Dulcote Quarry

St Cuthbert Out, Mendip, Somerset, England, UK

Key Information

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Dulcote Quarry is located in St Cuthbert Out, Mendip, Somerset, England, UK, near the city of Wells, known for its cathedral.
It produces minerals like Calcite, Goethite, Hematite, Quartz (including Agate, Chalcedony, and Amethyst), Baryte, Celestine, and Strontianite, with Agate and Amethyst being particularly notable.
The quarry consists of Carboniferous Limestone, a sedimentary rock formed from marine organisms, shaped by ancient geological processes.
Mining started in the mid-19th century, ceased in 2016, and the site is now a food production facility, with a historical connection to the Foster Yeoman Company.
The area has a temperate maritime climate, with diverse ecology including limestone grasslands and woodlands, though the quarry's current ecological role is less defined.
Local culture includes historical ties to the Church of St Cuthbert and the Mendip Hills, known for outdoor activities and unique "potato stones."

Geographic Location

Dulcote Quarry sits in the heart of the Mendip Hills, Somerset, England, just a stone's throw from Wells, famous for its stunning cathedral. This location places it in south-west England, surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque villages, with nearby landmarks like Cheddar Gorge offering additional geological wonders for enthusiasts.

Minerals Produced

The quarry is a treasure trove for mineral lovers, yielding Calcite, Goethite, Hematite, and Quartz in various forms, including the eye-catching Agate, Chalcedony, and Amethyst. Baryte, Celestine, and Strontianite also emerge from its depths, with Agate and Amethyst standing out for their unique patterns and colors, making them prized finds.

Geological Structure

Composed of Carboniferous Limestone, Dulcote Quarry's rocks tell a story of ancient seas, formed from the shells of marine life. The Mendip Hills' dramatic landscape, shaped by the Variscan orogeny, features karst formations like caves and gorges, adding to the area's geological intrigue and providing a backdrop for mineral formation through hydrothermal activity.

Mining History

Quarrying began in the mid-19th century, with the Foster Yeoman Company, founded in 1923, playing a key role before becoming part of Aggregate Industries. Producing 0.25 million tons of limestone annually for construction, the site was served by the Cheddar Valley Line. Mining ended in 2016 when it was repurposed into a food production site, marking a new chapter for this historic location.

Local Culture and Characteristics

St Cuthbert Out, encompassing Dulcote, is steeped in history, named after the Church of St Cuthbert in Wells. The area boasts historical sites like the former Mendip Hospital and is known for the Mendip Hills' outdoor appeal. Local "potato stones," nodules with crystallized minerals, add a quirky cultural note, attracting collectors and hikers alike.

Climate and Ecology

The region enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with mild weather and moderate rain, supporting diverse ecosystems like limestone grasslands and woodlands in the Mendip Hills. While the quarry itself, now disused and repurposed, has less defined ecological significance, its surroundings remain a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.