History, ecology and physical and chemical nature of two metalliferous spoil tips in South‐West England

Abstract
The ecology and nature of metalliferous spoil tips in the Tamar Valley area of South‐West England is discussed. The tips, which resulted from metal extraction during the late 19th and early 20th century, cause contamination of plants, animals, and ecosystems. The amount of vegetation cover is reduced whilst a diversity of genera occurs.