Burngullow Common

Downs, Moorland in Cornwall

England

Burngullow Common

Treverbyn: Wheal Martyn china clay pit Excavation of china clay had begun here by 1840. There were two pits: Wheal Martyn and Greensplat. Greensplat is to the left of this image. The two pits have now merged but are worked separately: Wheal Martyn pit is owned by Imerys Mineral Ltd. Clay is processed and refined - via a pipeline - at Littlejohns clayworks. This site is within Treverbyn parish, near St Austell — Treverbyn: Wheal Martyn china clay pit Credit: Martin Bodman

Burngullow Common is a picturesque area located in the county of Cornwall, England. Situated between the towns of St Austell and Truro, it is known for its stunning downs and moorland landscape. Covering an area of approximately 300 acres, Burngullow Common offers visitors a tranquil and natural environment to explore.

The common is characterized by its rolling hills and expansive open spaces, which are adorned with vibrant heather and gorse during the summer months. The diverse vegetation provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and small mammals. It is not uncommon to spot species such as skylarks, kestrels, and adders within the common.

Walking trails wind their way through the area, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the surroundings. These paths offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and provide an excellent opportunity for nature enthusiasts to observe the local flora and fauna.

Burngullow Common is also home to a number of archaeological sites, including ancient burial mounds and stone circles, dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods. These historical remnants provide a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the area.

Whether it's taking a leisurely walk, birdwatching, or simply relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere, Burngullow Common offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with nature.

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Burngullow Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.352123/-4.8333718 or Grid Reference SW9854. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Treverbyn: Wheal Martyn china clay pit

Excavation of china clay had begun here by 1840. There were two pits: Wheal Martyn and Greensplat. Greensplat is to the left of this image. The two pits have now merged but are worked separately: Wheal Martyn pit is owned by Imerys Mineral Ltd. Clay is processed and refined - via a pipeline - at Littlejohns clayworks. This site is within Treverbyn parish, near St Austell

Martin Bodman

Gover Valley

This view from the Gover railway viaduct shows a valley once busy with the china clay industry, note the chimney, but now returning to an intense greenness. This photo was taken from the 1158 Penzance to London Paddington train, having left Truro at 1244 and about to arrive at St Austell.

Graham Horn

Lanjeth on the A3058

Looking away from St Austell towards the west

roger geach

The White Pyramid

When the clay mines were at the peak then the waste tips looked liked white pyramids hence the name of this pub. Nowadays most of the tips have been landscaped or even flattened.

roger geach

Minor road south of Carrancarrow

This road skirts around a disused china clay pit, now marked as flooded on the OS map. The vegetation by the road is typical of this china clay landscape.

David Smith

One of several tanks at Greensplat

This is one of several setting tanks at Greensplat China Clay Works

David Smith

Blackpool China Clay works

The bright blue colour of the water is due to mica in suspension

Chris Gunns

Blackpool China Clay works

Chris Gunns

Blackpool China Clay works

Terraces on the pit wall

Chris Gunns

Blackpool China Clay works

Terraces on the side of the pit

Chris Gunns

Greensplat Road

Chris Gunns

Greensplat Road

Right in the middle of a china clay mining area but only farmland visible here.

Chris Gunns

Disused tip

Blackpool China Clay Works

Chris Gunns

Olympic Torch Trewoon

The olympic torch passing through Trewoon

James

View from a train towards St Stephen approaching Burngullow

Entering "Clay Country" (China Clay) on a train from Truro to St Austell just pass Coombe approaching Burngullow.

Mike May

Wheal Martyn China Clay Mine

Seen from the visitors viewpoint associated with the Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum. At the top left of the photo a high pressure monitor is washing the clay out of the hillside. The stream of clay-bearing water can then be seen dropping down to the next level of the mine to the right of the yellow digger on the right of the photo. Finally, the water can be seen dropping down into the bottom of the mine in the lower centre of the photo. From where it will be pumped to the clay processing works. There are actually two china clay pits visible from the viewpoint. As the workings have expanded the two have merged into one. This end of the mine is the Greensplat end which was operated by Goonvean until 2012 when the company was taken over by Imerys. The Wheal Martyn end of the mine was already Imerys operated.

Martin Addison