Ecton Hill Field Studies Association organises courses and visits for School and College groups, Geological Societies, U3A and other groups studying Geology, Science or History of Science/Technology and general interest groups.
All courses and visits include an underground visit to see the mineralisation, and understand how the miners were able to make the mine such a profitable enterprise. Most visits, apart from specialist Geology courses, include a hill walk to see evidence of past mining techniques and the engine house, built to install the Boulton and Watt steam engine.

A Level Chemistry courses and KS4 Chemistry courses also include some practical Chemistry, relating to the minerals occurring in the Ecton ore body.
A Level Geology courses generally concentrate on field work techniques, mineralisation and engineering geology.

School visits from KS2 onwards can be arranged for general interest with the opportunity to undertake Science/Geology-based activities or with an emphasis on specific aspects of the history and geology of the Ecton Mine.
General or Special Interest Visits are available for any type of group of adults, or adults with children. Visitors can enjoy an underground visit, hear the fascinating story of the historic Ecton mines, and how science was developed and applied to the winning of an important metal – copper. These visits are tailored to suit the interests of the visiting group.

Undergraduate geology groups will benefit from an opportunity to be inside a mine, consider an unusual mineralisation and study the structural geology in 3-dimensions. The underground visit can be linked with field work on the spectacular folding nearby.  The activities on the AL Geology page are equally suitable for undergraduate Geology students. The Booking Form for AL Geology may be used for undergraduate groups.

A two-day field trip to Ecton, with overnight accommodation at a local Youth Hostel offers the opportunity for Science teachers of all disciplines to discover relevant practical activities. The social and academic educational benefits of a residential visit, where the Science relates to industrial and economic issues are experienced. PGCE Tutors can use this as an opportunity for their students to plan an off-site visit for school students, and to appreciate the importance of fieldwork in motivating children and improving learning in Science.
Enquiries to: Eileen1Barrett@aol.com   01903883933 

We are supported by the Ecton Mine Educational Trust, (Registered Charity No. 1112892), www.ectonmine.org which, at various times, has attracted support from Anglo American plc, Rio Tinto plc, the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, MinSouth, and the Royal Society of Chemistry. EHFSA has also received grants from the Royal Society of Chemistry, and the Geologists’ Association, to assist in the recommencement of courses at Ecton, after a lapse of several years.