The latest edition of Cave and Karst Science is now with us. It contains six papers and a photo spread.

Max Moseley discusses Charles Chilton and the late 19th century discovery of ‘well shrimps’ in New Zealand which he describes as “a case study in serendipity and contingency in speleobiology. They were discovered in 1881 and described by Charles Chilton (1860–1929), then a young Canterbury College (Christchurch) M.A. student studying crustacean taxonomy. These were the first groundwater (phreatic) fauna reported in the Southern Hemisphere. The finding significantly extended the known global range and ecological richness of aquatic subterranean ecosystems. While interest elsewhere prioritized their taxonomy and classification, Chilton spent the next fifteen years also considering their zoogeography, ecology, and evolution. He did this in his spare time balancing school teaching and research, and despite a physical disability that limited his ability to do fieldwork. He received specimens and information from others, especially William Walter Smith (1852–1942), an estate gardener and competent amateur naturalist whose employment at the time enabled him to travel and make collections and observations at various locations around South Island. Chilton’s observations and perceptive insights on these (and on similar subterranean Crustacea found in Europe) were ahead of their time, potentially advancing speleobiology if heeded. But his work was under appreciated and it did not have the impact that it deserved. This is attributed to multiple factors, primarily the domination of American and French non-Darwinian thinking in this sub-science, the contemporary emphasis on classical taxonomy within biology, blinkered insular attitudes towards colonial science, and wider social factors. This case-study illustrates how scientific discovery can be shaped by the complex interplay between serendipity, individual enterprise, and a multiplicity of contingent factors.

Phil Murphy and Andrew Chamberlain write about Additional possible finds of flint implements at Kirkhead Cavern, and the legacy of excavations by the Lancaster Cavern and Mine Research Society. Artefacts unearthed during the early digging are described broadly, and considered in their stratigraphical context, alongside the results of limited isotopic dating of material recovered from the site, leading to a conclusion that the chronostratigraphical record extends back at least as far as the Palaeolithic. Additionally, two newly rediscovered flint flakes, previously collected at the site, are described, discussed and illustrated.

A second offering on speleobiology sees Stephen Donovan giving a brief review of the Invertebrate palaeontology of Wait-a-Bit Cave, Jamaica. Caves may be important sites for fossil collectors. Specimens younger than the cave may form part of the sediment fill; fossils older than the cave may be identified in the sedimentary rocks forming the walls. Both forms of occurrence are known from the bountiful caves in the Cenozoic limestones of Jamaica. The Wait-a-Bit Cave, parish of Trelawny, is a notable example of the latter. The cave penetrates the Eocene Stettin Formation, Yellow Limestone Group. Echinoids and larger benthic foraminifers are well-known from this site; molluscs await detailed systematic investigation; one notable occurrence of the boring Entobia is the only trace fossil known; and groups such as bryozoans, scleractinian corals and decapod crustaceans are unknown, yet likely to be present. The undescribed elements of the invertebrate fauna of this cave await adequate investigation and would form an ideal study for a postgraduate degree.

Vince Simmonds presents an interim report on radiocarbon dates obtained on human remains recovered from an Early Neolithic burial site at Kewstoke Road rock shelter, Weston-super-Mare. Following the recovery of human remains from a burial site associated with a rock shelter at Kewstoke Road, near Weston-super-Mare, several samples were sent for radiocarbon dating. Four radiocarbon dates have so far been obtained on a representative selection of samples from the site, the obtained dates ranging between 3784–3651 BC and 3501–3351 BC. These radiocarbon dates place the timing of the burials within the Early Neolithic period. Findings from Kewstoke Road are compared with other discoveries of Early Neolithic remains in the caves of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, UK.

David William Gill, David Clucas and Martin Laverty give an overview of the Caves and karst of SW Sarawak, Malaysia. The caves, if not the exposed outcrops, of spectacular tropical karst, in the Bau–Serian area of western Sarawak have largely been incidental to studies published on the area during the past four decades. This Report collates and updates known information on the history, caves, karst, biodiversity, conservation, protection, threats, tourism potential and references, as compiled by the authors over this period. Despite almost two centuries of increasing knowledge of the area by outside authorities, the karst of SW Sarawak is not well-known. Mapping of most known caves is rudimentary, and it is likely that the known caves constitute only a small proportion of the those that exist. Unless cave exploration and the speleological sciences become established pursuits and accepted foci of study in Sarawak, with dedicated research projects, it seems that quarrying will remain as a serious threat and continue to destroy caves of historical, economic, and environmental importance.

In the final paper of this issue, Phil Murphy discusses the possible hypogene speleogenesis of Stump Cross Caverns, North Yorkshire. This cave system is formed in folded and faulted limestone strata situated in the transition zone between the Askrigg Block high and the Craven Basin. It consists of large tubular passages connected by smaller passages or rifts, and has a distinctive multi-level maze-like plan, unlike that of any other cave in the region. A re-evaluation of the morphology and a review of the previous studies undertaken in and around the cave system suggest a possible origin linked to hypogene karstification.

The final contribution to the issue is a photo feature compiled by John Gunn of Hydrological anomalies in Magpie Sough, Ashford, Derbyshire.

Cave and Karst Science is published three times a year. The publication contains a wealth of information and represents excellent value for money for anyone with an interest in the science of caves. It is well-presented throughout, with a clear, attractive layout and numerous high-quality illustrations. Access to the online version of Cave and Karst Science is wholly open, at no cost to authors and with no requirement for readers to either join BCRA or to register. Details may be found here.