From granite quarry to dive centre - the transformation of Stoney Cove

July 14, 2011 - PRLog -- The example of Stoney Cove in Leicestershire illustrates how quarries can be used effectively when they reach the end of their working life. The site was used as a granite quarry until 1958, then quickly filled with spring water after industry left; it is now home to the National Diving Centre, attracting 50,000 visitors a year for diving and walking.    

The cove has also established strong links with several educational initiatives, including Dig it to Build It!, an initiative led by Proskills, the sector skills council for the process and manufacturing sector. Dig it to Build It! aims to encourage students to consider a career in the extractives and minerals processing industries, and to promote the wider issues it faces.

Prime among these is sustainability. Quarries leave a mark on the landscape, but this does not mean the land is lost to future generations; the industry works to restore sites after their natural resources have been exhausted, and in time they can become valuable education and recreation centres for the local community.  

Such sites are safer than quarries which are simply abandoned, as they have a clear purpose which discourages trespassers, which in turn heightens awareness of the dangers of the site. Mike Phillips of the Institute of Quarrying has been working with Stoney Cove on their development plan, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to safety and sustainability.  

This is built on by the Dig it to Build It! Twinning scheme, which brings together schools and companies to give students the opportunity to visit both restored and working quarries. If you would like more information about the extractives industry and quarry restoration, then get in touch with the Dig it to Build It! Team at Proskills on 01235 432018 or digittobuildit@proskills.co.uk

About Proskills:
Proskills UK is the bridge between employers and Government on skills and training. Employer-led by nine key industries, Building Products, Coatings, Extractives, Furniture, Glass, Glazed Ceramics, Paper, Print and Wood industries which make a third of the UK manufacturing sector. Proskills UK helps to raise the profile and sets the skills standards and qualifications for the sector and ensures that the skills and funding delivers against the current and future needs of the industries.

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Proskills UK is an employer-led organisation that represents the interests of the industries that make up the process and manufacturing sector to government.