations such as English Nature and English Heritage. Sandstone climbers have also built up good relationships with landowners, having nurtured a responsible approach to maintain access to many of the outcrops.
There is no guarantee this happy situation will remain forever. The fact is there is only an 'automatic right' to climb at Harrison's Rocks, and Stone Farm Rocks. All the other outcrops are situated on land to which climbers do not have free right to climb. This includes important outcrops such as Bowles Rocks, High Rocks, Eridge Green Rocks and Bulls Hollow.
The future is uncertain. The Steve Durkin Sandstone Trust is looking ahead, and has been set up to care and provide for climbers' interests with the aim of making access to the wide range of sandstone climbing more secure, and to ensure climbers are able to enjoy the very special sandstone climbing experience for years to come, and for future generations beyond.
To achieve these aims, The Steve Durkin Sandstone Trust is generating a fund, and will create opportunities to further its aims. The Trust which is an accountable legal entity, is administered by respected local climbers on a voluntary basis. They have a long history of being involved caring for The Rocks and their environment. They are; Graham Adcock, Nigel Head, Tim Skinner, Sarah Cullen and Tim Daniells, and they act in the capacity of Trustees to the Trust. The Trust is independent of other bodies, but naturally will work closely with the British Mountaineering Council.
For more information on this new and innovative approach to the climbing environment, please contact Tim Daniells - 01892 863007/timothy415@btinternet.com or have a look at the website http://www.sdst.org.uk/
