The Harehope Quarry Project offers environmental education, field studies, rural skills training, community development, and community arts based from a limestone quarry in the North Pennines.
History of the Quarry
Limestone has been quarried at Harehope for more than 900 years.
Quarrying on a small-scale has taken place here since the 12th century. However, larger scale quarrying did not begin until 1901 and had stopped by 1931.
The quarry re-opened again in 1954 and continued until 1987. The quarry was used more recently as a tarmac coating plant with limestone being brought in from other quarries in Weardale.
Limestone from Harehope Quarry was used in the process of refining iron from iron ore. This process took place at ironworks in Consett, Tyneside and Teesside.
More recently the limestone has been used in the construction of roads.
The Frosterley Marble found within the limestone was quarried for its ornamental value and can been seen in the Chapel of the Nine Altars in Durham Cathedral as well at churches in Weardale and further afield.
Latest News
- Harehope becomes a LAND Demonstration site
- 15th Nov 2011
The Harehope Quarry Project has successfully become a LAND learning centre. The learning centres are permaculture projects, who show, explain and describe to volunteers, visitors and an interested public, how the principles and ethics of permaculture are applied to their project. As a LAND learning centre Harehope Quarry will form part of an England-wide co-operative network. - Trees for Harehope
- 15th Nov 2011
The Harehope Quarry Project has received a grant from Durham County Council for 80 trees. The trees will be planted during National Tree week - 26 November - 4 December 2011. - Frosterlety goes plastic-free!
- 22nd Nov 2010
Traders in Frosterley, with the help of the ‘Working for a Future in Frosterley’ project, are introducing a scheme to reduce the use of plastic bags in the village. The scheme will be launched on 27 November 2010. Cotton bags will be available in the Frosterley branch of the Penrith Co-operative Society and at Gardiner’s Country Store on a ‘borrow and return’ basis and Turtle Bags at The Village Chip Bar. Frosterley Community School are designing their own bags that will be for sale at £2, with all proceeds going to the school. These will be available in early December.
Next Events
- Volunteer Day
- 25th Feb 2012
10.00am – 4.00pm. Join in our regular volunteering event. Tasks will include the continued work on the eco-classroom and nature reserve management. Refreshments and a light lunch are provided so if you intend to come please let us know so we have an idea of numbers. - Art exhibition and workshops with Johnnie Foker
- 10th Mar 2012
Family workshop – ‘Flying Things'. 1.30pm – 4.00pm. Join this family art workshop, with artist Johnnie Foker from Bearpark Artists Co-operative in Durham. Booking essential. Families £12.00. Refreshments available. - Art exhibition and workshops with Johnnie Foker
- 10th Mar 2012
Art exhibition. 11.00am – 3.00pm. Johnnie will be exhibiting his work at Harehope Quarry throughout the weekend. He is well known for original work inspired by his love of birdlife. There will also be an opportunity to see and buy some of Johnnie's work. Refreshments available.