New Dorset trail explores the story of ball clay

A new trail has been created to tell the story of a little-known clay used in everything from pottery to toilets.

Ball clay has helped shape Dorset for centuries and now a new walkway has been created at Purbeck Mining Museum, near Corfe Castle, telling visitors about its role in the county's industrial heritage.

But what exactly is ball clay, and why has it been so important to Purbeck?

Ball clay is a fine-grained clay used to make ceramics such as toilets, sinks, tiles, tableware and pottery.

It is valued for its whiteness, and because it is easy to shape, strong when moulded, and helps give ceramic products a smooth finish.

Despite its name, it is not naturally shaped like a ball.

Instead, the name comes from the way the clay was traditionally dug and cut into rounded blocks, or "balls", before being transported.

Purbeck contains some of the UK's most significant ball clay deposits and has a long history of pottery production dating back to the Roman period.

The clay began to be extracted in large quantities in the 17th Century, because it was ideal for making clay pipes for tobacco smoking, before later becoming widely used in tableware and other ceramics.

Much of Purbeck's clay was extracted from underground mines and transported by narrow-gauge railways to nearby ports and processing facilities.

Extraction expanded significantly during the Victorian era, with clay shipped from Poole Harbour to manufacturers across Britain and overseas.

The industry supported generations of local families and helped shape settlements, transport links and the surrounding landscape.

Although the industry is smaller than it once was, ball clay from Dorset is still used in ceramic manufacturing around the world.

The new Clay Trail was funded by Dorset Council and created by Purbeck Mining Museum with the support of volunteers and partner organisations.

It aims not only to tell the story of Purbeck's mining heritage, but also to encourage visitors away from environmentally sensitive heathland areas, helping to protect rare wildlife and habitats.

The trail opens at a free event on Saturday.

Dorset councillor Beryl Ezzard said: "This trail brings those stories together in a way that is engaging and accessible for residents and visitors alike.

"It offers people a chance to learn about the area's important clay mining history, enjoy the landscape and support the protection of our internationally important heathlands."