Old Town Quarry Reopens: A New Chapter for Weston’s Beloved Green Gem

By Oliver M, 15, Jill Dando News Correspondent

In Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, the Old Town Quarry — situated just up the road from Jill Dando’s Garden in Grove Park, which has been closed since August 2023, much to the disappointment of holidaymakers and local regulars alike — held its reopening event yesterday.

Breathing new life into the site, which is owned by North Somerset Council and previously leased by Weston-super-Mare Civic Society, the Old Town Quarry has long been a beloved location for those with a passion for wildlife, dog owners and their furry friends, and tourists alike.

The retired quarry, which closed in 1953, became derelict until, according to former mayor and local history enthusiast Cllr John Crockford-Hawley, it was “established [as] a popular community facility and wildlife sanctuary.”

Since then, visitors have enjoyed refreshing beverages from the Rowan Tree Tea Rooms, explored art studios showcasing local artists, and admired the quarry’s natural beauty — its main attraction.

Host to a range of rare wildlife, the site has long been known for its cliffs that provide nesting spots for peregrine falcons, the fastest animals on earth, and for the “Bowl” of the quarry, which was home to foxes — most notably Sam the Quarry Fox, who befriended the former café owner but sadly passed away in 2016.

Now, with a new leasing agreement signed in July 2024 between North Somerset Council and Weston-super-Mare Town Council, and after months of work to restore the derelict site, the quarry has reopened — attracting hundreds of visitors to its vibrant reopening event.

Local history enthusiast and former mayor Cllr John Crockford-Hawley said at the time of the lease signing:

“Quarrying last occurred here in the 1950s, after which the site gradually became derelict until Weston Civic Society established its popular community facility and wildlife sanctuary. This new chapter in the quarry’s story will ensure continuity of purpose, with community involvement and much-improved facilities.”

Since the quarry closed to the public, the council’s restoration efforts have been extensive — from demolishing the condemned stone-crushing plant and felling diseased trees to revamping the two main buildings, replacing roofs, and clearing overgrown shrubs from the “Bowl” area at the bottom of the quarry.

The Town Council hosted the reopening event, originally scheduled for late summer, welcoming visitors back with a range of free activities such as archery provided by Mendip Outdoor Centre.

The day began with a speech from the current Mayor of Weston-super-Mare, Cllr Martin Williams, who then cut the blue ribbon, symbolically breathing new life into the cherished site.

The event featured outstanding performances from The People’s Show Choir and Nogin the Solo Shanty Man, as well as creative workshops from the Learning Hub and Weston Artspace, both now based in new wooden cabins at the quarry.

Inside the main building, the Stone & Canvas Café served a tempting selection of sweet and savoury treats to long queues of eager visitors. The building also houses a gift shop and studios for local artists, including wood-fired ceramic maker Sim Taylor, who hosted exclusive workshops showcasing his craft.

It is clear that the Old Town Quarry has a bright and sustainable future ahead — once again becoming a home from home for dog owners, their companions, wildlife lovers, and visitors from far and wide. A true green gem in the heart of Weston-super-Mare.

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