Heron Corn Mill in Beetham, near Milnthorpe, Cumbria has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the Waterpower Connection Point project.  The project aims to restore the Grade II* listed Heron Corn Mill, whilst creating public engagement opportunities, and provide new programmes of activities for the community, and education packages for schools, colleges and other groups. The project will carry out essential repairs and restoration, digitise the library and archive collection. The project will also provide many new training opportunities.

This HLF first-round pass*, including £56,800 of development funding, means that Heron Corn Mill can progress to the second-round of the HLF application process, where they will be applying for over £825,200.

Heron Corn Mill is a significant working watermill, dating from 1740, though a mill has been documented on this site since 1220. In recent years the site has increased its visitors and audiences through event and activity programmes, and use of the barn space has been immensely popular for workshops, community and public events. In 2010 a hydropower scheme was installed to further the educational potential of the site, and to provide an income for the trust.

Audrey Steeley, Projects Development Manager said ‘We are really delighted at this stage to have gained the support of Heritage Lottery Fund.  The corn mill is in urgent need of repair, as the last time this was done was in 1974 when the trust was set up, and with this funding we are a step closer to preserving this wonderful piece of industrial history for generations to come’

Sara Hilton, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North West said ‘“We at the Heritage Lottery Fund are pleased to support Heron Corn Mill and bring their vision a step-closer to reality. The legacy of our industrial heritage continues to have a huge impact on our cities and landscape, and by restoring and giving visitors more opportunity to explore Heron Corn Mill we can help tell this fascinating part of the North West’s history. There is still work to be done in developing the project but HLF will be offering their full support in taking their application further.”

Notes to Editors

A first-round pass means the project meets HLF criteria for funding and HLF believes the project has potential to deliver high-quality benefits and value for Lottery money. The application was in competition with other supportable projects, so a first-round pass is an endorsement of outline proposals. Having been awarded a first-round pass, the project now has up to two years to submit fully developed proposals to compete for a firm award.

On occasion, an applicant with a first-round pass will also be awarded development funding towards the development of their scheme.

About Heron Corn Mill (Beetham) Ltd

Heron Corn Mill is a significant example of an upland working watermill. All the internal and ancillary machinery and equipment including the launder have been restored in the past 2-3 years.  Of the 70 mills once situated on the River Bela, only 3 working mills remain of which Heron Mill is one. The site is owned by Billerud Beetham Ltd., and is leased by Heron Corn Mill (Beetham) Ltd, registered charity 1131677. A hydropower installation on site provides green energy for the buildings and surplus is sold to local industry to bring an income for the trust. The barn is used for community activities and also as a venue for conferences referencing historic buildings, the use of green energy and rural sustainability. Website www.heronmill.org

About the Heritage Lottery Fund

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported over 30,000 projects, allocating £4.7billion across the UK, including over £528million to the North West alone. Website: www.hlf.org.uk