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(Borough of Telford & Wrekin)
Coalbrookdale watercourses
Interpretation of key sites
Lighting scheme
Signage
Coalbrookdale is world famous as the 'cradle of industrial revolution'. Industrialists chose the area for its suitable minerals and for the natural watercourses which provided the power for the blast furnaces and forges.
Six pools were constructed to store sufficient water for all year round working.
Much of the Watercourse system survives to the present day although many of the historic pools and other structures have been filled in or fallen into disrepair; public access was limited and there was no proper interpretation.
The Coalbrookdale Watercourses Project focused on;
• Restoration of historic structures such as sluices, dams & culverts and possible treatment to the pools such as de-silting
• Environmental improvements to encourage a variety of native flora and fauna to colonise
• The production and implementation of a long term management plan to ensure the success of all aspects of the watercourses and to tackle long term problems of water pollution and siltation
• An access strategy has resulted in improved pedestrian access to the watercourse
• An interpretation trail strategy throughout the Dale
All phases of this project are now complete.
With the installation of improved visitor signage and interpretation at key positions across the Gorge, visitors have a clearer understanding of the key historic monuments and sites within the World Heritage Site. This is an ongoing project and this information will be up-dated.
This scheme provided new directional signage to and within the World Heritage Site.
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