Uncovering History: Yorkshire Bottle Diving Hobby Gains Popularity
A chance find led him to focus on bottle-digging. Eddie discovered ash, broken pottery and ash in a quarry that had been abandoned by rabbits. Eddie says, “Each glass bottle contains a memory.”
Eddie and other bottle diggers search for old rubbish. The bottle diggers carefully go through the layers of soil and ash to uncover intact bottles. Many are from no-longer-existing breweries and chemists. Eddie says that the unpredictable nature of it is exciting. “It’s amazing to see the trash people used back in those days.”
Safety concerns around bottle digging
Some people are not fans of the hobby. West Yorkshire officials raised safety concerns. Calderdale Council warns in a report that it can be dangerous to dig on natural or old landfill areas. The holes left behind were often insecure and required interventions to avoid accidents.The council is taking enforcement action against anyone who disregards these warnings.
Responsible Digging Practices
Eddie digs mainly on farms with permission, and he follows safety rules. It can be hazardous.”Always get permission from the landowner.”
Preservation of Local History
Andy Matthews of the Cornish Bottle Archive praises bottle diggers’ skill. People often misunderstand bottle diggers. “One person’s bad behavior can damage the reputation of everyone who digs.”
Matthews emphasizes the history of the hobby. Bottle diggers are incredibly knowledgeable. The bottle diggers can tell the age, patent and type of a particular bottle at a quick glance. “It’s incredible and deserves to be celebrated.”
Conclusion
They continue to document and explore treasures beneath the earth using responsible practices.
