Exploring the wider estate and watermill at Acorn Bank

Woodland walks

The woodland floor is at its best in April and May, so a woodland walk comes highly recommended - if you come in the morning. the woods are filled with birdsong, a peaceful way to start the day.

A succession of wild Narcissi in April is followed by bluebells in May and onto wild garlic, and carpets of wood anemone. There will also be another 30-40 species of wildflower popping up throughout spring. Once the tree canopy fully forms in June, less light penetrates the woodland floor and the bulk of flowers have gone over so it’s best seen in spring. 

Watch out for...

• Hares and young leverets, along with otters and their kits down on the Crowdundle Beck next to the watermill - they are more likely spotted at dawn and dusk, and you might be able to spot their tracks in the sandy areas of the beck
• Red squirrels returned to the woods during lockdown in 2020, so keep your eyes peeled for kits in April

Birds at Acorn Bank

Birdlife is fantastic during the spring, as lots of migrant species return from wintering in Africa.

This starts with chiffchaffs in late March, then redstarts, willow warblers and blackcaps all singing their hearts out to attract a mate in April.

Wood warblers come in early May, and swallows return to nest in the mill in April. 

The working watermill

Tucked away between the trees and the Crowdundle Beck, the watermill is only a short walk from the garden. There has been a watermill at Acorn Bank for hundreds of years. The first mention is made in 1323 when the estate passed to the Knights Hospitaller, however the present building dates from the early 19th century.

You can see it working and chat to the millers about restoration work from April to October on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, 11am–3pm. On Tuesdays during the school holidays, you'll find light refreshments bering served at the Mill. 

Winding down

Although primarily a corn mill, the mill was also used to provide power to the gypsum mines which were on the estate.

The mill stopped working in the 1940s and gradually fell into a state of ruin. Its restoration began in the late 1980s when the woodland walks were also opened, allowing visitors greater access to the estate.

The mill building was partially restored with the help of work experience teams and has been open to the public since 1995.

Getting the mill running

Since 2007 the mill has undergone further transformation with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers who have restored its machinery to working order.

Flour was ground for the first time in more than 70 years in September 2011. The volunteer team’s achievement was recognised when they won the Marsh Heritage Volunteering Award in 2012.

These volunteers stepped up to the plate again in early 2021, when, owing to COVID-19, it was feared the mill may have to close due to scaled-back operations at Acorn Bank.

Keep up with the team

The team formed the Acorn Bank Watermill Trust, and the mill continues to produce flour. Follow their endeavours on the Acorn Bank Watermill Trust website  and at facebook.com/acornbankwatermill.

If you're interested in volunteering, email the team directly at david.robertson@acornbankwatermill.org.uk 

Soundscape installation 

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, listen, and be inspired. The project was supported by the University of Central Lancashire and The Global Sounds Movement. 

In the Dovecote, pause, listen, and reflect on the intricate tapestry of life that unfolds in the countryside, with a soundscape of nature recordings taken at Acorn Bank which showcases its rich natural diversity. You'll hear birdsong, the environment and the ever-changing seasons at Acorn Bank, and the soundscape evolves dynamically, shifting with the seasons to mirror nature's cycles.

It celebrates the beauty of birdsong and the changing seasons, fostering connections between us and nature.