Sign inPhotographer and year not known
This is a relatively shallow, small quarry at Crowborough Heath in Sussex. Here the quarrymen are extracting chunks of stone using simple, non-motorised equipment.
The massive, thick-bedded fine to medium grained quartz sandstone found here is sometimes called Tunbridge Wells Sandstone because Crowborough is 11 km from Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Much of this area of the Weald is now a protected Area of Beauty Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and ecological importance. AA Milne used it as the setting for Winnie the Pooh stories.
Student focus
- Describe how the equipment in the quarry (the wooden triangular structures are called shear legs) is being used. How do the quarrymen cut the sandstone? How do they transport it?
- What kind of equipment would you expect to see in a modern quarry environment? (Carry out an internet search if necessary.)
- Is the use of sandstone in construction a sustainable use? Think of its use compared with other materials used in construction.
Current OS Explorer sheet: 136
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The origin of this image and photographer are not known currently – any information would be gratefully received. Please email info@geography.org.uk.