Then and Now: Surveying United Mines

United Mines, near St Day, has had a remarkable transformation over the past decades. Originally a landfill site from the 1970s, the area underwent major restoration in the early 2000s. Today, it’s a green, accessible space enjoyed by walkers, but behind the scenes, careful surveying has played a key role in making this possible.

Our first involvement at United Mines was in the early 2000s, working with McArdle Earthworks. We provided setting out and quality assurance (QA) surveys to support the restoration works at the time. These surveys ensured that the engineered capping, landscaping, and drainage were implemented accurately, laying the foundations for a safe and sustainably restored site. Even in the early stages, it was clear that careful measurement and monitoring would be critical to the long-term success of the project.

Since then, we’ve returned regularly to monitor the site’s progress. One of our main focuses has been settlement monitoring, checking how the ground moves and compacts over time. This is particularly important on former landfill sites like United Mines, where layers of waste and soil continue to settle years after restoration. Mark Hockaday has led many of these surveys, helping ensure the site remains safe and stable.

As technology has advanced, so has the approach we’ve taken. More recently, we’ve incorporated UAV surveys into our monitoring work. Drone-based surveys allow us to capture detailed aerial imagery and 3D point clouds of the site, providing a clear picture of how the land contours evolve over time. These surveys complement traditional ground measurements, giving a more complete view of settlement patterns and vegetation growth.

Another important aspect of our work at United Mines is monitoring the numerous boreholes across the site. These provide key information on subsurface conditions, helping track changes in moisture, gas, and settlement within the landfill material. Regular checks are essential for long-term maintenance and to support any future works in the area.

We’re returning once again to United Mines to continue this monitoring program. Even though the site now looks like a peaceful green space, ongoing surveys remain vital. Monitoring ensures that the restored land continues to behave as expected, supporting safety, environmental compliance, and making sure that it’s useable long-term. It’s a reminder that behind every successful restoration, there’s a combination of engineering, surveying, and careful oversight.

We’re heading back to United Mines to carry on with the monitoring programme. Although the area now feels like a calm, open green space, it still needs regular checks. These surveys make sure the restored land is performing as it should – keeping it safe, meeting environmental standards, and ensuring it remains fit for use in the long term. It’s easy to look at it now and think the job’s done, but keeping it that way takes regular checks and a bit of ongoing care behind the scenes.