Plans for geological dig at quarry rejected (From Malvern Gazette)

Plans for geological dig at quarry rejected

7:20am Sunday 5th October 2008

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PROPOSALS for major geological excavations at Gullet Quarry, a local beauty spot, have been turned down by Malvern Hills Conservators.

The proposals by the Earth Heritage Trust would have involved exposing important geology on the steep west face of the quarry with steps and paths cut into the rock to make the site more accessible.

MHC director Ian Rowat said members were not keen to see such major changes to a popular local beauty spot and instead had instructed the officers to look into all the issues affecting the management of former quarries on the hills.

“Gullet Quarry is a popular and very tranquil place. We’re happy to work with the geologists at the Earth Heritage Trust but as trustees of the hills the Conservators have to consider more than just the geology,” said Mr Rowat.

There are around 70 former quarries in the hills, some large, others little more than shallow depressions.

Forty years ago as working stone quarrries these were considered a blot on the landscape, explained Mr Rowat but today with increasing interest in geology the sites were now seen differently.

“The conservators have to balance completing interests, such as conservation, wildlife, biodiversity and how the hills are used by the pulblic,” he explained.

A study will produce a paper highlighting major concerns in the management of the quarries so that the conservators can decide what might need to be done in future.

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