In 2002 Gwennap Parish Council purchased the Wheal Maid site for £1 from the previous owners Carnon Enterprises. The valley was once a tailings dam for Wheal Jane and has important 19th Century mining remains. As such the area is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.
Wheal Maid is now popular with walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders. The site has hosted rounds from regional and national mountain bike competitions.