Eskdale Mill

Official Opening of the Miller’s Garden and Tentergarth Meadow

Choral and Floral gathering in Eskdale Mill’s grounds

Eskdale Mill & Heritage Trust held the official opening event of their restored garden and meadow areas at Eskdale Mill on Thursday 22nd May.

 

 

 

 

 

After sustained dedicated work in the grounds by the Mill Manager and the volunteer team plus local contractors since the mill’s restoration in 2019, the small charity was keen to promote and publicise their new offer for mill visitors and community groups.

 

 

 

 

 

Stakeholders such as project funders, members, local tourism agencies and other partnership groups were invited to see for themselves the appeal of these historic, natural spaces.

 

 

 

 

 

The occasion included an exclusive visit to the watermill as well as a walk around the Miller’s Garden before the main event itself within the enclosed Tentergarth Meadow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the afternoon, Dave Camlin, his various bands and the Cumberlandia choir provided music and entertainment alongside cake refreshments provided by the team at The Boot Inn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome speeches were made by the Chair of Trustees, Steven Round and Patron, Peter Frost-Pennington from Muncaster Castle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Max the Meadow Vole made a mischievous surprise appearance and carried out the official opening by helping guests to sow some wild flower seed in an unseeded section of the meadow area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over 50 guests, including the performers, enjoyed the outdoor performances in the idyllic settings all helped by the magnificent, sunny weather, scenic views of Eskdale and dedicated support from the volunteer team.

 

 

 

 

 

Kate Hughes, the Mill Manager stated that “this was our first music event and was a lovely way to bring our supporters together and showcase our new extended offer for visitors and community groups alike. We look forward to developing an annual events programme to include workshops, open air music and theatre going forward.”

 

 

 

 

Steven Round happily expressed that “the location and musicians worked a dream and I think we can say the day was a great success!”

 

 

 

 

 

For more information about visiting Eskdale Mill, view http://www.eskdalemill.co.uk

If you are interested in getting involved and supporting their 2026 community events programme, email Kate on manager@eskdalemill.co.uk

For upcoming events, keep an eye on their social media pages – Facebook, X, Instagram and BlueSky.