People with memories and stories about the mining industry in a village near Whitehaven, are urged to come forward as part of a heritage project.
The Wilder Walkmill project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, aims to improve a community woodland near Moresby Parks for people and wildlife and encourage greater use of this fabulous community resource.
Walkmill Community Woodland is a vital and much-loved open space and is important because of its significant natural and industrial heritage. A Wilder Walkmill – a partnership project between Moresby Parish Council, Walkmill Activity Group and West Cumbria Rivers Trust – aims to improve access for all, create new and improved habitats to support nature recovery, increase volunteering opportunities and events and activities for the local community, and provide education sessions and forest schools.
As part of the project, West Cumbria Rivers Trust has teamed up with Minerva Heritage, which helps bring history to life, in a search for people with stories to share about Walkmill Colliery and the Moresby Park Coal Company.
Trust director Jodie Mills said: “We would love to hear from anyone who has a personal connection with or story to tell about the woodland’s mining past.
“This might be through stories that have been passed down the generations, or friends and family that lived in Moresby Parks when the mine was in operation. We want to know what life was like at Walkmill Colliery and how the mine influenced the surrounding communities. For example, were there any games or festivals, or strikes, protests or accidents?
To share you memories, email l.keys@minervaheritage.com or jodie@westcumbriariverstrust.org
