Coombefield Quarry facts for kids
Coombefield Quarry is a busy stone quarry on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England. It's located close to the island's most southern village, Southwell. This large quarry has been worked for many years. It has two main digging areas called Coombefield North and Coombefield South. The quarry also includes an older area called Suckthumb Quarry, which is now filled in. Portland Stone Firms Ltd owns Coombefield Quarry, along with Broadcroft and Perryfield Quarry. This company owns the most land on the island.
A Look Back: The History of Coombefield Quarry
People first started digging at Coombefield Quarry in the 1890s. For the last 80 years, stone has been dug up from the surface here. The quarry has good sections of a type of stone called Portland Freestone. Coombefield Quarry has continued to grow, expanding into nearby fields even in the 21st century.
Today, a small amount of stone is still available at Coombefield South. However, digging for stone at Coombefield North has mostly stopped because it's no longer profitable. Coombefield South also stores many large blocks of stone. The quarry is mainly known for producing types of stone called Coombefield Shelly Whitbed, Whitbed, and XE.
The Famous Dinosaur Footprint
In 2009, Coombefield Quarry made national news. A 135-million-year-old fossilised dinosaur footprint was stolen from the quarry. This amazing print was carefully chiselled out of a limestone slab. The slab had been found during quarrying work in 2002.
What's Next for the Quarry?
Coombefield Quarry is nearing the end of its working life. Since 2006, the owners have been looking for new ways to use the land. In 2012, plans were announced to turn the quarry into a holiday park. This new park would help boost tourism on the island.
The holiday park and leisure complex would cost between £3 million and £5 million. It would include 250 static caravans, 110 holiday lodges, and 35 camping pods. The plans also include other fun facilities for visitors.
