Luckett can be explored through two distinct themes: mining history and nature conservation. New Consols Mine is a Scheduled Monument. The Luckett (Greenscombe) Woods Nature Reserve offers a different perspective on the area: here, the focus is on the history of reintroducing rare butterflies. This means Luckett’s industrial heritage and nature conservation stand side by side as distinct themes.
Mining History and Technology
Mining in Luckett began around the 1760s; copper was the main product at the time. In the 19th century, mining was successively carried out under the names Great Wheal Martha, New Wheal Martha and New Great Consols. The sequence of names shows that the designations changed over several historical periods.
New Consols Mine produced copper, lead, silver, arsenic and tin, as well as small quantities of gold. Copper links this production history to a specific technical detail: a mine engine house was built in 1871 and housed a 28-inch engine that powered copper crushers. The construction date and the engine’s function add a specific example of processing to the list of ores.
Water-powered Brunton calciners have also been preserved at New Consols Mine. They were built to extract arsenic and are Grade II listed. The mine thus illustrates different technical functions: powering copper crushers and extracting arsenic.
Wheal Sheba operated as a copper mine from 1843 to 1867. These specific operating years provide a different point of reference from the approximate date given for the beginning of mining; the engine house adds another dated record, from 1871. This makes it possible to distinguish between the early history of mining, the period of operation and the year of construction.
Nature Conservation in the Tamar Valley
Luckett is located in the Tamar Valley, designated an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”. In 2006, rare Heath Fritillary butterflies were reintroduced to the Luckett (Greenscombe) Woods Nature Reserve. The protected-area designation describes the status of the area; the reintroduction was a specific historical measure with its own date. The conservation story thus adds a different perspective on Luckett to its mining themes.
Walking Routes and Practical Planning
The Kit Hill Link runs from Luckett to Kit Hill and is 2.7 miles (4.25 km) long. A waymarked walking trail runs from the car park in Luckett through the former workings of Luckett Mine. The two route descriptions have different points of emphasis: the Kit Hill Link names its destination and length, while the walking trail specifies its starting point and route through the former mining area. This helps you assess each description according to the information that matters for your plans.
Check the current waymarking and trail conditions locally before including the route in your plans. The historical information about the mine and the route descriptions offer different ways to explore the area’s history: through technical remains, along the route through the former mining area or via the connection between Luckett and Kit Hill.
Discover more destinations: Padstow, Callington, St Teath, Polperro, Mount, Brighton, Truro, Constantine
For the wider travel guide: Cornwall.
