Riverlands: Oral Histories at Acorn Bank

We hope that the voices you hear on the oral histories trail will help you to reflect on your own connection with water, and inspire you to engage with conservation - you could even be part of the creation and restoration of freshwater habitats where you live. 

This project is funded by the Government's Species Survival Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.

Phil Ramsden – Environment Agency Fisheries Specialist

Phil started fishing at the age of five, and his love of rivers and fish led him to a career with the Environment Agency. Phil is passionate about conservation of fish species, and he explains how maintaining healthy ecosystems within the river is vital for the many aquatic species which live in the beck.

Will Cleasby

Will has worked in river conservation for some years, and now farms the land right beside Crowdundle Beck. Will talks about his daily interaction with the beck, its wildlife and beauty, and how it's inspiring a new generation to connect with river landscapes.

David Crackanthorpe

David was born within earshot of the beck in the 1929, and it has been part of his life in many ways - from ice skating to providing hydro-electricity for Newbiggin Hall! David tells intriguing stories about growing up next to Crowdundle Beck, and lays out some of the history of the beck (which stretches right back to the Romans).

Claire Heron - Holy Wells and Healing Waters

Claire is known for her extensive research on the Holy Wells and historic wells of Cumbria, and firmly believes that healthy culture is rooted in the land and water.  Claire recounts traditions such as ‘shaking bottle Sunday’ and reflects on how a closer connection to water can be refreshing and renewing in our everyday lives.

Danny and Maddy Teasdale - Ullswater CIC

In 2016, Storm Desmond caused devastation in many parts of Cumbria. Since then, Danny and Maddy have been working with farmers and landowners create natural flood management and flood resilience. They discuss their critical river restoration work, concerns about declining salmon numbers and what can be done to help.

Bob Price - Miller, Acorn Bank Watermill Trust

Bob started volunteering at Acorn Bank watermill in 2007 and played a key role in the renovation and regeneration of the mill. He tells the story of this, and explains that 'the beck is the lifeblood of the mill'. He also recollects memories of wildlife including eels, swallows, otters, kingfishers and crayfish.

Catherine Atkinson

Catherine spent her school years living in Temple Sowerby. As an A Level Geography student, she chose Crowdundle Beck to study as her field project. Catherine recounts some entertaining adventures, including borrowing farmer’s waders and floating oranges down the beck.

Hazel Barringer

In the 1990s, Hazel volunteered as a cook for the local scout group, who came to Acorn Bank for camping expeditions. She recalls many fond memories of Crowdundle Beck's wonderful surroundings and daily swimming sessions. She notes the lifelong interest in nature developed by the boys who spent time immersed in this special place.

Heather Birkett - Garden & Outdoor Manager, National Trust 

Heather has vast knowledge of the flora and fauna in the riverland gardens, and loves the peaceful magic of Acorn Bank. Heather talks about Dorothy Una Ratcliffe’s vision for conservation of native floral species and creating a bird sanctuary at Acorn Bank.

Ray Wager - Artist

Since retiring, Ray has found more time to pursue his passion for art. A few years ago, he used pastels to create a beautiful, atmospheric painting of Crowdundle Beck.  Ray explains why he chose the beck as a subject for his art, and talks about the magical atmosphere which inspired his painting.

David Robertson - Volunteer Miller, Acorn Bank Watermill Trust

David volunteers as a miller and an industrial tour guide. He reflects on the intrinsic links between Crowdundle Beck and the industrial heritage of Acorn Bank. David also talks about the wildlife he's seem on the riverbanks and the variety of birds which have built their nests inside the mill buildings.

Nick Franklin - Welcome & Service Assistant, National Trust

Nick is passionately interested in birdlife and aculeate species. Being outdoors most of the time at Acorn Bank, he observes much about the wildlife on Crowdundle’s riverbank. He talks about the animals, birds and insects he has seen, including sandpipers and Daubenton’s bats.

Jordan McKeating - Wild Food Foraging Instructor

Jordan leads wild food foraging expeditions around Acorn Bank and has a broad knowledge of fungi. He recognises how foraging can reconnect people to nature and the huge benefits to our general well-being.  Jordan discusses the edible plants he finds on the riverbank, the wonders of the mycelium network, and how fungi are vital for carbon capture. 

Tony Greenwood - Industrial Heritage Guide, National Trust

Tony gives industrial heritage tours around Acorn Bank, and has evidence that the course of the beck has changed over time, largely due to the force of water. He describes tour and how the gypsum mines and watermill were intrinsically linked to Crowdundle Beck. 

Timothy Whittaker 

Local resident Tim is a regular visitor to Acorn Bank. He enjoys the tranquility and beauty of the walks along the meandering section of Crowdundle Beck. Tim has an avid interest in archaeology and history and talks about the historical importance of Crowdundle Beck ‘upstream’ in Newbiggin and Milburn.

Bronwyn Thomas - Gardener and Volunteer Manager, National Trust 

Bronwyn initially learnt much about the unusual plants from her ‘inquisitive’ volunteers who regularly explored the grounds and riverbank. Bronwyn talks about her personal and professional connections to nature, and about the unique woodland species which may have originated from Kew Gardens nearly 100 years ago.

John Dumont - Angler 

John is a keen angler and has an interest in monitoring healthy rivers and fish species. John reminisces about fishing in the 1950s and 1960s, when the abundance of fish stocks was much greater. He explains why fishing is so important to him as a pastime.

Chris Taberner - Gardener, National Trust

Chris is a keen dog walker who loves the beauty and calm of the beck, and has also spent many hours around the riverbank as a National Trust gardener and estate team member. Chris observes the impact of storms and floods on both the weir and the riverbank

Margaret, Richard and Alison - Penrith Beekeepers

Acorn Bank is home to a training apiary run by Penrith Beekeepers, and here three of them tell us about their education work with both new beekeepers and visitors. They share their knowledge of bees and discuss the importance of both a nearby water source and a plentiful supply of foraging plants for the survival of all pollinators. 

Gill Atkinson - Welcome Team Member, National Trust

Gill has worked at Acorn Bank for 20 years in various roles, both as a volunteer and employee. She has built up a wealth of knowledge and a deep love of the place. Gill talks about the changes she's seen over time, and why she thinks Acorn Bank evokes a unique and special ambience.

Raymond Clark - Environment Agency, Field Monitoring Team

Raymond’s career has connected him with Cumbrian rivers for years. He now largely spends his time monitoring river species and water quality in becks and rivers for the Environment Agency. Raymond describes his daily work on the river, and observes changes in the abundance of riverfly, fish, birds and mammals.

Forest School pupils

Acorn Bank regularly hosts local school children for their 'forest school' sessions, where they undertake a variety of activities in the woodland and on the riverbank. The children talk about what they get up to in forest school, and why being immersed in nature is not only fun but also hugely beneficial to their general wellbeing.