By Chris Devine, Pit Stop Breckland Coordinator.
Pit Stop Breckland members recently had the opportunity to visit the 5,000-year-old Neolithic flint mines Grime’s Graves set in the Norfolk countryside.
The late February weather was horrific – wet, windy and cold, but that didn’t stop the guys turning up. We started in the small exhibition centre where a welcome hot drink awaited us while we listened to a talk on the history of this site of scientific interest and a natural habitat for many rare plants and much wildlife.
As the weather eased, we were led to one of the mines which was closed due to renovations being carried out but kindly opened up for us to descend and explore.
After a quick safety meeting, hard hats and gloves handed out and off we went one-by-one down to where families, 5,000 years before, worked for a living, it was like a trip through deep time, leaving a lasting impression on the guys.
After a quick break and chat, we started our walk across the lunar landscape which is Grime’s Graves, to our final destination, Shrub Clearing, where we were about to be part of history – cutting down shrubs to make a natural hedge, new plants and the wildlife to enjoy. MensCraft will (now) always be part of that history, (but alas, no one will never know!).
Despite the bad weather, the guys had a great experience, and I would like to give a massive thank you to English Heritage for allowing this to happen.
Below are a few of reflections from our members on the day.
“The trip was a very educational and physically active experience in an open field environment with loads of fresh air. Great stuff.” Adam
“I thought the day was awesome. I loved the way everyone helped each other. A very team organised activity, roll on the next one.” Andy
“Simply (an) ace-tastic team.” Danny
For more information on Pit Stop Breckland, contact Chris on 07707 347476.
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