It was a bit trickier getting coal out out 150 years ago, so plenty got left behind.
This photo was taken recently during an inspection of the Ffos-y-fran Land Reclamation Scheme and shows the scale of the operation, plus the relic features of historical mine workings now revealed as the seams are uncovered – the central area of the image shows these ‘Pillar and Stall’ features. Many horizons were then extracted to the maximum allowable/practical (at the time) and abandoned in favour of new areas.
The Ffos-y-fran Land Reclamation Scheme commenced in 2007 and will result in the reclamation of 367 hectares of derelict land, the site of existing tips, abandoned vehicles, dangerous and uncharted mine shafts and adits. Earth Science Partnership are retained by Miller Argent to provide ongoing advice on future planning and reactive works. See http://www.millerargent.co.uk/about-the-site/ for further information about the site and Miller Argent.
We are regularly involved with many projects related to historical mining impacts and please get in touch to discuss further.
