Open day at restored Threshfield Quarry (From Craven Herald)

Open day at restored Threshfield Quarry

11:58am Thursday 27th September 2012 in News

The final stage of restoration work at Threshfield Quarry will be marked by an open day on Saturday - and the event will be used to launch new footpaths through the site.

Following the transfer of operations to nearby Swinden Quarry, the owner, Tarmac, has been clearing out buildings and preparing the huge area for a new future.

This has included some grading of rock faces to give a more natural appearance and the creation of a refuge for the rare and threatened native white-clawed crayfish.

The restoration plan, agreed with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, allows for natural regeneration to take place over time in the upper quarry.

The lower quarry area has been designated for economic use in Craven District Council’s Local Plan, but Tarmac says it is keen to ensure that any development would be of benefit to the local community.

Steve Curtin, Tarmac’s zone manager for Swinden and Threshfield quarries, said: “The completed restoration plan includes the re-instatement of footpaths that existed before the quarry was extended and new footpaths leading to a viewing platform which create a total of 3.8 kilometres of alternative routes with stunning views across Upper Wharfedale .”

The free open day will run from 11am to 4pm, with the official path opening at 11.30am.