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Conservation and Restoration Event

Sat 22nd May - Sun 23rd May
Conservation and restoration event
Conservation and Restoration Event

Come celebrate the Arkwright Society’s achievements over the last 50 years as we reflect on their remarkable effort in restoring the site and surrounding area.

Discover the skills that helped rebuild Cromford Mills from a derelict industrial site into a beautiful tourist attractions, small business hub and part of the World Heritage Site. Watch expert demonstrations and try out a new skill with hands-on activities. Learn about lime plastering, watch spinning demonstrations, and have a go at pond dipping. Explore the power of Cromford water and find out how we will be harnessing it again one day soon!

Some of the special weekend highlights will include:

Pond dipping: Enjoy an exclusive pond dipping experience with our Cromford Mills team. Learn about the creatures that live in the depths of the mill stream, and have a go yourself with our nets, trays and ID sheets. Catch sticklebacks and poke around in the mud to see what larvae and worms you can find.

Restoration Guided Tour: Cromford Mills has been a site of industry since the 18th Century. The site began life as the world’s first successful water powered cotton spinning mill and has also been used as a brewery, trout farm, laundry and colour works. Saved from demolition in the 1970s when it was bought by the Arkwright Society who started a long term rescue and restoration plan. As part of our 250th anniversary events, this special guided tour explains how the history of the site has created numerous restoration challenges and how people and science have helped to overcome them.

Nature Walk around Cromford Mills: Join our experienced guide for a gentle stroll ‘Beyond the Mill Walls’ at Cromford Mills, looking at the wildlife and history of the meadow between the River Derwent and the cotton mills.

Waterpower Tour: The mastery of waterpower was essential to Arkwright’s success in building the world’s first water powered cotton spinning mill at Cromford, discover his ingenuity using this environmentally friendly power source, and find out where water still moves under your feet today.

Slinter Woods Walk: Join us for a loop around Cromford Village on a 2 hour walk with our knowledgeable guide. We will set out following the Bonsall Brook to take in ancient woodland and old hay meadows where the Arkwright Society initiated conservation plans in conjunction with English Nature (later Natural England), investigated the industrial history of the valley and restored two late 18th century mills for modern use. A steady climb up the valley sides opens up the sweep of views from Riber Castle to Crich Stand and Black Rocks. The return walk is through the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Rose End Meadows reserve to Cromford Hill and off-road back to the mill.

Venue: Cromford Mills Yard
Time: 10am to 4pm
Cost: Free entry

Cromford Mills is marked ‘Good to Go’ which means that all Covid-safe measures have been put into place. Plan your visit today and explore cromfordmills.org.uk for details about each event, tours and walks and cafes. There is on-site parking and free entry every day.

Come celebrate all the Arkwright Society’s remarkable achievements for Industrial Heritage during this special weekend.

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