Waterwheel conservation work put on hold after Dipper fledglings found

Works to conserve the waterwheel at Manor Mill in Branscombe have been postponed due to a protected species of bird setting up home in the banks of the stream next to the wheel.

National Trust rangers were delighted to find fledglings of the dipper bird using the stream whilst preparing for conservation work at the 300-year-old water mill.

The dipper is classified as ‘amber’ on the UK’s conservation status due to its decline in numbers. It is a stout bird, which is dark brown, black and white in appearance and lives near waterways choosing nest sites in streamside caves or crevices near waterfalls. These birds also opt for man-made alternatives such as cracks in bridges, walls, weirs, and in this case a waterwheel chasm. As the bird’s name suggests it feeds by foraging underwater for insects, dipping, diving and even swimming in fast-flowing streams. This is a unique skill in the songbird world.

Manor Mill draws water from a nearby stream to turn its huge wheel. In August, millwrights working on behalf of the National Trust were due to replace the main shaft and several of the buckets around the rim of the waterwheel. However, fledgling dippers have been spotted sitting on the stationary wheel and are likely to be nesting in the bank next to the waterwheel.

The conservation work will ensure the wheel remains in good condition and will be done during the winter, outside of the nesting season, so as not to disturb these beautiful birds. The charity is hoping the birds will return to nest on the banks there again uninterrupted, once the wheel has been fully restored next year.

Once an essential part of village life at Branscombe, grain has been milled using the power of water at Manor Mill for over 300 years. Manor Mill was restored back to full working order by the National Trust in the 1990’s for everyone to enjoy. However, the Mill has been closed to visitors since the covid pandemic which has provided an opportunity for the dipper to use the area to raise its young. 

Despite delaying the conservation work, the National Trust East Devon Countryside team are delighted to have signs of dippers nesting.

Meg Vallender, Visitor Experience Officer, said, “We have noticed dippers on this stretch of stream in previous years, but they have always nested further downstream, away from the water mill. As soon as we realised a dipper was using the area around the wheel, we decided to delay work until after the end of the nesting season. We are hopeful work will be completed in time to reopen the Mill to visitors for Easter in 2024.”

She added, “Branscombe’s location, nestled at the bottom of a series of narrow river valleys with woodlands and a patchwork of small fields surrounded by big Devon hedges, is an ideal home for wildlife. The National Trust ranger team in Branscombe, along with its partners, look after and enhance the natural environment here, also ensuring people can access this beautiful place for their enjoyment.”