In this series, local people tell us what the Mill means to them, and imagine what it could become.

I was born in Crediton and even as a young child I was passionate about nature. Bickleigh and Backs Wood was one of my absolute favourite places to explore and adventure. My uncle who was a thatcher worked a lot in the Tiverton area and would drive me over to the mill drop me off and pick me up later, on his way home. I would spend the day exploring the wonderful woodlands where I would find so many kinds of plants and animals. Butterflies like white admirals, silver wash fritillaries together with many other well-known species, they were everywhere. In springtime birdsong filled the air and I struggled to identify which was which except the nightingale which no one could possibly miss.

I spent much time fishing on the weir. I never fished for them, they were much too big for me but I was always spellbound by the number and the sparkling beauty of the hundreds of salmon that leapt and somersaulted their path through the weir’s foaming water. I learned much about the nature that I saw and the whole place was so full of wonderful adventure, sometimes a little scary but always so much fun.

The woodlands together with the river which was then the second best salmon river in England remined me so much of what I knew about Africa and Africa was my ultimate goal in life, I just loved the woods at Bickleigh. Now however there is sadness. There are no nightingales anymore and the river is polluted with sewage and agricultural run off, it is a disgrace. Perhaps with pressure from the mill a clean up could begin.

Much later in my life the mill came up for sale and at that time I was a freelance lecturer in ecology and had a small business organising and leading specialist wildlife holidays in Devon, Australia and Africa, yes Africa! I desperately wanted to buy the mill as I saw it as a wonderful opportunity to create a wildlife hub in an absolutely perfect setting. Sadly, the price was completely beyond my pocket. Now however we have this wonderful opportunity to create a community hub catering for many different interests which could include elements of wildlife and ecology together with climate change which are intimately linked. These could be complementing and running alongside the other activities offered.

From my position I would like to become involved in developing some kind of environmental aspect to the project. Ideally, I would like to see a room or outbuilding dedicated to nature where we could provide learning facilities for groups of local children of all ages. It is so important that children from the youngest age possible learn the value of nature but they must learn in a fun fashion and together with their parents. We could provide one off presentations or even short courses. Guided walks along the river could be a fun and at the same time educational  experience.

In the grounds surrounding the mill there is great potential to create our own little nature reserve and if further land could be acquired the idea could be extended. Other local wildlife groups may be interested to help. The potential is almost limitless and opening up the outdoors to the visitor who may have just come to enjoy a lunch or coffee could further enhance the reputation of the mill. 

This is an opportunity not to be missed a Bickleigh Mill Centre could be there for the villagers, local residents and tourists alike, Bickleigh Mill is special.