Coffee and and a warm scone made by Emma at Mill of Benholm . What a treat after walking the dog on a very windy, overcast day.
Mill of Benholm is a working waterwheel mill museum that was renovated in 1994. The museum and visitor centre is now a charititable trust and provides community support for adult learners with special needs in the tearoom, polytunnel and nursery. There are lots of activities and events for the local community. It's also a great place for bird watching and wild flowers.
The project is run by paid workers and a group of volunteers. Take a look at their web site
http://www.millofbenholm.org.uk/
The Mill lies in a picturesque setting between Montrose and Stonehaven. It hidden from the road in a hollow and surrounded by ancient woodland.
The path leads down to the tea room. The mill building is on the left and the mill pond on the right.
The mill, plant sale and mill stream
Recycling area
The back of the tearoom and log pile from the cottage garden.
Some of the wild flowers growing at Benholm Mill
Orange Hawkweed Hieracium aurantiacum. Commonly known as "foxes and cubs". Garden escapee, good for nectar.
Cow Parsley Anthriscus sylvetris. Also known as wild chervil or Keck or Queen Ann's Lace.
Greater Stitchwort Stellaria holostea Good for honey bees.
Common Speedwell Veronica persica Poiret
Red Campion Silene dioicia The nectar is good for bumble bees and butterflies.
Pink Campion Silene dioicia (hybrid between red and white)
This flower is t looks speckled with pink.
I love that Orange Hawkweed. And what a great project, so many water mills have fallen into disrepair, so to have one working is great. Add the gardening for people with special needs, and you have a special project. Not one I am likely to ever get to visit, but inspirational all the same.
ReplyDeleteMill of Benholm lay in ruins for about 6years. but what a great project. It must be difficult to keep it going in austere times.
ReplyDelete