Find out about the ongoing conservation of Eskdale Mill

In recent times, Eskdale Mill & Heritage Trust has raised almost £1 million to support the conservation project at Eskdale Mill. The various structures within the mill complex such as the cottage, working mill and around the grounds have been sensitively repaired. Specialists have restored many of the buildings and all of the machinery to an excellent standard. This includes the lower waterwheel which has not worked since 1930 and which has been a tremendous achievement.

Within the old cart shed, we have developed a new reception area, accessible WC facilities, a small gift shop and information space for visitors.

For the latest news and images from the building works please see the 16 Conservation Building works – June progress report and Building Conservation Progress Report – December 2018

For the latest news and images from the Mill machinery works please see the 19 Stuart Hobbs report July 2019 and Mill Machinery Progress Report – December 2018

During the restoration phase, volunteers worked hard to support the work of the Trust, including researching the mill’s history, recording its historic artefacts, restoring the grounds and gardens and maintaining the hydroelectric waterwheel. Now that we’ve re-opened, there are various volunteer roles aimed at providing support to the Mill Manager by delivering our visitor and educational services, maintaining the mill complex and developing other areas such as the miller’s garden. If you are interested in volunteering at the mill, please email volunteers@eskdalemill.co.uk or contact Kate Hughes on 01946723335 or on manager@eskdalemill.co.uk to find out how to get involved.

There is still lots more work to do to reach our potential and we look forward to continuing to develop the grounds in order to maximise educational and events opportunities for a range of community groups. In doing this, we aim to support biodiversity, provide interesting workdays for volunteers and achieve sustainabilty.

Below are some before and after photos of the restoration project 2018-2019.