Save The Water Mill

Aim

We are raising funds to repair one of the oldest working water mills in the UK

Who we are

The Water Mill at Calbourne has milled for over 1000 years making it one of the original Isle of Wight attractions.
It is a living history book of ordinary people’s lives, working through wars, family hardships, good and hard times. The Water Mill is unique and nothing like it is seen anywhere else in the world.  It was the only working water mill on the Isle of Wight, producing flour used in products that can be purchased during your visit.

For the last 23 years our family have dedicated ourselves to maintaining this amazing place. A flag ship for all matters green, we provide a haven for family and friends to visit, a community museum and valuable work opportunities on the beautiful island.

Why we need your help

The Water Mill is over a 1,000 years old, it has never stopped working. It is a living history book of ordinary people’s lives. Working through wars, family hardships, good times and hard times. The Water Mill is unique, nothing like it is seen in the world.

Unfortunately due to a tragic accident, thankfully no one was hurt, it is in need of urgent repair. One of the large wheels cast in 1881 has shattered. Without money to repair it the whole mill will disintegrate, fall into disrepair and disappear.
Valuable world history will be lost forever.

As this is such a bespoke part and given the nature of the mills design, repairing it will be no easy feat. A large section of the mill will need to be disassembled to gain proper access to the wheel and remove so it can be sent off for specialist repair.

We are urgently trying to raise £60,000 to get this vital work completed. Without money to repair this issue the mill will likely have to close, and the site will fall into a state of disrepair.

Please help us save this wonderful attraction and valuable piece of world history! 

Community Work

As well as being a beloved tourist attraction, we also work with local schools on the Isle of Wight to provide an interesting and provocative look at the island’s history. Schools are invited to bring their children to witness an in-depth demonstration of milling using the water wheel, explore the grounds of
the mill and discover what life was really like during the Victorian era.

As well as providing lifelong memories for school children, people of all ages enjoy visiting the mill for its beautiful grounds, wildlife, walks and on-site café, which serves homemade meals and cakes.

The Mill is more than just a tourist attraction. We work closely with schools to provide educational experiences at all Key Stages. 

We offer an in-depth Demonstration of milling using the water wheel. (adapted to the age group of the children attending).

We are working hard to raise as much as possible but appreciate anything you can donate. Please share this page with as many people as you can. With your help, hopefully we can be opening our doors to visitors once again to this priceless piece of history.  

Thank You! 

This project successfully funded on 26th May 2023