4004: Palomas, Cueva de las
Riolastras 30T 454231 4803976 (Datum: ETRS89. Accuracy code: G) Altitude 178m
Length 146m Depth 3m
Area position : Logbook search

Updated 17th May, 20th September 2019; 10th January, 2020; 20th June 2021; 22nd May 2023

This site has been explored and surveyed by the Grupo Espeleológico de Santander del C.A. Tajahierro. Their survey is published in Exploraciones en Solorzano (Santander) in Los Sótanos de la Tierra, No. 5, 1980, Santander (ref. 1980a). Unfortunately the entrance position (along with many others in the publication) is very unreliable although attempts have been made to alter the given Madrid grid reference through a Greenwich grid reference to an ETRS89 grid reference, seen above.
The site, named by los lugareños, was eventually located at Easter 2019.

The cave was surveyed by the MCP at the end of April 2019. Entering the cave immediately passes under a shaft to the surface. The left hand passage leads to a significant bat roost at the end of the cave. Bat detectors have been placed and removed (August 2020).

Archaeological remains have been discovered in the cave. In 1908 Lorenzo Sierra found paeleolothic material and medieval ceramics.

In June 2021, the Quebraduras windfarm proposals were published with generator positions, access roads and power line to Fuente las Varas. A 10-page Word doc was written outlining possible effects to the caves. This site (4004), close to generator QU-01, has bats and is an archaeology site. Possible threats include vibrations from explosions during excavation and during building works. Rotating blades also kill bats.

Bat information
Date: 3/4/2023
Evidence of occupation (only): -
Bat remains (number): -
Species identified name (number): lesser horseshoe bat (4 - 6); greater horseshoe bat (12 - 15)
Other notes:

Reference: anon., 1980a; Meijide Calvo M, 1982; Muñoz E, 1988; anon., 2014b (Easter logbook); Ruiz Cobo Jesús and Muñoz Fernández Emilio et al, 2009 (survey on page 213); anon., 2019b (Easter logbook); anon., 2019f (Christmas logbook); anon., 2020c (Spring, summer logbook); anon., 2021b (Spring logbook); Solorzano blogspot; anon., 2023b (Easter logbook)
Entrance picture :
Underground pictures : April 2019 : Carlos Lamoile Martinez
Line Survey :
Video :
Detailed survey : from anon., 1980a : April 2019
On area survey :
Survex file : April 2019

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