A selection of photos from Kennall Vale Nature Reserve, one of the most beautiful locations in Cornwall. Kennall Vale is a 20 acre nature reserve, which has grown up around the ruins of an old gun powder factory. The factory was built in 1812 and employed up to 50 men in its prime. In 1838 the valley was shaken to it roots, when a series of explosions blew up 5 of the mills!!! Surprisingly there was only one fatality, with one other person being seriously injured. The factory recovered from the explosions and continued to operate until 1914, at which point production of gunpowder ceased. Since then the factory has fallen to ruin, and nature has reclaimed the valley.
