WALK TWO: CLARITY AND OPACITY
A series of guided walks took place during summer 2021, exploring the complex impact of human activity on the ecology of the small post-industrial Red River. Although only 7.5 miles in length, and little more than a stream, the Red River passes through a remarkably diverse physical and cultural landscape. There is no continuous path along its banks, so we plotted four circular routes which, when necessary, diverge, leading to key sites of interest and to higher ground permitting views of the river’s course. Poet and academic Dr John Wedgwood Clarke led the walks, sharing his research and poetry along the way, and invited guests including local experts and visual artists commissioned as part of the project also contributed their research, specialist knowledge and stories.
The second walk was held on Saturday 10th July, setting out from King Edward Mine, before walking through Carn Arthen, Brea and Tuckingmill. After crossing the A30 to Tolvaddon, we descended into the Great Wheal Seton setting tanks, home of the scarce blue-tailed dragonfly, acid-mine-drainage loving bacteria. The photos below give a flavour of the walk; audio and visual resources are available here, along with a map of the route, for you to explore the area yourself.
The event was produced by Field Notes CIC and documented by Harvey Gorst.
As we set out from King Edward Mine, Steve Jones from the Red River rescuers immediately drew our attention to the local insect life and Carol Richards from the mining museum filled us in on the history of East Wheal Grenville, which lies just south of the road.
John’s first stop was at Higher Condurrow. He played recordings Rob Mackay had made in the mine below our feet and a reading of his poetry.
We were fortunate to be joined by Paul Williams who was brought up by a tributary of the Red River, close to the main river and whose ancestors lived and worked in, and close to, the valley. Paul wrote a book titled Red River, which details some of the rich histories of the area and shared some of his knowledge with us as we walked.
South of the A30 part of the Tucking Mill Valley has been transformed into a park with public footpaths and facilities. Here it’s easy to walk along the banks of the river.
Crossing the A30 there’s an onslaught of noise from the traffic passing below. We then make our way down to the Great Wheal Seton Settling tanks at Tolvaddon.
Reflections on a river interrupted, hybrid landscapes and the hideous sublime.