Tamar Valley Mining Heritage 1 - Geology Rocks! Traditional Geocache
Tamar Valley Mining Heritage 1 - Geology Rocks!
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(regular)
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This Geo-cache Trail is a series of 3 Caches followed by a 4th Bonus Cache around the Devon Great Consols. You will need to go to the 3 Caches in order to collect information that will enable you to find the Bonus Cache.
There is also the option to download and print an activity trail from www.tamarvalley.org.uk. Please do not remove the ink stamps from the caches as they are part of the activity. Thank you.
Devon Great Consols was once the greatest copper mine in Europe. Complete the trail and discover just a few of the reasons why this site is so special locally and internationally.
The Devon Great Consols lies within the heart of the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, one of the most treasured landscapes in England, and the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.
In the mid 19th century the largest unbroken copper lode in the south west of England was discovered. The richness of the ore caused a sensation and was so abundant that it was difficult to store. The Devon Great Consols soon became the most productive copper mine in Europe. At its peak it employed 1000 men, women and children.
Following the slump in world copper prices in the late 1860s mining operations switched to arsenic production – used in glass making, pigments and dyes, and as a pesticide to combat Colorado beetle in North America.
In 1902 mining activity ceased and within a short period of closing most of the mine buildings and infrastructure were demolished and much of the site planted for forestry by the Duke of Bedford.
Today, it is still managed as a working woodland, but with the aid of the Heritage Lottery Fund, a network of recreational trails have been created to open up access to this piece of history, and it is along these trails that this series of Caches have been placed.
We hope you enjoy this Geo-cache. To help keep yourself and others safe, and the sites you pass through special, please follow the Tamar Trails Code of Conduct. Thank you.
Using the Trails:
· Please be courteous to other users. Walkers have right of way.
· Please keep to designated trails. The Tamar Trails pass through sites containing historic mining remains which have a number of associated hazards including old buildings and structures, contaminated ground and open shafts, as well as areas of nature conservation importance. Do not climb fences or structures or disturb the ground. Do not drink from, or swim in, any open water.
· Please clean up after your dog and use a lead when signs request you to do so.
· Please supervise children at all times.
· Please take litter home with you.
· Please respect the privacy of adjoining properties & landowners – there is no public access to any adjoining land, except on signed paths.
· Be aware that many trails pass through operational forestry land, and forestry machinery may be at work during your visit.
· Be prepared. Ensure you have the right equipment and clothing, and know your ability, and that of others in your group.
· Cyclists and horseriders, please keep your speed down. High speed makes it harder to avoid other users and can cause accident. Try to warn others of your approach. If in doubt, stop.
For more information about Devon Great Consols, The Tamar Valley AONB or the Mining Heritage Project, please visit:
www.tamarvalley.org.uk
www.cornwall-mining.org.uk
www.tamarvalleytourism.co.uk
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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