Co-ordinator - Anne Whitbourn
The following has been extracted from the DTRG Newsletters - Photographs may not have appeared in the Newsletters
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Mine Clearance at Burrator This project sees DTRG working with staff from South West Lakes Trust (SWLT), (the group responsible for the conservation and maintenance of the land surrounding Burrator Reservoir), to assist in the conservation and interpretation of mine sites in the Narrator Valley. This work forms part of a wider project being carried out by SWLT in the general Burrator area. The project aims to clear vegetation from selected sites, so that they are accessible and visible to the public, as well as saved from ever encroaching vegetation. As regards interpretation, we will be carrying out a plane table survey of some of the sites, in order to more fully understand the relationship between some features, as well as to provide material for a possible display. The intended end result of all our hard work, will, we hope, be a short self-guided walk leaflet for these particular mines. The form this will take has not yet been decided. Mine Clearance Work Parties From a list of possible sites for clearance given to us by South West Lakes Trust, the Group has spent 4 days (13th September, 17th & 31st October and 8th November) clearing 3 adits and their associated spoil heaps, a feature which may be a shaft or pit, a gully, and a section of leat associated with a building (possibly a mill). So far we have concentrated on sites near to the main forestry track below Sheepstor, as these are the most accessible, and ones to which the public have easy access. The list of sites includes many more features in the plantation above the track. We have identified on the ground in this area, the sites on the list earmarked for work in 2009, as well as other features such as a leat, a large openwork, and other mysterious holes in the ground! The work has been very satisfying, as the results of our labours are very quickly apparent. It is also useful to the forestry contractors who are now able to locate sites easily, and can thus avoid damaging these remains when clear-felling larger sections of the plantation.
Newsletter No.36. p.6. ______________________________________________________________________________ |
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Burrator - Rough Tor Mines - Update Following our very successful scrub clearing days last year (see NL 36, p.6), we have now begun to carry out plane table surveys of the cleared sites. This has allowed us to look closely and in detail at some of the features identified during the clearance work. Working at a scale of 1:200, we have completed plans of 2 adits and spoil heaps, the remains of a building and are now looking at a feature which may be a leat, and may possibly link some of the features together. Following our very successful scrub clearing days last year (see NL 36, p.6), we have now begun to carry out plane table surveys of the cleared sites. This has allowed us to look closely and in detail at some of the features identified during the clearance work. Working at a scale of 1:200, we have completed plans of 2adits and spoil heaps, the remains of a building and are now looking at a feature which may be a leat, and may possibly link some of the features together. The 3 teams of surveyors who came out on all 3 days are very pleased with the progress made, and in addition appreciated the benefits of having to carry the equipment only a short & level distance to the sites. Happily for us, in such hot weather, the sites were shady and tranquil, with the babble of Narrator Brook, and the scent of bluebells in the background. Less well received were the midges, which, I am told, bear no comparison to Scottish midges! The survey work has highlighted for us areas which will need further scrub clearance in the autumn, so I have planned for 6 dates on which we will be returning to continue with both clearance and survey work. These are: Fri 16th & Sat 17th, Fri 30th & Sat 31st October, Fri 20th & Sat 21st November. In addition to the scrub clearance and survey work, a small group has met with Neil from the South West Lakes Trust, and discussed how to produce both a detailed history of the Rough Tor Mine, and a more user friendly walk description and history. It is to be hoped that any DTRG member who has information relevant to the area will allow it to be used for this. The end product will take the format of a downloadable leaflet or pod-cast, which SWLT will set up. It is hoped that if SWLT funding permits, information (including DTRG) will be displayed at Burrator Lodge, and be available on SWLT & DTRG websites. A further meeting to discuss progress with this will take place at my house on Thursday 3rd September at 7pm. The feedback I have from SWLT is that they greatly value the work we are doing as it helps them in their management of sites, and plays a useful role in demonstrating the expertise of local groups to them. So once again, a big thank you to all who come out and help with a very worthwhile and interesting project! If you would to like to join in with any of the above, please let me know in advance, as in the event of cancellation, I will only notify those who have done so!
Newsletter No.37. p.6.. ______________________________________________________________________________ |
Last updated Friday 5th February 2010 by CK & GB