Waterpowered Mills of South Westmorland by John Somervell was the inspiration for this 12 month arts project. John Somervell was a founder of K Shoe Company in Kendal, and wrote this book in the 1930's cataloging around 70 watermills on the River Bela and its tributaries. Today only 2 working mills remain.

The project begins with artist Nell Dale spending time researching these mills, and you can keep updated on her findings on her blog - http://ariverrunsthroughthemill.blogspot.com/ 

We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who has any information or photographs relating to the Bela mills, or indeed anyone who has memories and would like to share them with us. Please get in touch with Nell Dale - nell@heronmill.org or ring 015395 64271.