Are we using Dartmoor’s stone resources wisely?

21 October

Are we using Dartmoor’s stone resources wisely?

(This event must be booked in advance by 12 October 2017)

 ‘Are we using Dartmoor’s stone resources wisely?’ is the subject of this year’s Dartmoor Society Debate. Dartmoor’s varied stone resources have been used since prehistory to create the distinctive built heritage of the area, and further afield. However, for many years, quarrying within the national park has been perceived by many as anathema, and since 1997 there has been no working granite quarry on Dartmoor. However, two quarries survive, and both are important employers – one producing limestone (mainly for roadbuilding) and concrete, on a large scale at Linhay (Glendinnings), Ashburton and another, much smaller in scale, producing metamorphic building stone at Yennadon, Dousland. The principle of using local stone for local and regional needs fits with contemporary ideas about wise and environmentally sound use of resources. Are we doing enough to meet this imperative?

A stimulating programme, under the chairmanship of Tom Greeves and Simon Dell will, in the morning, explore the geological diversity of Dartmoor’s stone

(Kevin Page, University of Plymouth), the archaeological legacy of stonecutting

and quarrying (Tom Greeves, cultural environmentalist), and the importance of local stone for the maintenance of historic buildings (Stuart Blaylock, historic buildings specialist).

After lunch, the role of the two remaining quarries within Dartmoor National Park will be told - Glendinnings Quarry at Ashburton employs 230 staff, while Yennadon Quarry at Dousland has a workforce of 24. Speakers will be Ian Glendinning and Barry Wilson (Glendinnings), and Andrea Robertson (John Grimes Partnership Ltd).

There will be ample time for discussion in a friendly and attractive venue at Meldon Village Hall EX20 4LU, near Okehampton. Members £17; Non-Members £20 (to include coffee, buffet lunch and tea) - Visit www.dartmoorsociety.com/events to book