Explore Devon’s industrial past, woodland landscapes, and the unique story of “shiny ore”

Walking With Cameras around Kelly Mine

Join us on Wednesday 16th September for a special Walking With Cameras session as we explore the remarkable Kelly Mine, a beautifully preserved industrial heritage site tucked into the eastern flank of Dartmoor near Lustleigh.

Overview

Kelly Mine is a rare survivor of Devon's micaceous iron oxide industry — a flaky, shimmering mineral also known as MIO, micaceous haematite, or simply "shiny ore." Although the ore was never used to make iron, it played a vital role in the industrial age as a key ingredient in corrosion-resistant paint, protecting bridges, ships, and steel structures around the world.

Today, Kelly Mine stands as a living time capsule — a small but remarkable site where original machinery, tools, and buildings remain in place thanks to decades of dedicated volunteer restoration.

This photowalk blends heritage, landscape, and mindful creativity, offering a unique chance to explore textures, machinery, woodland light, and the quiet atmosphere of a once-working mine.

What You'll See & Photograph

The original mine buildings, including the drying shed, winder house, and ore processing areas

Preserved machinery left on site when the mine closed in 1951

The distinctive shiny ore that made the mine famous

Woodland paths, mossy stonework, and Dartmoor's soft, shifting light

The surrounding valley, within the historic mining triangle between Bovey Tracey, Moretonhampstead, and Hennock

Transport

We're offering limited minibus transport from Exeter and for those attending by car, then there is limited parking on the grass verge just past the mine entrance.

PLEASE NOTE: This site is not suitable for wheelchair users, as the terrain includes uneven, cobbled and confined spaces typical of a working historic foundry.

Header Image © Kelly Mine

A Very Brief History of Kelly Mine

Worked intermittently from the late 18th century until 1951

Produced micaceous iron oxide used in anti‑corrosion paints

Machinery was left on site when the operating company, Ferrubron, closed in debt

In 1984, the landowner leased the site to a group of mining enthusiasts

Volunteers have since restored the mine into one of Devon’s most important industrial heritage locations

This rich history provides a powerful backdrop for storytelling and documentary‑style photography.

WALKING WITH CAMERAS

Walking with Cameras is a two-year project that will provide over 40 innovative photo-walks for people in Exeter and the surrounding regions. This photo-walks programme will provide an alternative means of social interaction, healthy activity, creative engagement, and it will provide participants with the opportunity to visit and photograph a range of inspiring locations for 3-4 hours, where they can create their own images or take part in a photographic tasks.

The locations in this project will be varied, but will include forests and woodlands, wetlands, local urban areas, country parks, country houses and local historical landmarks. This project is open to all adult communities across the City of Exeter and Devon, with a special focus for people who have experienced or are currently experiencing mental health issue, for those in the community who are experiencing social isolation and for people who are affected by a disability or are using a wheelchair.

This project has been funded by The National Lottery Awards for All England Programme and it will enable participants to create their own photo-story, build a portfolio of images and take part in a fun and creative activity.

MERIDIAN RAW CIO - NON DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

We ask everyone who attends our photo-walk to be respectful of each other and the facilitator.

Meridian Raw CIO is committed to ensuring an environment that is free of discrimination and fostering a climate in which all participants may take part and feel safe. We recognise and value our diverse population and we are committed to fair treatment of all participants.

Harassment and disparate treatment based on race, colour, national origin, sex, disability, age, or religion will not be permitted or tolerated.

DISCLAIMER FOR PHOTO WALKS

Everyone who attends this photo-walk does so at their own risk.

Facilitators, venue tour guides & volunteers assume no responsibility for anyone attending any event & will not be held responsible for any accident, injury or loss occurring as a result of any event or in connection with travel to such event, however caused. You indicate that you accept these conditions by attending the photo walk.

Participants are responsible for wearing suitable footwear & clothing for the environment. Participants are responsible for assessing their own risk, the safety of themselves and the suitability of any equipment used.

Meridian Raw CIO cannot take responsibility for others possessions, or any loss of said possessions, so advise that they are kept with them at all times.

Any M

Description supplied by the event organiser.