About Us.

Wirksworth Mines Research Group Based at Jackson Mine, Middleton near Wirksworth in the Peak District, Wirksworth Mines Research Group (WMRG) exist to promote the exploration and preservation of local mines, the vast majority of which were involved in the extraction of lead.

The group meets regularly on Sundays throughout the year, with winters generally spent working on our own mine (Jacksons), which we access by the 438' Shaft, winching it directly from the surface near our hut. During fairer weather, we are normally to be found out and about in the local area, with activities ranging from safety surveys for local landowners, through general mine exploration, to mine shaft consolidation and capping. We also undertake visits away from the local area, for example, to the Nenthead area, Yorkshire and North Wales.

We have over the years worked to preserve access to several other local mines that were in danger of being lost (usually filled in or covered over permanently). We can usually arrange access to these for other groups, though this is sometimes subject to prior agreement with the landowner and BCA requirements.