A former working mine site in Camborne is being given a new lease of life as a wildlife project, thanks to a team of hard-working volunteers.
Outdoor volunteers are restoring biodiversity around the once iconic King Edward Mine, in Troon, while helping to conserve a unique part of Cornish heritage.
The site, which is over 150 years old, is home to Grade II* listed engine houses and mine shafts and was previously used as a training mine for the Camborne School of Mines (CSM). In 1987, it became a charity, run by volunteers and owned by Cornwall Council.
Now, the site has a museum with working machinery, a shop, a cafe and 22 acres of land that is being carefully managed by an outdoor team.
Tony Bunt, who supervises some of the regular volunteers, recalled how the land was derelict and a “giant fly tip” when he started volunteering there over 15 years ago.
“The Wastrels, the area we are regenerating for wildlife, was once used for mineral processing and may contain buried remnants of the processing structures. More recently the area was used to store loads of mine waste brought to the site for reprocessing.
“When the team first took over, it was a dumping ground full of TVs, trolleys and bikes,” the 74-year-old said.
The former postman from Camborne took a wildlife conservation course at Duchy College and soon became knowledgeable in rewilding concepts.
“We’re planting a variety of robust native trees such as oak, beech, ash, hazel, hawthorn and rowan, that can go wild and grow under their own steam.”
“Wildflower meadows require low nutrient soil so rank growth such as nettles and thistle bracken. These need to be cut and removed over several years to take the level of soil nutrients down,” Bunt said.
The volunteers hope wildlife corridors will “provide islands” so that animals such as voles, hedgehogs and badgers, can migrate between patches of land.
In February 2023, the work of the outdoor team was recognised, when the project won the Wellbeing Award at the 2023 Cornwall Heritage Award Ceremony.
Volunteers meet every Wednesday and Sunday morning, for a total of six hours a week, and span from their twenties to seventies.
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Sebastian Jose, from Redruth, has volunteered at the mine for three years.
“The reason I started volunteering was to help me progress my skills further, so I could take what I learn into the workplace,” said the 22-year-old, who works in waste processing.
“I also like volunteering because it helps my mental health, the guys on the team are very helpful and I enjoy getting up every Wednesday morning,” he added.
King Edward Mine is an educational resource and is often visited by primary school children from the surrounding area.
As well as their gardening team, the charity is on the lookout for help with engineering, front of house, retailing, education and administration roles.
The site is open to visitors from April until Sept each year, see www.kingedwardmine.co.uk for more information.
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