Case Study: Micro-Hydro and Water Wheel at Heatherslaw Mill

Heatherslaw Corn Mill Heatherslaw Micro Hydro

Amount awarded: £10,000

On behalf of the Heatherslaw Mill Trust, Lord Joicey and Robert Leatham submitted an application to the Sustainable Development in 2005 for a new micro-hydro water at a Heatherslaw Corn Mill. Heatherslaw Corn Mill dates back to the 19th Century; traditional methods and original machinery powered by the River Till are still used to grind locally grown wheat into wholemeal flour.

Heatherslaw Corn Mill went through a restoration period in the early 1970s. When the Trust approached the Sustainable Development Fund for support, the water wheel that was installed at the time had reached the end of its 25 year lifecycle. The new wheel, built with modern technology, not only helps to reduce the impact of climate change, but it also helps to sustain the tourist attraction as a demonstration for similar schemes elsewhere.

As part of the exit strategy for the scheme, school children have learned about both milling and the importance of renewable electricity. Heatherslaw Corn Mill is the only working example of a mill in Northumberland, and it is open to the public. Freshly milled flour and local Berwick Biscuits are on sale in the gift shop whilst the Mill Café serves good country fare. This modern modification to its energy source was fully supported by the local community, thus strengthening the preservation of its heritage for generations to come.

The project did go through a few teething problems after its inception, most notably with the installation of the water wheel after taking into account the flow and depth of the River Till. The micro-hydro is now fully functioning, and the lessons learned can certainly be passed on to other projects attempting similar schemes.

Fo more information visit the Ford and Etal website.