dk nkf - Nordisk Konservatorforbund Danmark

evaluated the District’s industrial heritage in terms of
both its historic importance and its frequently fragile
and dangerous character and this comprehensive
study, sponsored by the Trust and local partners,
identified the wealth of industrialisation in the area
and through an area inventory was instrumental in
identifying many of the sites and issues which were
ultimately addressed by the Project.
The parish of St Just-in-Penwith, located as it is within
the Land’s End peninsula, is remarkable for its 13
kilometres of spectacular coastal landscape and the
extensive number of industrial archaeological sites
it contains. The richness and density of the region’s
industrial heritage is internationally renowned, with
sites dating from prehistoric times to the present day.
The entire coast is designated as a Site of Special
Scientific Interest, for its Biological and Geological
significance, whilst its mineral interests are
recognised by extensive designations of Regionally
Important Geological Sites. In addition, the area is
also designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty. This ancient and unique landscape together
with sandy beaches, relatively safe seas and a mild,
oceanic climate attracts many visitors thus bringing
a much needed boost to the economy.
In the 1980’s, the Trust acquired 2 coastal properties,
Boscregan and Cape Cornwall and began work on
restoring the Levant Beam Engine to steam power.
During the period to 1995 additional acquisitions
followed to give 8 kilometres of continuous
ownership of coast and a wide cross-section of the
area’s assets and challenges.
The additional acquisition of industrialised land
at Kenidjack, Cot Valley and Levant in 1995
fully established the Coast Project, and led to the
employment of local National Trust staff to manage
both the complex and challenging nature of the
properties and to secure local support through
engagement opportunities. To these ends, the Trust
acquired the strategically located Botallack Mine
Count House (1995) as the Area Warden’s property
office and work base. The site, with its adjoining
former restaurant, outbuildings and land, also
offered a flexible space with a range of potential
uses, making it an important and prominent resource
for both the local community and visitors alike. A
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striking mid-19century building (listed grade 2),
the Count House fulfilled a variety of roles during
its working life which reflected the ever-changing
fortunes of the mine, and subsequently entered
into domestic use some 70 years ago. A visitor
information centre and community space were
established in the workshops adjoining the Count
House, to promote the Trust’s work and provide
interpretation for the area’s heritage and wildlife,
and for hosting events and educational activities.
The cost of the St Just Coast Project has been of
the order of £11 million (this figure includes
acquisition costs). This has been met in the main by
funding bodies such as the Heritage Lottery Fund
(HLF), Regional Development Agency (RDA) and
contributions from local Councils, businesses and
individuals.
Throughout its lifetime, the Coast Project has
operated in accordance with several key principles
which undoubtedly contributed towards its success.
Partnerships with statutory organisations, local Town
and District councils and Cornwall County Council
were instrumental in gaining grant aid. Additional
benefits accrued from employing contractors and
sourcing materials locally, not least being the Trust’s
desire to support local businesses and individuals
directly, which in turn encouraged the continuity
of traditional practices and the use of traditional
materials, a rationale which benefits an area by
maintaining the distinctiveness of its character
through the type of work that takes place within
it ensuring authenticity, and thorough consultation
with members of the local community.
Two community groups were formed: - the St Just
liaison group made up from leading members of
the local community who met regularly to discuss
progress, plans, giving the ability to confront
problems before they arose and the Working liaison
group, made up from representatives of local mining
and interest groups and individuals with specialist
knowledge who met monthly on site to view
progress, identify specific footprints of structures
and thereby guiding authenticity.
During their construction and lifetime, the walls of
many of Cornwall’s mining structures were pointed
with traditional Cornish lime-based mortars.