Drag Line

This was an open cast coal mine and that huge piece of machinery was one of two used to extract the coal. Only this one now remains ans is open to the public twice a year. The land is to become a Country Park/Nature Reserve managed by the R.S.P.B when the difficulties involved in the land transfer are overcome.

At one time the hole was so deep that a large section between the excavation and the river (350 metres long, 120 metres wide, 50 metres high) moved towards the void. Over the next 3 days, 17 million square meters of water flowed into the site. People were suprised to see the river flowing backwards lower down. Operations were held up for 10 years and about £20,000,000 was spent before coaling could start again. The £20,000,000 was spent diverting and re-routing the river.