Gary Ball, Project CoordinatorRidge Rocks and Springs 2014

Ridge Rocks and Springs Project

A Sandstone Legacy

2014 - 2017

Origins of the Project

❏ 2011: the Trust created. Remaining funds to safeguard the legacy of the previous 2 partnerships

❏ HLF funding for 3 year project from July 1st 2014-2017

Origins of the ProjectAn Opportunity

It provides the opportunity to bring benefits by

❏ maintaining and reinforcing the network of links

❏ entrenching knowledge already gained

Origins of the ProjectAn Opportunity

❏ encouraging new people to discover the area

❏ disseminating new information ❏ developing new skills.

The Project Area

Northern Project Area

Central Project Area

Southern Project Area

Aims of the Project are:

❏ systematic survey of the exploitation of stone and water and their heritage value on the Sandstone Ridge.

❏ encouraging more voluntary participation

Aims of the Project are:

❏ create coherent historical record of the quarries and wells on the Ridge.

❏ contribute to the identification and recording of significant sites that may be currently unknown or at risk, and inform strategies for their future management and preservation.

Management of the Project

❏Members / Volunteers❏Trustees / Volunteers

❏ Students❏ Project Coordinator

Activities

Training Workshops freely available to registered volunteers :

❏ Archive research and how to use the records office❏ Hydrogeology - understanding the rocks and water of

the Ridge❏ Mining and quarrying - searching for ancient workings,

recording features, understanding traditional techniques❏ Graffiti and rock art - carvings through the centuries❏ Water and Wells - the capture and distribution of water

Projects Focus

❏ quarries and methods of extraction

Projects Focus

❏ rock art and carvings

Projects Focus

❏ historic communal and commercial water supplies

Projects Focus

❏ springs and wells with cultural associations which have been attributed with religious, magical and healing properties.

Project Outcomes

❏ Once the survey of sites has been completed, sites in need of further attention, either by archaeological investigation or simply for preservation and maintenance, will be identified or earmarked for future projects to be initiated by the Trust.

❏ Information about all the sites will be lodged with Cheshire Archives and Local Studies and on the Trust’s own website

Project Outcomes

❏ A book, leaflets, walk guides and on-site interpretation panels, all with QR codes, will enable people to access information both by conventional and digital means

❏ Schools will be informed of the existence of the resource and it will also be promoted by the Trust when we are represented at public events.

Project Outcomes

❏ All participants in the project will be kept informed of publications and on-going activities and events through the Trust’s website, Twitter and Facebook presence.

www.thesandstoneridgetrust.co.uk

Ridge Rocks and Springs Project

A Sandstone Legacy

The Volunteers

Volunteer Outcomes

❏ gained a variety of research skills including both desk research and research in the field.

❏ Structured training activities will have helped them to understand the geology of the area, historical quarrying and water management practices and how communities have developed and exploited the resources of the Ridge.

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Volunteer Outcomes

❏ greater knowledge of their environmental heritage particularly as it relates to the historical economy of the area but also to the history of their individual local communities and their special relationships with stone and water

❏ acquired practical skills that will contribute to the further investigation of endangered sites in need of maintenance or preservation.

Volunteer Aims

❏ We aim to provide a well-structured and resourced framework for this new work that will encourage renewed enthusiastic participation.

❏ bring rewards of personal satisfaction and enjoyment to all.

❏ having fun whilst making a difference!