The rich history of one of Britain’s largest lead mines, hidden in the heart of the Lake District, can be brought back to life to benefit the local community and economy – according to a new report by Lancaster University.

A study by academics and students from Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) explores the feasibility of preserving the heritage of Greenside. The 300-year-old lead mine in Glenridding, Cumbria, closed its doors in 1962 after being the key to the development of Patterdale and Glenridding communities for decades.

The research team looked at whether the rich cultural history of the mine and the mining community could be presented in a new, innovative way, to offer a new sort of visitor attraction celebrating local heritage and boosting the region’s economy.

Having secured World Heritage status in 2017, the Lake District is required to preserve its natural and industrial heritage. This led to Patterdale Parish Council mandating local enthusiast Tim Clarke to initiate the report, with support from the Lake District Estates and the John Muir Trust.

The three-month study involved consultation with members of the community, Patterdale schoolchildren, the Parish council, visitors and businesses, as well as visits to other lead mine heritage centres in the region. It culminated in the presentation of a business case for a 'Greenside Mine Heritage, Education and Learning Centre'.

Professor Edward Truch, from Lancaster University Management School, oversaw the study. He said: "Today, most of Greenside's infrastructure and equipment above ground has been removed, so there is little evidence left of its rich heritage. What the study indicated was that more than two-thirds of visitors arriving by the Ullswater Steamers to Glenridding were completely unaware of the existence of the mine, and the important cultural heritage it represents.

"The results of our market research, including two public meetings and school visits, indicate all age groups throughout the local community believe it's very important to preserve memories associated with the mine in order to protect local heritage, understand its historical importance to the county and country, and remember all the people who were so intertwined with its history."

Building on Lancaster University Management School's 'Smart Parks' research, which explored how the use of technology could enhance large rural and urban spaces, the business case for Greenside uses examples of museums and mining-related heritage centres around the world that make use of technology to bring hidden elements of history to life.

Lancaster University’s Professor Juliana Sutanto, co-author of the report, said: "It is clear that our Smart Parks model lends itself very well to industrial heritage sites. We find clear examples of existing and emerging technologies in use across the world that help preserve and breathe new life into hidden gems of history like Greenside, where safety or financial concerns would otherwise stop projects in their tracks.

“By exploring new methods and making the use of technology and strong community settings, there are opportunities to improve visitor experience and attract more tourism; increase community participation; and boost the local economy – all at relatively low cost."

Tim Clarke, the Glenridding resident who initiated the report, said: "The study has shown there is overwhelming support for the idea behind such a project. Now that we have this formal report from such a reputable institution, our next steps are to consult more deeply with the local community to see what we really want, and to initiate a complete feasibility study to seek funding.

“I believe it is vital that the knowledge and memories of the very few people still alive who have direct knowledge of the mine are captured and brought to life. It is also important that any heritage centre is not just focused on the past but presents a wider view of cultural life in Glenridding and the new challenges that we face.

"This has been a true community undertaking to date, and will continue to be as we work to make it a reality. As a result of considerable feedback from all community groups, we hope the community will put forward a range of options to address concerns about increased traffic, the cost of implementation and future financial viability and sustainability."

The report outlines a strong case for a heritage centre and recommends:

• A community-based project set up to run independently or in partnership with local businesses with the support of the Lake District National Park Authority.
• The mine cannot be re-opened due to its current state. However, a replica section of the mine (such as that built at Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum) could be developed, or a virtual reality experience created using smart technology.
• The Glenridding Village Hall and land around it could be used as a multi-purpose facility, perhaps equipped with a permanent 'mine tunnel' experience. This could be supplemented by other live displays in different locations around the village.

Octogenarian Eddie Pool, a local resident and former engineer at Greenside Lead Mine, said: “People know absolutely nothing about the mine – people walk past the mine on their way to Helvellyn and don't even know it's there. I'm 100% sure that without tourists coming up here, there'll be no young people here at all. To keep young people here and to keep them in jobs, we have got to have tourism."

Penrith and the Border MP Rory Stewart has lent his support to the project.

He said: “I very much welcome this community-led initiative to celebrate and honour the history and culture of the Glenridding community. A new heritage centre, devoted not only to telling a story about Glenridding’s industrial past, but also to its current place and role in the development of Ullswater Valley, could be a splendid asset for the Lakes as a whole.”

Rob Shephard, Chair of Patterdale Parish Council, said: “We are very excited about the prospect of the Glenridding Heritage Centre, which celebrates both the history of Greenside and the whole local area, including farming and tourism. We are very grateful to the excellent work done to date by the team and look forward to moving the project to the next stage, where we can set up a new community interest group to make their vision a reality.”

The full report can be read here: https://www.connected.community/greenside-mine.html