Field Trip to Halvana Mine, Altarnun led by Noah Breslin

Halvana is one of those minor Bodmin Moor mines, often overlooked because of all the noise emanating from Caradon and Phoenix, but whose remains lie relatively undisturbed in quiet corners of the Moor. Here they are also shrouded by a conifer plantation, creating an eerily atmospheric site. But remains of shafts, adits, waterwheel pits, engine houses, stamping mills and earlier streamworks can all be picked out to help us get the mine working again in our minds. Halvana mine opened in 1843/44 and merged with Fox Tor mine in 1858, and then closed and reopened several times, including to work wolfram in the First World War.

Noah has been interested in the mine for several years and is now studying and surveying it for his undergraduate degree. We will meet in the car park at SX2141 7876, w3w///carbonate.pocketed.thinkers

Noah will lead us along along what he describes as a ‘tough but rewarding route’ of around 5 kilometres, or three and a bit miles. This is a mix of conifer plantation and moorland (East Moor). Wear suitable clothing, including stout waterproof boots, and as it will still be Springtime on the Moor, bring a layer of clothing additional to those which you think you will need.