Stone removals undermining historic landscape of Dales, say park chiefs

National Park chiefs are urging landowners to help preserve the heaps, which contain vital information about the mining industry and the area's geology.

The Park is scattered with the remains of former mineral extraction and processing sites, especially lead industry remains, most of which date from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Robert White, the Park Authority's Senior Historic environment officer, said the waste was being reused to produce aggregate – particularly on shooting estates – but was now running out and uncontrolled removal was severely damaging the historic landscape.

The various types, colours and sizes of the waste provide archaeologists and other scientists with telltale signs about the period after the underground rock was brought to the surface. Many spoil heaps also contain tools and other artefacts.

Also, the lead industry debris supports unique and very characteristic habitats such as Calaminarian grasslands that can tolerate heavy metals.