Finds during 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009  (More...)
www.matienzo.org.uk hosted by University of Lancaster Geography Dept
Introduction to the web site

3341 cave sites with descriptions, surveys, entrance and underground pictures.
Updated: Jan 2010
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Cave search
Updated: Dec 2009

Matienzo maps and aerial photos

Archaeological remains in over 70 caves.

Cantabrian government site.


Contacts for information about the caves, web site, expeditions, etc.

The history of cave exploration around Matienzo.

Matienzo flowers & trees (ppt file)

Matienzo 50 Years logo

Cave conservation

Selected photos of
cave passage and formations
around Matienzo

Links to scientific work

Maps and photos about Spain and Cantabria.

Surface photos from around Matienzo

Travel, accommodation & Matienzo weather

Other caving pages

Matienzo bibliography and Spanish-English caving dictionary

The Google Group for Matienzo Caves

Expedition details

Background reading & general interest

Threats
Quarry / cantera
Wind farms / parques eólicos

Speleology in Matienzo - updated November 2009
The 26km2 enclosed depression of Matienzo is about 30km south east of Santander in northern Spain. The imperviously-floored valley is surrounded by limestone hills with water resurging into the basin at a number of points and sinking at the northern end. Notable caves are included in the 3341 documented sites, e.g. The Four Valleys System (over 52km long), Cueva Vallina (31.7km) and the almost-linked South Vega System (over 31.4km). There are also numerous sites of archaeological interest, with extensive Iron Age deposits.
A major Spanish caving expedition took place in the summer of 1964 and British-led caving expeditions have been occuring up to 3 or 4 times a year since the late 60‘s. The amount of known cave passage in the area has risen from some five or six km to over 302km (Jan 2010). On average, three to five kilometres of cave are found each year, although in 1989, 2008 and 2009 over 15km, 13km and 14.8km respectively was surveyed. Collaboration with Spanish groups has resulted in new cave exploration. An area map shows the major caves. 
Permission to explore is given by the Cantabrian government and Spanish speleological authorities within both geographical (about 94km2) and time limits. Good relations are kept with the villagers, the caving authorities, and other spanish caving groups. We have the support of the Ghar Parau Foundation which recommended UK Sport grants of £600 in 2001 and £750, £200 and £400 annually to 2004 and £450, £250 in 2006, £300 in 2007 and 2008, and £400 in 2009.
During the expeditions, many cavers camp in the field behind German's Bar. The restaurant is a computing and drawing up area.
Hostel accommodation is available in the village, at Bar Tomás in Ogarrio ((0034) 942 641120) and the Restaurante Pension Anjana near Ramales.
If you have photos, cave descriptions or other information to contribute please get in touch.

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