Pakenham Mill's Wildlife Day takes things back to basics

People of all ages were given a taste of days gone by at Pakenham Water Mill's Wildlife Day on Sunday.

The event, which was in celebration of National Mills Week, saw around 1,000 people flock to the mill to peruse stalls and take part in activities and games.

Phil Dawes, who organised the event, said: "It was a lovely day and we were saved by the bell where the weather is concerned. Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves which is great."

About 20 charities and organisations, including Suffolk Wildlife Trust, The Butterfly Conservation, West Suffolk Bee Club and Lavenham Falcons, set up stalls on the day offering information, advice and educational activities.

Children were taught how e to find and identify mini beasts with Suffolk Wildlife Trust and how to make bee nests out of straws and other materials.

The mill also gave visitors the chance to watch bread being cooked in an ancient brick oven and see an ancient Blackstone oil engine in action at various points throughout the day.

"I think it's so important for people to see these things because it's part of our heritage. It's a lovely thing to be able to do and it'll all be lost if we don't keep it up," said Phil.

The mill will also be hosting a Vintage Power Day on June 24, which will have a bicycle theme. Anyone who turns up on a bicycle gets in half price.

For more pictures of the Wildlife Day, see Friday's Bury Free Press newspaper.