A POPULAR historic mill is welcoming visitors back this week for the first time in months.

The Eskdale Mill & Heritage Trust, which owns the Grade II listed Eskdale Mill in Boot, helped it survive the Covid-19 lockdown thanks to Copeland Council business closure grants and support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

And local volunteers who stepped in to help out at the mill during lockdown have been described as a godsend.

Eskdale Mill manager, Kate Hughes, said: “Eskdale Mill is a special place which is steeped in history that dates to 1547.

“Now, we’re able to continue the important history of the site for everyone to enjoy and appreciate.

“People can spend quality time in an idyllic landscape where a variety of opportunities well-suited for volunteers are provided.

“The best part of my job is helping people to flourish whilst making amazing progress on our many project activities which in turn keeps the story alive for generations to come.”

People on furlough in the area got stuck in with the day-to-day running of the mill, providing administrative support and helping with garden developments and improvements, including the installation of a new raspberry growing area and clearing the overgrown paddock area, which is intended to be an outdoor classroom for school groups and educational workshops.

The help of the volunteers prepared the mill for its long-awaited reopening and there are more developments on the horizon.

As well as continued meadow management and the planned establishment of a fruit tree area, the Trust hopes to provide training in traditional milling techniques so that the front-of-house team can carry out milling demonstrations for visitors during special events in the summer.

The Eskdale Mill & Heritage Trust is now searching for new volunteers to help with future demonstrations, sucgh as operating the mill’s wheels and running the site's reception during the summer.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Kate Hughes on 01946 723335, or email volunteers@eskdalemill.co.uk.