Limestone was available on the grounds of the local manse. In the 1750s the decision was taken to mine the limestone in the Waterside area on a larger scale. Underground drains or levels were constructed to drain the workings. These led to a low point below a pumping engine at Hurlet powered by a waterwheel driven by a long lade down the west bank of the Levern. A waggonway was constructed bridging the Levern Water with clamp kilns and eventually a draw kiln at Hurlet.