Rowlestone Mill

Paul demonstrating the workings of the water mill

Our visit to Rowlestone Mill, on a beautiful, sunny day in May, was particularly pertinent for many members as we discussed the rewilding of smaller sites and the importance of water.

Rowlestone Mill is the beautiful and much-loved home of the Maslins who have rewilded their land with great care and thought with an emphasis on providing opportunities for nature.

As we walked through the Maslin's small meadows we discussed the role of livestock in rewilding and particularly the part that pigs can play in accelerating rewilding and how they may be more relevant than cattle for smaller sites.  We also talked about how to judge when the moment is right to move on pigs before land becomes "over pigged".  

The wood at Rowlestone Mill was mostly planted over recent decades and so provided a good opportunity to think about how to manage woodlands and plantations where trees may all be of a similar vintage.

We were lucky to be visiting on a day when the Maslin's had the mill working and while we observed the wheel we saw the many species of bird that make their home in and around the mill.  The Maslins have deliberately provided many opportunities for the building to be colonised by nature through leaving gaps and holes, most of which now host a nest.   The water mill has been restored to maximize the biodiversity benefits of water in the landscape, with numerous shallow ponds, new stream courses and the leat itself, all profiled, planted and managed to benefit wildlife and increase plant diversity.  The combination of meadows, woodlands and water make Rowlestone Mill a truly magical place and an inspiring site to visit.  

WVW members at Rowlestone Mill’s meadows

We are very grateful to the Maslins for showing us around their beautiful mill and providing tea and delicious cakes.