DCA PUBLICATIONS
THE TREATMENT of OLD LEAD MINE SHAFTS - A GUIDE to GOOD PRACTICE
Following a three year consultative process involving representatives from DCA, PDNPA, EH, NE, DCC, bat groups and others, a new and more environmentally and archaeologically friendly version of the "Code of Practice for Disused Lead Mine Shafts" (DCC 1988) has been published. Whilst the method of capping by means of railway sleepers etc. has served us well for many years, it was felt that we had now moved into an era of greater consideration for our environment and heritage, and the needs of cavers, archaeologists, mines historians, biologists, landowners and the County Council all had to be re-worked into a new document.
Naturally the safety of the public must remain a priority but it is our hope that following the launch of the new Guidelines, mineshafts will be seen in a new light as an important scientific and recreational resource and as a habitat for flora and fauna - and not just as "nasty dangerous holes in the ground!"
The Guide was jointly funded by Derbyshire County Council, English Heritage, Natural England, and the Peak District National Park Authority, and copies can be obtained by calling at the PDMHS museum at Matlock Bath, or the DCC offices in Darley Dale, or by downloading from the link below.
Link to the document on the DCC (Derbys County Council) website:
http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/Images/Treatment of Disused Lead Mine Shafts 1_tcm2-212095.pdf
Dave Webb (DCA Conservation Officer and Guidelines
Steering Group member)
December 2007
Last updated 8th December 2007