Our PLACE fieldtrip to Hardcastle Crags and Gibson Mill, near Hebden Bridge, on Saturday 26th May was a great success.  The weather was hot and sunny, the bluebells were blooming and northern hairy wood ants were running around!

Gibson Mill

The visit was in two parts: a riverside walk  from Midgehole car park to Gibson Mill, led a National Trust volunteer, followed by a guided tour of Gibson Mill, led by Mike Troke (duty manager at the site).  On the walk we were able not only to enjoy the cool of the woodland but also to learn about the former use of the Hebden Water for milling.  The tour of the mill was fascinating.  We learned all about the sustainable generation of electricity by a combination of hydro power, biomass and photovoltaic cells. The sustainable toilets were a highlight! A fuller account of the trip will appear in the June newsletter.