Cricklepit Mill facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cricklepit Mill
General information
Status	Grade II listed
Type	Watermill
Location	Exeter
Address	Commercial Road Exeter, Devon EX2 4AB
Coordinates	50°43′9.1″N 3°32′0.2″W / 50.719194°N 3.533389°W / 50.719194; -3.533389
Completed	17th/18th century

Cricklepit Mill is a special place in Exeter, Devon, England. It's a visitor centre run by the Devon Wildlife Trust. Think of it as a fun place where you can learn about nature! It's one of three visitor centres the Trust has, helping people explore the amazing wildlife of Devon. The other centres are Wembury Marine Centre and Seaton Jurassic.

What is Cricklepit Mill?

Cricklepit Mill is an old watermill with a long history. It's known as a Grade II listed building. This means it's a very important building that needs to be protected because of its special history and architecture. The mill was built a long time ago, in the 17th or 18th century.

How the Mill Works

The mill uses a special type of waterwheel called an undershot wheel. This means the water flows under the wheel to make it turn. The machinery inside the mill that grinds grain was added later, in the 1800s.

Saving the Mill

The building was damaged by fire, but it was carefully fixed up in the 1990s by the Devon Historic Buildings Trust. Later, in 2004, the Devon Wildlife Trust bought the mill. They got help from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to do this.

Fun Things to Do at the Mill

Sometimes, Cricklepit Mill has special milling days. On these days, the old machinery is turned on, and you can see how flour is made! It's a great way to see history in action.

The Wildlife Garden

Right next to the mill, there's a beautiful wildlife garden. Volunteers work hard to look after it. This garden is designed to help local wildlife, especially bees, with lots of bee-friendly flowers. It also has a sensory section where you can explore different textures and smells. There are even mini-meadows and comfy places to sit and relax.