Managing geological specimen collecting: Caldbeck Fells case study (TIN127)

This case study has been written to help explain the guidance provided in TIN111. It illustrates the management of geological specimen collecting of minerals from mine dumps and underground mines. The Caldbeck Fells in Cumbria comprise a former mining area that produced a diverse range of mineral ores. The collecting pressure on the resource is high and the threat of that pressure is also high because of the finite nature of the material and the slow process of natural exposure. In addition the excavation of minerals by collectors and researchers could damage the landscape and important archaeological features. Therefore, a comprehensive and integrated management approach to collecting has been developed.