A RARE opportunity to buy an extinct volcano near Crediton is being marketed by estate agents Jackson Stops.

The agency has been asked to sell the extinct volcano that is now known as Posbury Clump in Mid Devon just outside Crediton.

Agent Richard Addington, told the “Crediton Courier”: “With a guide price of just £50,000, a buyer could get a 250 million-year-old former volcano that is also a prominent local landmark designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

“Part of the site was used as a quarry up until about 100 years ago, with the high quality basalt stone being used to build Crediton Parish Church amongst other notable Devon buildings.”

Mr Addington added that it was probably the first time he believed he has marketed an extinct volcano but added that he had sold some tors on Dartmoor.

He added: “I am sure extinct volcanos have been sold before but I believe this is a first for me.”

Posbury Clump is the woodland atop the prominent volcanic outcrop, part of which is a former quarry which was last worked at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The hard basalt stone was locally regarded and as well as Crediton Parish Church was also used in the building of Medland Manor at Cheriton Bishop.

The site extends to about 4.9 acres of which the majority is designated as a Site of Scientific Interest to reflect the unusual nature of the rock quarried there.

The wooded canopy corals the vestiges of the old workings, which extend over about half of the site.

There is vehicular access to a track which leads to the old quarry and the canopy cover is indigenous native trees including ask, oak and holly.

The prominent site rises to more than 500 feet and there are wonderful views in every direction from the edge of the wood.

The tiny settlement of Posbury is tucked away in the rolling Mid Devon countryside.

It comprises a handful of houses scattered around the convent of Posbury St Francis, where few sisters remain.

Posbury is about three miles from Crediton.

The countryside around Posbury is particularly attractive as the prosperous red soiled farmland meets the higher ground that then runs on towards Dartmoor to the south.

From Posbury Clump there are lovely views over the mixed farm and woodland of the surrounding countryside.

Mr Addington said that unaccompanied viewing can be carried out at any time during daylight hours but the agents should be notified in advance.

He added that viewers should be mindful of the hazards associated with old quarry workings including unprotected cliff faces and uneven surfaces.

For further information contact Richard Addington at Jackson Stops of Exeter on 01392 214222.