Grant helps secure historic mining heritage
7:00am Tuesday 5th February 2013 in News
Grant helps secure historic mining heritage
The conservation of historic mine buildings in Cornwall has had a boost thanks to a £270,000 grant.
The cash from Natural England will be used to consolidate historic mine buildings at the Taylor’s and Davey’s sites within the Wheal Maid Valley, near Crofthandy, part of The Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.
The Wheal Maid Valley, and specifically Consolidated Mines, was described in the 19th century as ‘the richest square mile on earth’ for its copper riches and also as the ‘copper kingdom’.
Few buildings survive on site today and the new funding will stop the structures deteriorating further and support consolidation work and the conservation of two engine houses, which are some of the oldest examples within the World Heritage Site.
Work to secure the funding started in 2009 and has been steered by Cornish Mining World Heritage Site research and information officer Ainsley Cocks, and historic environment senior archaeologist, Ann Reynolds.
Following discussions with Gwennap Parish Council, who own the site, Natural England confirmed that conservation of mining heritage sites being pursued by the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site would be a priority.
The Truro based consultancy PDP Green have been appointed as project managers and this month will see the start of works on site. The contractors Darrock & Brown Ltd will be replacing timber lintels, re-pointing and carrying out a limited amount of reconstruction over two consecutive phases, concluding in March 2014.
Ainsley Cocks said: “It is a fantastic achievement, not only for the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, but for Gwennap Parish Council and we thank Natural England for making this much-needed funding available.
“This achievement is the result of three years of meetings and site visits taken on in addition to our day-to-day work, and is a good example of how partnership working can protect our invaluable asset.”
Kevin Furnish, Chairman of Gwennap Parish Council, says: “We are extremely pleased that the partnership of Gwennap Parish Council, Natural England, Cornwall Council, the World Heritage Site, and our suppliers, will yield results that will enhance our Parish for many years to come. Taylor’s and Davey’s are wonderful assets and we hope in later stages to significantly enhance access to the sites.”
For more information about the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, visit www.cornishmining.org.uk.
