Herne Windmill – Renovation

Phase 1 of this project will conserve and repair the cap, fantail and milling machinery of Herne windmill, a publicly accessible Grade I listed smock mill dating from 1789. It will allow the Friends of Herne Mill to demonstrate the millstones in operation, producing flour for visitors.
1. The repair and reactivation of the cap, fantail and automatic winding gear which suffered damage and had to be dismantled in Spring 2020.
2. The mechanical overhaul of one pair of millstones to allow them to produce flour for demonstration.
The unexpected dismantling of the sails and fantail of the windmill has resulted in the temporary loss of a landmark in the local area. It has severely impaired the ability of volunteers to provide a high quality experience for visitors to the mill, placing the future operation of the site at risk.