New creative installations unveiled at Walkmill Community Woodland
Explore the history of the site and the exciting wildlife
David Cradduck, former miner and children from Moresby Primary School opening the new installations at Walkmill
At Walkmill Community Woodland in West Cumbria, a major milestone has been reached in the Wilder Walkmill project, with a set of creative installations now installed, bringing the story of the woodland to life for visitors to enjoy. The project was officially launched on Monday 16 March at a special opening event for local residents, school children and participants involved in the co-creation process.
The Wilder Walkmill project, led by West Cumbria Rivers Trust, has been in development and delivery for four years. Minerva Heritage was commissioned to deliver the interpretation elements, bringing together history and nature across Walkmill Community Woodland.
Guests at the opening event had the opportunity to explore the woodland, experience the new installations and celebrate the rich history, wildlife and heritage of the site.
Highlights of the installations include:
29 interpretation features in six different styles, including small bollards, monoliths, lectern panels, and upright panels.
Two beautifully crafted story benches sharing the site’s history, alongside newly updated plaques on our named benches.
Tactile trail: 13 signs with animals, plants, trees can be found on site along with some features from the past. These signs are designed to be able to take rubbings from- a great activity for kids!
Memorial feature – the most striking element. Standing on the footplate, visitors can see the outline of the old mine shafts as they would have appeared 136 to 65 years ago.
Wayfinding and maps throughout the site to help visitors explore new and upgraded paths which have opened up the woodland for exploration.
The interpretation content was co-created with the local community. It draws on six oral history interviews, archival research by volunteers, and stories shared by local residents. The panels and posts tell the history of the site alongside details of the wildlife and natural habitats that can be seen today.
Over the past four years, West Cumbria Rivers Trust has carried out a range of conservation and community projects at Walkmill Community Woodland. Previous work has included river restoration, habitat and pond creation, and improving access for visitors by expanding the paths and resurfacing existing routes. With lots more exciting things to come including: wildlife hides, pond dipping platforms and lots more events and education experiences.
Jenny Garbe, the project’s Project Manager, said:
“We’d like to give a huge thank you to Chris and Lisa from Minerva Heritage for their expertise and guidance in bringing the vision for Walkmill to life. We’re also incredibly grateful to our dedicated research volunteers, who delved into archives, uncovered photos, and captured local stories to shape the narrative we’re sharing. Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the people of Moresby Parks - your memories, stories and tales of Walkmill have truly brought this project to life. This installation is a true celebration of Walkmill Community Woodland and the people who care so passionately about it”.
The creative installations at Walkmill are fully accessible from surfaced paths, making it easy for visitors of all abilities to enjoy. Multiple maps and wayfinding points help guide exploration, while the memorial feature offers a dramatic view into the site’s industrial past.
Visit Walkmill Community Woodland to experience the complete interpretation trail and celebrate the unique heritage and wildlife of the area and visit www.walkmill.org for the latest news, events and ways to get involved in supporting the project by volunteering.
The project was made possible thanks for the Heritage Lottery Fund and its players, and the generous support of Sellafield Ltd through its SIX Social Impact Multiplied programme.