A few years ago, I put together a unit of work on a proposed development in Cheddar Gorge. There was a proposal for a cable car up the side of the gorge, a little like the one in Matlock Bath. A campaign group called 'Keep Cheddar Gorgeous' set up.
A few years after that there was a second unit on a proposed scheme to put a Zip-wire across Thirlmere - these were also abandoned.
I also taught a unit based on the proposal for a theme park on the Swanscombe Peninsula for a few years and how this would affect the area. This plan came back twice with different backers but was also abandoned because of planning concerns originally. There are still plans ongoing for a slightly changed outcome.
Now there is a fourth plan which I may need to take a look at for an issue to explore with students.
It's a plan to make use of Elterwater Quarry in the Lake District. It's been developed by the owners of the quarry and aims to use the experience of a similar Zip World attraction in Snowdonia which has been operating for some years very successfully.
Quarries are one of the few industrial activities allowed in National Parks - after all, rock can only be quarried where it is found. The mine here has been active since the mid 19th Century.
To achieve this vision, the quarry operator, Burlington Stone has partnered with Zip World, one of the UK's leading adventure companies. Zip World has an admirable track record of delivering fun, activity-based attractions safely and responsibly in the heart of National Parks and UNESCO World Heritage sites. This is clearly evidenced by its work in safely preserving and maintaining former working quarries and caverns at various sites in Wales. Our proposals currently include 'Quarry Explorer' high ropes courses for adults and children and a 'Cavern toboggan'. This is an environmentally friendly toboggan style ride on a track, which will take passengers through forested areas and reclaimed quarry land, culminating in an exciting underground section through the spectacular caverns.
There will also be opportunities for non-participating viewers to view the activities from vantage points adjacent to the Right of Way and to learn about the history of both Elterwater Quarry and the slate industry in general.
These experiences will provide a fun way for guests to appreciate and enjoy the environment, without having to alter or change the existing landscape. It will allow visitors to get a real sense of the quarries rich history, which dates back to the middle of the 19th century and find about the generations of miners and quarrymen who worked there, extracting the areas distinctive Lakeland Green slate.
The design of the activities and visitor centre will all be of high quality and based on the site's proud industrial legacy and of course the noise and disruption associated with quarrying activity will cease. The development will predominantly be contained within the quarry void and caverns, supplemented by sympathetic landscaping around the site.
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