A programme of restoration works has started to help preserve and protect two nationally important archaeological sites in the Peak District. The ancient hillfort on Mam Tor and historic Odin Mine, which lies below the hill’s iconic cliff face, are both registered scheduled monuments dating from the Bronze Age and Medieval period, respectively.
The work on Mam Tor will help to preserve the site and repair erosion caused by high visitor numbers. The restoration work on the hillfort’s ancient earthwork banks, also known as ramparts, will happen in stages.
National Trust rangers and volunteers will rebuild and reprofile the affected areas with hessian and topsoil, as well as reseed where bare soil has been exposed. The work aims to restore the land to the state it was in before the erosion took place and establish routes that will encourage visitors to walk on the footpaths rather than climb the historic earthworks, such as the ramparts and burial mound.
While Odin mine is known for its iconic open cave and limestone gorge, much of its workings lie underground. The sealed mine entrance sits underneath Old Mam Tor Road and, due to an active landslip and extreme weather, is at risk of collapse.
Working alongside Historic England and external contractors, the stonework of the mine entrance will be rebuilt, and improved drainage will prevent future structural damage from water run-off. New information boards will enable visitors to learn about the historic site.
Alongside the restoration work, improvements are being made to Mam Tor car park and the wider area. This includes landscaping and new picnic benches to improve access and offer a relaxing place for a picnic after a hike. Updated information boards will enable visitors to easily access walking trails and understand Mam Tor’s rich history.
The ranger team are updating and replacing way markers, finger posts and other countryside signs across Mam Tor, Odin Mine and Winnats Pass. This will help visitors find their way across the landscape with a route that matches their ability.
September 2022
Fences have been installed at either side of eroded paths to encourage visitors to stay on the footpaths. This will protect the ground over the winter months when it is wetter and more susceptible to damage if it is walked on. It will also help to ensure the ground is in the best condition for the reseeding stage of the programme in 2023.
Discover more about the work we’re doing to restore, protect and improve to landscape at Kinder, Edale and the High Peak, and find out how you can help us look after the land.
The National Trust is a decade into a 50-year project to protect the land it looks after in the High Peak for people, nature and climate. Find out about work completed so far to restore peat and moorland, create and develop woodland, encourage and protect wildlife, and the plans to do more.
Discover the best views of the Peak District on a refreshing walk or bike ride through Kinder, Edale and the High Peak in Derbyshire.
