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Tuckenhay Lime Kilns - Update
Tuckenhay Lime Kilns - Project History
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Tuckenhay Lime Kilns - Project History
Location: Devon
In 2000 a small group of people met and decided to form a Local History Group with the aim of exploring some of the history of the creek in all its aspects, and also following up members interests in the local history of the area. Unfortunately, just as we were about to plan a programme, the area was hit by the devastating outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in the county, which while not directly affecting the immediate vicinity, made any visits across agricultural land impossible. However, in 2002 we started again with 25 members and a programme of visits, lectures and a project of exploring Bow Creek and its history.
The idea was suggested of restoring a pair of lime kilns directly adjacent to the road at Tuckenhay with the aim of showing the public what the lime kilns were, and how they were worked, and the uses to which the lime was put. This was mainly for agriculture to sweeten the very acid soil and so improve the crop yield. It was also used to whitewash the houses and as a disinfectant in cow sheds.
The pair of kilns that seemed the most suitable is privately owned. On being asked if they would be willing for us to restore their kilns, the owners showed immediate interest and have been more than co-operative throughout the project. This was a big step forward and enabled us to gain the approval of South Hams District Council (Coast and Countryside Service) who were also enthusiastic as it fitted in with their aim of encouraging interest in the area, particularly for places that can be visited on foot.
The Tuckenhay kilns are on the Dart Valley Trail between Dartmouth and Totnes. We were then put in touch with the Countryside Agency who has funds for the Heritage Initiative which is part of the Lottery Fund. They too, were enthusiastic and encouraged us to go for a larger and more imaginative scheme than we had first envisaged. The form to be completed is quite searching and took some considerable time to do as it requires estimates for the work involved.
The grant is for 100% funding but a good deal of voluntary manual effort is required from the members, but also includes time spent on administration. This proved a comparatively easy criterion to meet, with such enthusiastic members, and allowed the grant to be used for professional services where these were necessary.
In October 2002 we were told that we were to receive the grant we had applied for. The grant is given in stages as the work progresses, and quarterly reports have to be submitted to show progress and to ensure that the money is being spent in accordance with the conditions of the grant. We were visited before we started by Chris Burke from the Countryside Agency, and our Initiative Adviser is Rob Steer, to whom any urgent questions can be addressed, preferably by E Mail. We have found them very willing to advise us, and if matters are explained, can change the way the money is spent.
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