Priddy Mineries facts for kids
Priddy Mineries is a special place in Somerset, England. It is a nature reserve located near the village of Priddy, on the Mendip Hills. This beautiful area was once looked after by the Somerset Wildlife Trust.
The reserve covers about 50 hectares (123 acres). It is part of the larger Priddy Pools Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it is a very important place for nature. Priddy Mineries has different types of land, including grassy areas, heather plants, and wet valley bogs. It also has small pools that do not have many nutrients. These pools, along with the colorful plants and pine trees, make it a very pretty spot on the Mendip Hills. A long walking path called the Monarch's Way goes through the reserve.
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Amazing Wildlife at Priddy Mineries
Priddy Mineries is home to many different plants and small animals. It is a fantastic place to see insects and amphibians.
Dragonflies and Water Bugs
More than 20 types of dragonflies have been seen here. Most of them even lay their eggs and grow up on the reserve. One special dragonfly, the Downy Emerald, can only be found here in the Mendip Hills. Many kinds of water bugs also live in the pools, including the interesting Water stick-insect.
Amphibians and Their Life Cycle
Almost all types of amphibians found in Britain live and breed well at Priddy Mineries. This includes frogs, toads, and newts. The only British amphibian not found here is the Natterjack Toad. The reserve's pools are perfect for their reproduction and growth.
History of Mining at Priddy Mineries
For a very long time, people worked at Priddy Mineries to dig for lead. This mining likely went on for about 2,000 years, until 1908.
Victorian Lead Mining
The older mining work was covered up by the mining done during the Victorian era. The Victorians left behind many pools, mounds, and piles of waste rock. You can still see the remains of the Waldegrave lead works, like the buddle pits and special flues used to collect lead.
Exploring Old Mining Sites
This area is very interesting for people who study old industrial sites. It is also important for cavers, who explore caves. Waldegrave Swallet, a cave that was opened in 1934, is here. There is also a chance to rediscover another old cave called Five Buddles Sink or Thomas Bushell’s Swallet, named after the person who first found it.
Ancient Burial Mound
In the northern part of the Priddy Mineries reserve, you can find an ancient burial mound. This type of mound is also known as a Tumulus. It shows that people lived and used this land many, many years ago.
