There are plans to open up a network of caves and tunnels to the public as part of a bid to transform a quarry into a "significant" tourist attraction.

For over 200 years limestone was mined at Minera Quarry near Wrexham but operations ceased in 1994.

Now conservationists want to develop the site for recreation and tourism.

... the North Wales Wildlife Trust, working with others, has offered to lead the project, including fundraising.

The report states detailed and specialist research is needed before a business plan is drawn up and planning permission applied for.

There are also a number of land issues as the quarry is owned by the global building materials company Lafarge.

... the report states: "Minera Quarry is now a prominent and distinctive location of ecological, geological, historical and recreational importance.

"Since the cessation of operations, parts of the site have regenerated naturally and now form part of the Ruabon, Llantysilio and Minera Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)."

It said the quarry is also of importance with regard to industrial heritage with two structures listed as scheduled ancient monuments, as well as disused railway tracks and other features connected to its working past.

"The site comprises an impressive system of natural limestone caves that, with the provision of an access tunnel, could be developed into a visitor attraction unique in the north Wales region," it added.

"The complex of hard-rock tunnels may offer the potential of a further underground visitor experience in the fullness of time."

Ah - but I also edited mine to make my link a 'proper one'

You have obviously gone over to the dark side.

Ah - but I also edited mine to make my link a 'proper one'

You have obviously gone over to the dark side.

Nope, I've never been down a cave! :tongue:

Ah - but I also edited mine to make my link a 'proper one'

You have obviously gone over to the dark side.

Nope, I've never been down a cave! :tongue:

So have you never explored mines in Swaledale or Derbyshire ?

I could suggest a few Derbyshire mines that cut into particularly muddy bits of natural, if you want to find out what you've been missing..... :devil:

Mmm, they have managed to bring the buzz words "diversity" and "sustainability" into the equation and possibly have people working on establishing some connection with climate change, so funding should not be a problem for them.

I am not sure about the "caves" bit, I mean there is hardly a walk in from the quarry is there.
But then again, someone may know something I dont know, like sneaking into Parc or Hafna.

Looking at Cris Ebbs' The Caves of North-East Wales I think the caves involved are probably Ogof Dydd Byraf and Ogof Llyn Parc (both intersected by mine workings) and Ogof Llyn Du.

Dave