Comments about our publications
At Wild Places we frequently receive comments about our publications, typically about Descent magazine during our tenure of publication from 1998 to 2022, but also about our books. These are unsolicited and always very much appreciated. Some are even accompanied by a request that we should publish the kind words that they send, which we declined to do in the magazine as it never feel appropriate to use up the always limited space. However, we have recorded some of these comments here along with the Descent issue number extant when they were received – with thanks to all who keep our postbag and e-mails bright and offer such encouragement!
These, then, are comments received and recorded with the issue prevalent at the time (even though Wild Places is no longer publishing Descent, these remain as testimonials of what our readers thought of the quality of our work).
In addition, with our final issue of Descent, (288) for October 2022, many many comments were received, thanking us for past services. These are collated separately.
Descent (288), October 2022
Descent (288) was the final edition published by Wild Places, when the magazine was passed to Stalactite Publishing. A large number of comments were received when the news broke, which are collated on a separate page.
Descent (287), August 2022
Thank you for a fine magazine. A.M., Rugeley
I wanted to tell you that you put out another fantastic issue of Descent! Being a retired mechanical technician, I was fascinated with the article and photos of the Nenthead mines. My father worked in a water powered grist mill back in the 1930s, and the equipment used to power the wheel resembled the equipment in your story. M.M., USA
Please find enclosed my renewal for the next two years. Thank you for a great magazine. J.H, Rotherham
Descent (285), April 2022
As always, Descent is an amazing read. P.T., by e-mail
Still worth every penny! M.S., online
Descent (284), February 2022
Amazing issue - especially the rescue coverage - well done! D.R., by e-mail
What a stonking issue – very well done! C.N., by e-mail
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the rescue article; it was well-structured and an outstanding piece of journalism. J.M., pers. comm.
Great latest issue of Descent – as always. R.G., by e-mail
Congratulations on another excellent issue of Descent. K.L., by e-mail
Descent (283), December 2021
What a cracking issue the most recent Descent is. One of the best ever. Top article for me was probably the review of the Thai rescue film, but that’s only by a short margin over the account of the Three Counties trip (really good to read the various viewpoints), the article about Llethrid … and all the rest as well. I really appreciated the balance of historical and immediate stuff. Great photos throughout, as ever. And of course, congratulations on your 200th issue! S.R., by e-mail
It goes without saying, really, but you continue to delight us with every issue of Descent. Thank you. S.K., by e-mail
Just want to congratulate you on the outstanding job that you are doing with Descent, especially through the Perfect Storm. Each issue is packed with quality. G.J., by e-mail
It sounds like the forces of Brexit and Covid have really been against you. Keep up the good work both of you. The caving world really appreciates it. C.B., by e-mail
Once again, congratulations on another year of excellent issues of Descent; as always, you continue to maintain a superb standard. Although there has essentially been little caving going on in the UK, you have still managed to produce the usual high number of interesting articles. P.T., Reading
Just wanted to congratulate you on the outstanding job that you are doing with Descent, especially through the Perfect Storm.
Each issue is packed with quality.G.J., by e-mail
Great magazine keep up the good work. A.P., by e-mail
Thanks for a great magazine, keeping this armchair caver entertained. Two fabulous photos on the cover of issue 283! G.V., letter
Great publication and still enjoying it after all these years - thank you! J.H., by e-mail
Descent (282), October 2021
Thanks for the continued production of your high-quality publication; it is appreciated! O.H., by e-mail
Descent (279), April 2021
I would like to say a massive well done on how much you have kept Descent going with so much content during these very strange times we live in. As ever, my only complaint is that it is way too short; I now have to wait another two months for the next edition.
Seriously though, Descent is an excellent editorial; in my opinion it is fantastic value for money and I love it when it arrives. Please keep up the superb work. T.R., by e-mail
Thanks for keeping us caving during lockdown, even if it is only in our imagination or memories. H.S., by e-mail
A big thanks to the both of you for keeping Descent going through this very difficult time for everyone. Keep up the good work. You deserve a medal. P.T., by e-mail
Descent looks great. Good effort in these strange times. B.N., handwritten note
The number of pages. Number of writers to manage. Images. Everything. A tremendous amount of work is required to publish Descent, that I can see, and a deep love of publishing. We appreciate that! I truly feel good being a subscriber now. My very best wishes to the Descent magazine! R.S., Finland
Descent (278), February 2021
I greatly appreciate a hard copy when other magazines are going digital. F.H., Peak District
Thanks for giving us caves to read about whilst we can't go there! A.H., by e-mail
Descent (277), December 2020
Congratulations on continuing to produce such a valuable magazine. I've now been a subscriber for over 40 years, and continue to have a lift every time a new issue pops through the door – especially in times like these. The refreshed design and extensive use of colour really looks great! N.F., by e-mail
Pandemics may come and pandemics may go, but Descent goes on for ever. Keep up the good work. D.L., by e-mail
Just reading another excellent issue of Descent; congratulations, especially in the current context. It's nothing short of remarkable. F.P., by e-mail
Thank you for continuing to publish. A.C., by e-mail
Descent (276), October 2020
Still a great read! P.M., Ferndown
It is so good to receive such a quality magazine as Descent. Keep up the good work! J.G., by e-mail
Descent (275), August 2020
We all here in the club thoroughly look forward to the magazine when it comes out ... nothing quite like grabbing a coffee or 2, a comfy chair and a good read for a while ... something which only a 'paper' magazine will do, not online. As ever, the quality is top notch. Jonathan Maisey, by e-mail
I thought the photographs in Descent (275) were fantastic. A.M., Stafford
Y'all continue to produce a stunning cave magazine! THANK YOU! I was going to say, 'as usual' but there is nothing usual about it! Thank you from cavers across the pond. It's a ray of hope in these crazy times. A.F., by e-mail
Many thanks also for your continued work for the whole caving community! T.C., by e-mail
I have to congratulate you for continuing to produce such a fine magazine. With the current upheavals within speleo-politics, it's good to have Descent as an anchor, outside of all that, keeping us rooted. J.D., by e-mail
Descent (274), June 2020
The magazine has been excellent recently. It’s always good but the last few have been even better than usual. L.H., e-mail
Cracking magazine as per usual! H.W., by e-mail
As ever, Descent is a cracking magazine and with sky-high quality. J.M., by e-mail
Just wanted to let you know I got my binder this morning – it's fantastic quality and is going to look amazing on my shelf. J.M., by e-mail
Descent (272), February 2020
By the way, your website is brilliant! R.K., by e-mail
Descent (271), December 2019
Really loving Descent these days – thanks for all the great work that goes into it. J.H., Scotland
Keep the excellent publication going! J.G., Macclesfield
Thank you for the 2020 calendar, it's smashing! A.M., Stafford
Congratulations on another year of excellent issues of Descent. As always you maintain a superb standard. P.T., Reading
Descent (270), October 2019
I thoroughly enjoy keeping up with all the caving regions. Good work! A.T., Scotland
Many thanks once again for such an excellent publication. N.C, Wales
I'm glad to be able to renew my subscription for Descent magazine. The quality is always excellent and I always enjoy every issue. J.D., Halifax
Descent (267), April 2019
Many thanks for such a fabulous magazine and all the work you do. M.D., Wales
Descent (266), February 2019
Superb 50th issue. Love my poster! P.W., Wales
If such a thing is possible, you have surpassed yourselves yet again with the issue just out. 50 years, eh? Congratulations on such an outstanding achievement! J.C., Dales
I thought the celebration edition was awesome! Loved the gold Descent and framing, poster is an especially nice touch and the photos and write-ups are as superb as ever. M.B., Peak
Thanks for producing such a high-quality magazine over so many years. Well done! G.N., Mendip
Congratulations with yet another fabulous issue of Descent. I just picked it up from the doormat and flipping through quickly I said Oh! and Ah! M.D., Belgium
Congratulations on 50 years. I love receiving Descent as it keeps me in touch with the caving world. Your mag just gets better. B.T., High Wycombe
Can I say how much I appreciate your excellent production of Descent magazine. In particular, in the last 266 issue, the article on Finding Wadiland appealed to me. It is well written, has appropriate surveys and spectacular photos. P.H., Wales
Nice poster! A.T., Mendip
Descent (265, December 2018
I have recently renewed my subscription to Descent, and can't thank you both enough for keep publishing a quality magazine. B.R., Suffolk
Great issue (as always). You do a fantastic job. J.G., Skipton
The magazine is getting better and better. It is packed with eye-catching titles and lots of colour and photos, not to mention extremely well written. J.B., Oldbury
This issue of Descent is absolutely stunning. Really. I am thoroughly enjoying it! Thank you for your dedication to your work. We all reap the benefits. I wanted to send you an email just to congratulate you (your work REALLY is that good! A.F., USA
Congratulations on another year of excellent issues of Descent. I don't know how you manage to maintain such a superb standard. The pieces on the Thai rescue were excellent. P.T., Reading
Descent (264), October 2018
Many thanks for a great magazine. A.M., Rugeley
Thank you for all the hard work that goes into Descent and keeping it going year after year. C.W., Mendip
Descent (263), August 2018
Congratulations on a very interesting and well-balanced account of the Thai cave rescue.... I have [newspaper cuttings] which I shall keep in a scrapbook; a copy of your article will be included at the end, to show the reality of the situation. P.T., by e-mail
Descent (261), April 2018
Still as good as ever! T.A., Cheddar
Descent (259), December 2017
What a magnificent job you are doing! J.G., Macclesfield
Once again, congratulations on yet another year of excellent issues of Descent. The standard continues to be superb. P.T., Reading
I really have no idea how the two of you continue to put out such a quality magazine at such a rapid turnaround. C.D., Oxford
Descent (258), October 2017
Really like the mag. Still think you do an amazing job. P.M., Bournemouth
Thank you. Your Descent magazines are much appreciated. A.M., Mendip
Latest Descent indeed has just arrived, and another excellent edition. Particularly enjoyed Malcolm Stewart's article, especially the paragraph about the wellies. A joy to read! M.S., York
Keep up the good work. It's appreciated! N.C., Neath
Descent (257), August 2017
Great issue. Particularly enjoyed the article on Ethiopia. A.R., Swindon
Descent (256), June 2017
Thank you for a brilliant magazine! J.A., Brecon
Yet another great issue of Descent, thanks! J.B., Westbury
Descent (253), December 2016
Congratulations on yet another year of excellent issues of Descent. P.T., Reading
Descent (249), April 2016
I don't know how you manage to maintain your high standards but long may you continue to do so. I'm about to renew my sub for another two years. J.G., Leeds
Enclosed a cheque for subscription renewal – Descent is too good to miss! T.A.., Bristol
Descent (247), December (2017)
Descent gets better and better and the photographs are superb. Thanks for all the work you and the team put into it. J.G., Axbridge
I am astonished at the amazing quality of Descent; I tend to notice grammar and spelling errors in magazines, and am sometimes horrified by them. But Descent is invariably pristine! M.C., Coventry
Congratulations on another year of superb quality and interest. Descent really must be the world's premier caving magazine. P.T., Reading
Descent (246), October 2015
Great new website – much easier to renew - thank you!!. O.H., Towster
Thank you very much for a great magazine. A.M., Rugeley
Love reading it. Great mag. Keep it up. P.M., Ferndown
Keep up the good work – I'm always amazed with the quality of Descent – I remember what it was like when it started! N.C., Neath
You do a great job. Keep up the good work. A.W., Salisbury
Descent (245), August 2015
I am certainly enjoying Descent as much as ever. The quality is consistently high and the photographs are incredible. I'm taking this opportunity to extend my subscription. J.D., Halifax
Descent (244), June 2015
Descent gets better every year. Great articles and wonderfully produced photos. D.G., Manchester
Descent (243), April 2015
Excellent colour photos. P.H., Malvern
The quality of Descent continues to get better and better, especially the photos. The whole publication is outstanding. B.W., USA
Descent (241), December 2014
Descent goes from strength to strength. G.J., Ireland
Never has anyone worked so hard to earn [the price of a subscription]. Your company deserves every success for services beyond duty. J.C., Bath
Descent (240), October 2014
Many thanks for producing a top class publication. I use copies of Descent to show people why we go caving – the reaction is usually: 'Wow. I never thought caves were like that!'. N.C., Wales
Descent (238), June 2014
Thank you for a great magazine. M.J., Wales
Great magazine – thank you! I.H., Wales
Descent (237), April 2014
Seriously, it's brilliant – wouldn't be without it! T.A., Cheddar
Descent (235), December 2013
The latest Descent is just stunning again – I just don't know how you do it!. C.N., Mendip
Congratulations on maintaining such an incredibly high standard with Descent – issue (235) is magnificent. P.T., Reading
Descent (233), August 2013
I think the magazine has gone from strength to strength with some great articles recently. D.S., Aylesbury
We love Descent: good articles, nicely presented. It's nice to keep abreast of goings on, too. H.T., Chepstow
I felt I had to congratulate you upon the latest issue of Descent and the sheer quality you have achieved in what is now a world class magazine. L.C., Yorkshire
Many thanks for a great magazine: it keeps me in touch with the caving world. A.M., Stafford
Descent (232), June 2013
Thanks again for an excellent magazine. It always cheers up my day to come home from work to find Descent on my mat. P.F., Bristol
Please keep up the good work. I am now 82, but you still take me underground. J.M., Telford
Descent (231), April 2013
Please renew my subscription to Descent. Wouldn't be without it – it's fantastic! T.A., Cheddar
Descent (229), December 2012
Keep on doing it this way – superb magazine – no improvement required. J.W., Dingwall
It would be difficult to improve this magazine – content, presentation and quality are first class. A monthly magazine would be very nice – but unlikely due to the specialised nature of caving. Keep up the good work! J.P., e-mail
For many issues of Descent past I have been meaning to get in touch having been repeatedly amazed by the content of the magazine dropping through the letterbox! Sitting here, as I am in front of a good log fire on a frosty night with a pint of Butcombe to hand, I am immersed in yet another superb issue of Descent. The quality of the coverage from around the world and from my own doorstep is as amazing as ever, the photographs and their display just stunning. I just don't know how you do it and manage to maintain such extremely high standards issue after issue – there just are no disappointing issues. I really feel it is five pounds well spent. Keep up the good work – I honestly think that Descent helps to keep the caving community going – we have no other comparable national (international perhaps) mouthpiece in which to share our hopes, discoveries and sometimes failures(!) Clive North, Radstock