The Tratman Award is presented annually in memory of UBSS member Professor E.K. ‘Trat’ Tratman and goes to the best caving-related, paper-based publication. Chris Howes, on behalf of the judges, announced this year’s winner at Hidden Earth.

The Tratman Award recognises excellence in caving publications, so the judges have an annual task to read as widely as possible to seek out quality writing, presentation and production. Many elements are taken into consideration: the quality of printing and binding as well as whether a journal series shows improvement rather than continuing in what might be an already high standard. As this is a British award made in memory of pioneer caver E.K. Tratman, only British authors or British publications are eligible – including not only books, but also journals and individual articles within these.

The judges are independent of the sponsor, the British Cave Research Association (BCRA), which ratifies the decision and covers the cost of creating the trophy. For the publications of 2025 the judges, this year being Joe Duxbury, Chris Howes, Alan Jeffreys, Chris Scaife and Linda Wilson, whittled down suggestions into a shortlist which then became shorter, producing the following in alphabetical order of author:

High Pasture Cave by Steven Birch and Jo McKenzie: A more academic title than one for light reading at over 600 pages in hardback, High Pasture Cave – which concerns archaeological work in this cave on the island of Skye – is well laid out and engaging to read, as well as making a definitive record of finds.

Ogof Ffynnon Ddu by Peter Collings-Wells: Peter’s concept was to produce a book of high-quality photographs tracing the course of Ogof Ffynnon Ddu, adding suitable captions and topics such as conservation and restoration in the system, the huge Smithy rescue and the genesis of the cave. The resulting volume is a tribute to all concerned, especially with donations to cave rescue and South Wales Caving Club from every sale.

Windrush. An Underground Cotswold Stone Quarry, edited by Joe Duxbury and Jonathan Maisey: This well-researched book on the historic mine in Gloucestershire is a model for further mining books, especially those privately published, with coverage not only of the known passages and miners’ graffiti but also of its history, archaeological artefacts and surveys. A fine production.

Giant Caves of Gunung Mulu and Buda, Sarawak, by David Gill: With the idea of updating Mike Meredith and Jerry Wooldridge’s 1992 book Giant Caves of Borneo, Dave Gill wrote new text and collated photographs from across many expeditions. He had completed work when he died in 2024, so the title was published posthumously. Its coverage is inspirational and well deserves reaching this list.

The series of articles on Redhouse Lane Swallet by Tim Nichols in Descent (302, 304 and 306): Gaining the Tratman Award shortlist for the second year running, again writing about Forest of Dean exploration, is Tim Nichols. He benefited from the latest discoveries providing exciting subject matter, but he then covered this in excellent and interesting detail.

Mulu Caves 2024, edited by Roo Walters: The reports on the many and varied expeditions to Mulu in Malaysia have, over the years, increased in quality and breadth and the recent ones are now far more readily available to cavers who were not part of the team. The most recent editor is Roo Walters, who has maintained the high standard attained over the past few years.

The Cave Explorer by Kate Winter: Kate Winter’s latest book may not be well known within the caving community, as it is intended for children. It is superbly written and beautifully illustrated as well as being filled with fun facts – so much so that it is a delight to read even by adults, making it well worthwhile seeking out a copy and a must if you have your own young offspring.

After much discussion and arguments raising the profile of – in particular – for their extremely high quality, Windrush and The Cave Explorer, the final accolade goes to Ogof Ffynnon Ddu with many congratulations to Peter Collings-Wells for bringing the project to fruition. Peter will receive a hand-made statuette featuring the book crafted by artist Ceris Jones, which he will retain as a physical reminder of his gaining this prestigious award.

Correspondent: Chris Howes, for the judges