Meeth Quarry EarthCache
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Meeth Quarry. Our Earthcache is published with the kind permission of Devon Wildlife Trust. Once farmland, this defunct opencast quarry is now a new nature reserve. Devon and Dorset ball clay deposits are probably the world's most important, and unlike china clays, they are rather rare. Ball Clays consist of ultra fine particles this makes them easily shaped when damp.The word clay is derived from the Old English 'claeg', meaning sticky.Like china clays English ball clays contain a large proportion of kaolite and fire hard in the kiln. However, china clay particles are much coarser, consequently are not generally so pliable. Ball clay mining started in Meeth in the 1800's. Originally shafts were dug down into the clay seams, when tunnels were formed to extract the raw material-a dangerous and arduous job. From the 1970's methods of extraction changed dramatically when large diggers were used to open up the ground to produce the massive clay pits that we see today. In the 1960's over 50 people worked here extracting the high quality ball clay that was shipped to the nearby port of Bideford and onwards to the major ceramic manufacturers in the UK and the rest of the world. The site had its own railway station from 1920 until its closure in 1981 when transport moved back to the road. In 2004 mining ceased completely, the water pumps were switched off to allow the vast pits to fill with water and nature to reclaim the land. Todays landscape of spoil heaps, water filled pits and abandoned infrastructure is its legacy. In 2013 the wildlife charity, Devon Wildlife Trust, purchased the 150 hectare site, opening this exciting place for the enjoyment of all interested in natural history and our industrial heritage. Visit the DWT web site to find out more about this and their other 41 nature reserves in Devon. www.devonwildlifetrust.org Parking. Easy access and parking can be found at the trusts dedicated car park by following the signs from the trailhead co-ordinates. See the sites interpretation boards for more information and maps showing the various footpaths. All the trails are clearly way marked, keep to these and be aware of the deep water on the reserve. To claim the cache please contact us through our profile ( top of the page, click digbysue) with answers to the following questions:- 1. On the site you may find remaining patches of clay, if so describe its appearance and texture. 2. Observe the landscape visible from the given co-ordinates and explain how the hills on your right were formed. 3. Discover what products are most likely to be manufactured from English ball clay? 4. Finally, and purely optional, research and say how 'ball clay' got its name. A photograph at the location would be great too! 'Found It' logs submitted without a corresponding e-mail will have to be deleted. Your e-mail will be acknowledged confirming the correct answers, allowing you to log Meeth Quarry as 'Found'. Please add your pictures when you log, also avoid any reference to the answers for the above questions. Thanks, enjoy your visit to this very special place.
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