KIRKSTONE SLATE

We are using Kirkstone slate for floors, garden paving and our kitchen work surface. It is an exceptionally beautiful stone with a dark blue-green colouring. Kirkstone Silver Green (above) exposes the layering of millenia of prehistoric sedimentation. Kirkstone Sea Green (below) has a more consistent but rich patination.

Stone is a good eco-choice because relatively little processing is required - no kilns are needed, just saws with big teeth. Buying stone from the UK also avoids the significant energy costs of long-distance transport.

For an account of my visit to the Kirkstone quarry and a description of Kirkstone's efforts to maintain the quality of the local environment, see my diary of 11.05.05.

Contact Kirkstone on 01539 433296, www.kirkstone.com.