Due to a still enforceable court injunction dating from 1863, which required that the stream now known to run through the cave to Wookey Hole was not polluted,Hodgkinson (Wookey Hole Paper Mill) v Ennor (St Cuthbert's Lead Works) – referenced in Irwin & Knibbs, Mendip Underground the cave is locked and access is controlled by the Bristol Exploration Club on behalf of the landowners. No novices are allowed to enter.
