As lockdown eases and caving resumes in most places, don’t forget that you can still take a break from the mad scramble to get back to your favourite dig and relax with your tipple of choice and a copy of Descent magazine. Our friends at Wildplaces Publishing have worked as hard as ever to bring Descent to us and with the next issue about to be posted, make sure you get your copy by taking a moment to check whether your subscription is up to date.

Features include an update on some impressive discoveries made in Longcliffe mine since the last report two years ago. Painting with light is a popular activity at club bonfire night celebrations, and light painting in photography is an old technique, but rarely in caving can it be said to have reached the level of an art form. There’s now something for us to aspire to!

A question that’s often asked is how many cavers are there? Now’s your chance to find out, at least as far as Europe is concerned, with an analysis of the number of cavers active. Imperial College Caving Club’s expeditions to Slovenia’s longest cave, Sistem Migovec, have yielded yet more discoveries. Klic Globin awaits …

Mike Simms looks back at his experiences of many years spent in Ogof Draenen, from its exploration to formulating theories of its genesis, while in the north, there’s been another breakthrough in Jenga Pot – and a major, significant find at that, even if it does involve a degree of mud. And are you stuck for caving-orientated ideas during lockdown or simply fancy a new challenge? Tom Calpin set himself a one, based on a guidebook chapter.

With great sadness, Descent bids farewell to long-time cavers Fred Davies, Helen Farr and Andy Farrow.

Remember that Descent magazine is run by cavers for cavers and that your subscription means a lot in these difficult times. Every issue is packed with caving news and features, accompanied by stunning photos, and this issue holds an extra eight pages. Don’t miss out – check whether your subscription is up to take, and if you haven’t taken one out yet, then head over to Wildplaces Publishing, who’ll be delighted to welcome you on board.