Heritage Open Day in Cornwall proves a success

Posted 14 Sep 2010

Last Thursday (9 September), leading recycling and waste management company Viridor opened the doors of its Lean Quarry Integrated Waste Management Facility near Liskeard, Cornwall as part of English Heritage’s open days.

Over 60 local residents had the rare chance to see behind the scenes of the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) and working landfill. Visitors observed first-hand, how thousands of tonnes of rubbish we produce every year are safely disposed of, how electricity is produced on site from waste and the value of restored land for wildlife conservation.

After an introductory talk by site manager Terry Farrant, activities on the day included guided tours of the MRF, active landfill, restored areas and the power plant.

Refreshments including Cornish pasties and Viridor-branded cup cakes were very popular with visitors as was the presence of Viridor’s bird control contractor and his Peregrine Falcon and African Tawny Eagle to inform members of the public of the various ways Viridor controls birds on site

Landfill manager Terry Farrant said “The day proved to be a great way to show the good work the team on site does to responsibly manage and dispose of the waste we all generate and provided us with the opportunity to present the positive outlook for the site’s future in terms of site restoration and power generation.

“Feedback from all visitors was very positive and the day did much to dispel the myths around landfills and helped them understand what an essential service we provide to the local area.”

Heritage Open Days celebrate England’s architecture and culture by allowing visitors free access to interesting properties not usually open to the public or those that would usually attract an entrance fee.

It is England’s biggest and most popular voluntary cultural event and provides a unique opportunity to explore some of the hidden gems in English cities, towns and villages.

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