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DTRG - Brimpts Tin Mine How the Project started? The DTRG were approached by Dru Butterfield of the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust, to see if they could muster enough help to clear vegetation from the Tin Mines Trail at Brimpts Farm, and to restore the trail to its former glory. We were also asked by Brimpts Farm and the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) to produce a new and more detailed trail guide for sale at the farm, and at information centres throughout Dartmoor. The trail had been set up 10 or so years previously by Andy Bradford of Brimpts farm, and Peter Hirst – a DTRG member who lived nearby at Dartmeet. Peter had a huge interest in the tin mines on and around Brimpts, and with the help of other DTRG members the trail was created. With fellow enthusiast Roger Bird, Peter co-authored a very detailed book about the mine remains and their history. In addition to this a short trail guide was produced for sale to the public, and included both a guide to the mines and a very useful glossary of mining terms, this short guide now needed updating. Unfortunately, the book has now been sold out. The DTRG are considering reproducing the book with further information that has come to light since the original book was published in 1996. For more information on Brimpts Farm please click on the link below:
What is the Project about? The aims of the project are: To provide & maintain public access to the trail. To investigate some of the sites for future publication. To maintain working links with Brimpts Farm To provide a positive ‘shop front’ for DTRG
What remains of the Mines now? The mines are centred on two distinct areas: The South Mine is very close to the farm itself, and comprises (roughly) several open gullies, the site of three collapsed adit portals, two wheelpits, dressing floors and a leat. The North Mine is situated on open moorland to the west, within Brimpts Newtake. There are two fenced off shafts, gullies, a wheelpit, a horse whim platform, and dressing floors. Adjacent to the newtake wall are the remains of three former mine buildings.
Why is it important to protect the sites? Dartmoor is very popular with walkers, horse riders and cyclists. The mining features on the open moor are therefore susceptible to damage from both livestock and human activity. Some of the stones from buildings and other features have been removed over the years for other purposes, probably connected to farming. The moorland part of the mine is classified as a ‘Scheduled Ancient Monument’, and as such needs to be protected from further damage. On this site it is illegal to remove any stonework or dig into the site. If you require further information on the Scheduled Ancient Monument Act 1979, please click on the link below http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1979/46/contents One of our aims is to clear vegetation from the sites so that we can investigate more fully what is there, and make more records, while the sites are still in their present condition. There are no plans to rebuild or restore the features present. Although, a small and little known mine, Brimpts is a good example of tin mining activity on Dartmoor. The mine is compact enough for the DTRG to be able to maintain the site.
What does the work Involve? Clearance work to the sites must be undertaken in a sensitive manner to avoid causing further damage to any archaeological remains that may have survived. The aim is to remove vegetation obscuring mining related features so that the public can view them, and that the site can be recorded in full detail. Care must be taken not to inadvertently damage sites through overexposure to the elements. This is what the DTRG undertake: Identify (with Andy Bradford and the EH Historic Environment Field Advisor) sites which are in need of clearance: decisions are based on such discussions. Clear vegetation from the site to enable it to be seen by the public. This can involve strimming nettles, removal of brambles or fallen branches, clearing gorse using bow saws or loppers. Any vegetation cut is then taken well away from the site and left to decompose naturally. Take photos of the site for inclusion in our records, as well as carrying out investigative work. Maintaining the trail by the creation of steps and paths, and ensuring that trail guide posts and interpretation boards are in good repair. Lead guided walks and group visits around the site. Promote the site and DTRG through the sale of trail guides.
How will the Project help? The mines at Brimpts were first surveyed by Peter Hirst and others when the trail was first established, and a very detailed book produced. However, there are still questions to which we do not have answers. Any investigation work that is carried out is aimed at answering these queries, so that our knowledge of the mines can increase. If more survey work is carried out, it is envisaged that copies will be kept in the Historic Environment Record at Parke, and can be referred to by professionals or the public for study. By keeping the sites visible for public access, and by leading walks and group visits the project seeks, where possible, to educate visitors about these mines in particular and tin mining on Dartmoor in general.
What has been achieved so far? In early 2006, the DTRG were set the task (or should we say, challenge) of clearing the sites and producing a new trail guide. This the DRTG have achieved and more besides! Sufficient clearance work has been done that maintenance work is kept to a minimum, and investigation can be undertaken. Interpretation boards have been installed sensitively, so as to provide visitors with information, but in a manner appropriate to the setting. A new trail guide was written by DTRG volunteer Dr Bob Bruce; this includes a detailed glossary of mining terminology, clear maps and description of the trail route and what can be seen along with explanations of what the visitor can see at various numbered points along the trail. Of the 2,100 copies printed the DTRG have sold almost 1,300. The trail guides are available to buy in bulk or for £1 at Brimpts Farm or DNPA Information Centres. One of our members has produced an excellent scale model of a C19 tin mine based on Brimpts North Mine - this has recently been installed in a new interpretation and display room at Brimpts Farm. Information relating to tinworking, Brimpts and other mines along with the work of the DTRG will be on display by Spring 2012.
What is planned for 2012? The DTRG have spent the early part of 2011 working on the North Mine clearing a track and the leat which supplied water to power the waterwheel and dressing-floors. At the South Mine the DTRG are in the process of investigating a possible dressing floor, and hope to determine the course of a former leat. These tasks are in direct response to queries asked by visitors that have been taken around the site by DTRG members. The DTRG when planning work dates need to take into account the other activities volunteers may be involved in, or other DTRG activities. As many of us belong to other groups, clashes must be avoided where possible. Generally speaking, the group work on the moorland site in winter, so as not to disturb ground nesting birds, and then progress to the South Mine later on. See the link below relating to ground-nesting birds http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/102579/DNPA-GNB-leaflet-0111.pdf
Can anyone come and join in? Anyone is welcome to come and join the work days, although participants must be fully paid up members of DTRG. You must also be equipped for all the weather Dartmoor can throw at us. The South Mine is close to the farm, while the North Mine is a 20 minute walk from the road. If you’re not sure, then feel free to contact the DTRG for details. Car sharing can be arranged, or if you don't have transport, someone who lives close by maybe able to offer a lift. No archaeological knowledge is needed, if there is anything anyone needs to know, the DTRG can explain it. The most important thing is to join in and enjoy yourself. Always dress accordingly for Dartmoor's ever-changing weather. Also, bring a packed lunch and drink for the day. You may have noticed that the DTRG have not given any information about the history of the Brimpts Tin Mines. Hopefully, the history will be published in a second book on Brimpts Tin Mines sometime in the very near future.
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Page updated Sunday 4th December 2011 (CK & GB) |