From Earth Science On-Site
National Stone Centre, Derbyshire
Site Location and Access
© GeoconservationUK ESO-S Project, 2013
It is anticipated that the ideas and materials presented here will be adapted by schools, and others, to be more appropriate for their own purposes and programmes of study.
In such circumstances please acknowledge the source as the Earth Science On-Site project.
Site Details
Figure 1: Location Map for the site |
| SITE NAME: | NATIONAL STONE CENTRE. Previously Colehill Quarries, West Derbyshire |
| STATUS: | Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. |
| GRID REFERENCE: | SK 287552 |
| OS MAP(s): | The White Peak. 1:25,000
OS 1:50,000 sheet 119
OS 1:10,000 SK 25 NE |
| BGS MAP(s): | |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | The site covers 10.84 hectares of quarries in Carboniferous Limestone rocks. These rocks are very variable in type, and contain many fossils. The area is protected as it has importance in the understanding of the varied reef environments that existed in Wirksworth about 340 million years ago.
No material should be hammered, collected or removed from this protected site
The quarries are no longer worked, and, with normal care, are easily accessible, as the particularly steep areas are fenced off. The exception is in the extreme west of the area, where a line of very large boulders marks the last 5 metres to a steep drop into a quarry.
However, several, very accessible sites have been prepared for educational use. In the centre of the area is the National Stone Centre. There is a sizeable car park, which can take a coach, minibus or car. Refreshments and limited toilet facilities are available at the National Stone Centre.
If you are taking a large party to this site it is advisable to notify the staff to minimise any possible access problems. |
| DIRECTIONS: | The easiest access to the site, particularly for coaches, is from CROMFORD
FROM THE NW take the A515 south east from BUXTON and turn left onto the A5012 for 14 kilometres to CROMFORD. Turn right onto the B5036 to Wirksworth for 1.5 kilometres, then turn right towards MIDDLETON. The signposted turn for the National Stone Centre is on the left.
FROM THE SW take the B5035 North from ASHBOURNE part Carsington Water to CROMFORD. Turn right onto the B5036 to Wirksworth for 1.5 kilometres, then turn right towards MIDDLETON. The signposted turn for the National Stone Centre is on the left.
FROM THE SE take the A6 north from DERBY to Cromford. Turn left onto the B5036 to Wirksworth for 1.5 kilometres, then turn right towards MIDDLETON. The signposted turn for the National Stone Centre is on the left.
FROM THE NE take the A632 from CHESTERFIELD to MATLOCK, then turn left along the A6 to Cromford. Turn right onto the B5036 to Wirksworth for 1.5 kilometres, then turn right towards MIDDLETON. The signposted turn for the National Stone Centre is on the left. |
| ACCESS: | The site itself is open all day everyday, even having a public footpath running through it.
The National Stone Centre has its own opening hours.
TELEPHONE: 01629 824833
WEB-SITE: www.nationalstonecentre.org.uk |
| WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: | This site has good wheelchair access, although not all of the paths are hard surfaced. |
Initial Risk Assessment
All group leaders should meet with their parties prior to the On-Site visit and impress upon participants the educational nature of the event, and the need for extra consideration for the safety of themselves and others.
Each group should have a member of staff proficient in First Aid, and carry a mobile telephone for emergencies.
There is no substitute for group leaders viewing the site before the field visit and making their own risk assessment, according to the requirements of their own organisation. The following assessment is only a guide[1].
| RISK
| ACTION
|
| Pedestrian access under the bridge into the site is along a minor road used by some traffic.
| Warn pupils to be vigilant. Set up an observer on the far side of the bridge to monitor traffic.
|
| Pupils will be on recognised footpaths the whole time. These paths are gravel covered.
| Warn pupils to be careful. Insist on sensible footwear and waterproof clothing.
|
| There are very high and steep old quarry faces.
| These sites are fenced off. Warn pupils not to cross fence lines.
|
| On the extreme west of the site is a deep quarry.
| Keep pupils close to the described route and the National Stone Centre
|
References
- ↑ For further information on conducting a Risk assessment go to National Stone Centre www.nationalstonecentre.org.uk
