The Institute of Quarrying (IQ) London & Home Counties (L&HC) branch is the 2nd largest branch according to the number of members it represents. Its region covers all of the south east, from the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands, and as far north as Oxfordshire. Geologically speaking, parts of the region stretch further back into the past than most of Europe.
Quarrying is a large industry within the South West, with some of the major quarrying companies having flagship operations based here. There are large deposits of limestone and basalt throughout the Mendip Hills; granite and china clay in Cornwall; and ball clay in Devon.
