A wildlife garden and historic mill in the heart of Exeter will be opening its doors to the public for a special summer open day.

The ‘Water and Wildlife’ event is being held at Cricklepit Mill, the headquarters of Devon Wildlife Trust, on Friday 12 August, 10am – 3pm. Cricklepit is the last working watermill in Exeter and is only a stone’s throw away from the Quay.

Visitors will be given the chance to see the historic mill in action. Milling will run throughout the morning from 10am-12noon with volunteer millers on hand to answer any questions and help people discover the fascinating process of flour production.

Exeter once had many mills in the city but Cricklepit is the only one to survive in its working state, and represents an integral part of the city’s industrial heritage. The flour produced on the day will be available to buy.
Families can go wild in the garden with natural arts and crafts. There will be weaving, flower pressing and wild art pictures, all making use of the natural materials around.

Visitors can also discover what hides in the meadows with bug hunting throughout the day! The Cricklepit garden has been designed for wildlife with grasshoppers, colourful moths and flower beetles all making their homes here.

Devon Wildlife Trust’s Jasmine Atkinson said ‘this is a day for everyone to discover the wonders of Cricklepit. The historic machinery fascinates all, both young and old. Visitors can feel the grain, smell the flour dust and hear the old cogs’

‘The wildlife garden will be our inspiration for natural crafts, and children can create and make wonderful artwork to take home with them.’

‘We are looking forward to opening the gates on this special summer holiday event. Its drop-in so visitors can come anytime; bring a picnic and make a day of it or pop in on your way to the Quay’.

The wildlife garden will also be open to visitors. Cricklepit’s garden is an urban oasis in the heart of the city. Mid-Summer is a great time to visit this community-led project. Holly blue butterflies, grey wagtails and occasionally kingfishers can be seen in the garden!

The Water and Wildlife Day is taking place at Cricklepit Mill, EX2 4AB, near Exeter Quay on 12th August, between 10am- 3pm. It’s free and visitors are invited to drop-in throughout the day. Milling demonstrations will run 10am – 12noon.

This day is part of a new campaign called My Wild Neighbourhood by The Southern Co-operative and Wildlife Trusts in the southern region to help families get outside and explore wildness in their neighbourhoods.

For more information about this event go to www.devonwildlifetrust.org or find us on Facebook facebook.com/devonwildlife and Twitter @Cricklepitmill.

For people who cannot make this date the Mill’s gardens are open 9am-5pm weekdays (except Bank Holidays) throughout the year.