In 1965, Straitgate Farm near Ottery St Mary in Devon was bought by ECC Quarries in the hope it would yield 20 million tonnes of sand & gravel. In 2001, Straitgate Action Group was formed to oppose the development and its potential harm to water supplies, ancient wetland habitats, protected species and much more. In 2023, Aggregate Industries – owned by Swiss giant Holcim – was finally granted permission to quarry just 1 million tonnes following a public inquiry. This blog records the story.
National Library of Scotland has released newly digitised historic maps for the UK. Here's a screen shot showing Straitgate Farm in 1888 with all its hedgerows, most of which are still around today. Click on the screen shot for the full map.
