Riverlands: Caring for Crowdundle Beck
Rivers are life forces. They’ve helped sustain ecosystems, cultures and communities for millennia, their quiet power steadily shaping everything from landscapes to place names. But many of our rivers are under threat from climate change, pollution, and human-made changes to the landscapes and waterways, which is why the National Trust launched Riverlands.
Crowdundle Beck
Flowing through the estate and powering a historic watermill, Crowdundle Beck is an important part of Acorn Bank’s heritage and unique beauty.
The weir
A weir raises the water level so that it can flow down the mill leat - a small aqueduct - when sluice gates are opened. However, the weir is being gradually eroded by the river and is at risk of collapse. It's also a significant barrier for fish, who travel upstream each year to reach their spawning grounds.
We’re about to embark on a project of scheduled works to find a solution to the eroding weir, which will maintain the water supply to the mill as well as improve habitat connectivity in the river. The project will be led by Riverlands, our most ambitious freshwater programme ever: aiming to bring our rivers, streams, brooks and becks flowing back to life for the benefit of people and nature. At Acorn Bank, the project will focus on ensuring the best possible outcome for both heritage and nature.
For people and nature
We’re working with partners including the Acorn Bank Watermill Trust, the Environment Agency and Eden Rivers Trust, to develop a solution to these problems. It won’t be an easy fix, but we’re looking for a sustainable solution which benefits both people and nature; continuing to supply water to the historic mill while improving the habitat and health of the river.
Looking after the historic weir
Over the last few months, we’ve been developing options for the weir at Acorn Bank. There are lots of factors to consider, including the current poor state of repair of the weir, the need to preserve the water supply to the watermill, and the barrier that the weir poses to fish and other riverine species including White Water Crayfish. So, the Riverlands team commissioned Dynamic Riverlands as external experts to help us understand what our options might be.
Each option comes with a series of pros and cons, and the next step for the team and stakeholders will be to decide on a preferred solution. It’s certainly a tricky balancing act! We’ll be carefully considering all the options to find the one which delivers the best outcome for people, nature and heritage in this special landscape.
We'll post updates on this page, and in the meantime you can read more about Riverlands across the Lakes.
Oral histories at Acorn Bank
Part of this work is an exciting oral history project, where memories and stories about Crowdundle Beck, Acorn Bank Mill and the surrounding area are being shared by both individuals and community groups. This project is funded by the Government's Species Survival Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.
Our partners
Environmental Agency is a public body sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, working to create better places for people and wildlife, and support sustainable development.
A short-term programme to create and restore habitats and reverse the decline of species across England, delivered on behalf of Defra.