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FeaturesYou are in: Cumbria > Places > Features > Making Waves - from washing powder to walkers.  The demolition work at Rhodia continues. Making Waves - from washing powder to walkers.Helen Skelton Demolishing a factory that once employed hundreds of people in Whitehaven is undoubtedly sad for some. But others see it as an opportunity for tourism to develop. With a skyline fit for a movie, I’m not surprised by the number of people walking along the coastal path between St Bees and Whitehaven. But I am surprised by how much I can see. It’s a clear day and at the risk of sounding over optimistic I’d swear that was Ireland on the horizon!  The beautiful West Cumbrian coast. This walk is punctuated with two sounds: that of the waves as they crash against the rocks beneath me (I know, it sounds too quaint to be true) and that of the long grass brushing against my legs as I walk along. A treat on the eyes and ears, but this place is also a chocolate box for nature enthusiasts.  The old office block at Rhodia. This gorse is home to a range of small birds: yellowhammers, stonechats and whitethroats among others. And they’re just the tip of the iceberg, further along toward St Bees the cliffs are home to the largest seabird colony on the West Coast of England. Nesting seabirds include guillemots, kittiwakes and even a few pairs of puffins. No wonder then that this piece of land is owned by the RSPB. The sight and the sound can be spectacular. If coastal walks and pretty birds aren’t your thing there are the remains of Saltom Pit and the impressive Haig Pit to hold your attention. On bright days Haig is a powerful silhouette, a remnant of Whitehaven’s industrial heritage and for some a reminder of the tragedies linked to coal mining. For those unfamiliar with the history, simply appreciate the artistic contrast of dark metal and industrial structures against pretty skylines.  Demolition work on the Rhodia site. As we walk along the coast I come across another part of Whitehaven’s industrial heritage, the Rhodia plant. The factory was here for more than 60 years, making chemicals that went into products like toothpaste and washing powder.  Houses near the Rhodia site. Much like with the birds, I heard it before I saw it. Workmen are busy pulling it down bit by bit and if it’s not trucks and cranes you hear then it’s rubble falling to the ground. Lots of it has been flattened and the plan at the moment is to make it into an open access area.  Jeremy Barlow near Haig Pit. Residents who live literally in the shadow of the factory on Snaefell Terrace tell me it’ll mean a nice view but they’ll also get all the wind from the Irish Sea. Like most locals Claire, Ursula and Anne are sad that people have lost their jobs. Ursula is concerned at how much top soil will be needed to transform the concrete foundations into an idyllic park. My well informed guide along this coastal walk is Jeremy Barlow from the National Trust. He wants “to capture people’s enthusiasm” for this stunning scenery and get people involved with restoring and preserving the area. He says developing the coastal route won’t hinder future industry and hopes more walkers will come here. A sentiment the walkers I stopped agree with. Henry, who walks his eight dogs along here, thinks it’s a great way to develop tourism and says walkers will bring money into the area. While some lament the end of a factory that employed hundreds, others are looking forward to a new industry developing. But the one thing they agree on is that Snaefell Terrace will be a lot windier! last updated: 12/06/2008 at 08:30 SEE ALSOYou are in: Cumbria > Places > Features > Making Waves - from washing powder to walkers.
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