Muck stack or country park EarthCache

This cache has been archived.

geoawareUK2: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.

If you wish to email me please send your email via my profile (click on my name) and quote the cache name and number.

Regards

GeoawareUK2
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Hidden : 2/21/2013
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:

This Earthcahe sets out to demonstrate how man can make permanent changes to the landscape and geology of our world.

All over the world mining has had made major changes to the way our world looks; in this area it is the extraction of coal that has had the biggest effect.

Forty years ago you would have seen unsightly piles of spoil, together with the machinery, conveyors and buckets which were used to bring yet more to the top. They have many names, spoil heaps, slag heaps, but locally they were called muckstacks. Many have been removed, but this one has been used to form a resource.

photo Image_rabbit_ings_aerial_looking_west_zps57d9396a.jpg

The reclamation of the site was supported through the Government's National Coalfield Programme being implemented by the Homes and Communities Agency in partnership with Wakefield Council and Yorkshire Forward. The site had suffered environmental degradation with large areas of bare shale. The slopes of the 40m high tip were very steep in places and were potentially dangerous. The reclamation scheme involved earth moving to lessen the slopes and make it possible for new vegetation to become established. Over 130,000 tonnes of soil making material have been used on site to create new areas of woodland, heathland and grassland habitats.
Hundreds of thousands of trees have been planted; many different types of grasses have been established. Wildlife has quickly moved in. There are paths which can be used by motorbilty scooters, even those which go to the top where excellent views. Wheelchair users would need to be fit to deal with the inclines (or have willing helpers)!

To log this cache you need to prove your visit by learning a little about the geology of the cache site and the email me the information through my profile.

From either parking area, make your way to the notice board at the first waypoint, N53 36.139 W1 25.720. As you approach you will see some of the complex drainage system which has been put into place to help prevent slippage. Read the information and find out (1) which geological period the materials which were taken from deep in the ground came from. Do some research and tell me what the name means, how long ago it was and what periods preceded it and followed. (2) Which major part of the heap contains fossils?
Then go to cache GZ at the top of the heap. (3)As you follow the paths note the fenced off areas. What has been planted in them? Can you think of two reasons why the planting would help in the stabilisation process? When you arrive you will find a cast iron orientation table on a stone built cairn. (4) Tell me the three pits named in its centre.


Take your time to look around; noting the many tree planting areas, the courser grasses on the slopes and the small lakes/large ponds.
Turn to the North East and you can’t miss a reminder of what coal mining meant – the coking works are still a blot on the landscape. The disappearance of the mines has removed much of this type of eyesore, but it has also taken away the jobs that supported the local communities.


You may log straightaway, but if I don’t get an email with the correct information I will delete it.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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