The Ghar Parau Foundation

A 100% voluntary-based charity providing grant-aid assistance for British caving expeditions to all corners of the world.

Photo: Sunbeams in Doline 1 Hang Son Doong, Vietnam. (Ryan Deboodt)

Apply for funding

The Ghar Parau Foundation is a 100% voluntary-based charity. Through the management of an investment fund, the GPF provides grant aid to British caving expeditions, in particular those that include an element of innovative exploration or scientific study.

Since 2007, the GPF has awarded £154,450 to 230 expeditions travelling to 48 different countries.

We are also particularly keen to encourage young cavers into expedition caving. Over the last 18 years, the GPF has additionally awarded 117 individual grants to cavers going on their first foreign expedition.

Photo: Alum Pot, Yorkshire Dales, UK (Mark Burkey)

Bolting Anfängerglückhöhle (© Daniel Gorst)

CUCC Totes Gebirge Expedition 2025

Posted on By Henry Patton

We explored 3.7 km of new cave passage. Continued exploration in Kaninchenhöhle extended it by 2,210 m, while Balkonhöhle was pushed to a new deepest point of –622 m. 28 new caves were prospected and surveyed, most notably Gruffalohöhle and Anfängerglückhöhle, both with promising leads to return to. It was the first expedition for 9 cavers.

Report | Photo: Anfängerglückhöhle, Austria (© Daniel Gorst)

Luke Cafferty in the entrance of Helms Deep (© Rob Eavis)

Albania 2025

Posted on By Henry Patton

The Eldon’s expedition to northern Albania in 2025 was yet again a resounding success. During the week the small team managed 42 man days on the mountain, a big ask even before descending any caves, with some team members clocking up +7000m elevation gain. 30 new caves were logged, half of which explored, with some still ongoing.

Report | Photo: Helms Deep, Albania (© Rob Eavis)

Divers in Sump1, Pozo Azul, Spain (© Pedro Gonzalez)

Pozo Azul 2025

Posted on By Henry Patton

Objectives 2025: test a new radio location/communication device, survey all side passages and explore sump 6. The water levels this year were several inches higher than usual, with poor visibility. Thus it was only possible fo ther radio location objective to be completed. A significant connection between the sink and the resurgence in a nearby system was achieved.

Report | Photo: Divers in Sump 1, Pozo Azul, Spain (© Pedro Gonzalez)

Newly found streamway in C29 Torca Brana Espina (© Julian Carter)

Tresviso 2025

Posted on By Henry Patton

On the 50th anniversary of British exploration in the Tresviso area, a new streamway, with multiple unexplored ways on and inlets in all directions, was discovered in a previously rarely visited cave. Directly between the resurgence cave and the high plateau caves, the main trunk route through the mountain appears to have been found!

Report | Photo: Newly found streamway in C29 Torca Brana Espina (© Julian Carter)

Cave prospecting in the forested hillsides surrounding Matienzo. (© SUSS)Cave prospecting in the forested hillsides surrounding Matienzo. (© SUSS)Cave prospecting in the forested hillsides surrounding Matienzo. (© SUSS)

Mattienzo Caves Project Summer 2025

Posted on By Henry Patton

SUSS’s expedition to Matienzo unearthed approximately 560 metres split across three caves. 500 metres was found in Rascavieja, including a sizeable chamber named ‘Resit Chamber’. A new 30m boulder-choked streamway was found at the end of Carcavuezo, with water detritus suggesting surface connection. 30 metres and a sump was found in Canal Cave.

Report | Photo: Cave prospecting in the forested hillsides surrounding Matienzo. (© SUSS)

Zarris studying cave Racer Snake (© Bartek Biela)

Mulu Caves 2024

Posted on By Henry Patton

The expedition split into 2 main groups 1 based at Camp 5, the other at HQ. At Camp 5 we photographed Defiance and the Velodrome, then continued exploration in Whiterock; the hoped for northern entrance was not found. HQ did science and a large amount of exploration but no major connections were found. A small hill near the airport gave Jarau Cave.

Report | Photo: Zarris studying cave Racer Snake (© Bartek Biela)

Mountaineering expedition cover

Mount Everest Foundation (MEF) tightens its criteria for expedition support

Posted on By Howard Jones

The MEF was established after the successful first ascent of Everest in 1953 and each year gives financial support to expeditions that apply and meet its criteria. Expeditions must take place in a mountain environment with an emphasis summarized by high, remote, exploratory, and quality of exploration. … Continue Reading >Mount Everest Foundation (MEF) tightens its criteria for expedition support

Chris Hayes in M10, an ice cave not yet connected to the main system, but directly above it. Pickaxe in hand, on the way to dig at draughting holes. (Photo used in Descent 300) (© Ben Richards)

Spring ’25 funded expeds

Posted on By Henry Patton

A total of £6000 was awarded across nine caving expeditions by the GPF Committee during the latest round of funding in March 2025. A further 12 Alex Pitcher awards of £100 each were also granted to young cavers going on their first expedition abroad.

The funded expeditions submitted this round will see cavers visiting Spain, Albania, Austria, Greece, and Slovenia.

Browse the archive map to find out more about the funded expeditions’ objectives

Photo: Photo: M10 ice cave, Slovenia. (© Ben Richards)