Houghton Mill produces flour from wheat grown at Wimpole Estate as National Trust sites team up

Flour from wheat grown on the Wimpole Estate is being produced at Houghton Mill, the last working watermill on the River Great Ouse.

The two National Trust sites, which are just 19 miles apart, have teamed up to produce the environmentally-friendly flour.

David Hassall, farm manager at Wimpole Home Farm, said: “We are really proud of the way we grow our wheat at Wimpole Estate.

“Each year, we produce over 200 tonnes of grain, and we’re thrilled to be able to give people the option to buy flour that is both locally grown and milled.

“This partnership with Houghton Mill not only supports our local community but also helps reduce food miles and significantly lowers carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future.”

Ayse Lambert, visitor experience officer at Houghton Mill, added: “The milling process is environmentally friendly. A traditional water wheel enables the mill to produce stoneground flour.

“When river levels are not suitable for the water wheel to operate, a set of hydro-electrically powered millstones enable the mill to continue to operate. Being able to mill locally-grown grain from Wimpole fits perfectly with our sustainable ethos.”

The grain is cleaned before leaving the Wimpole Estate by blowing air through it to remove seeds, weed particles and chaff. It is then put into 20kg bags for transportation.

Some four tonnes of grain were taken to Houghton Mill this year, and placed in a specially-made storage area for milling over the coming year.

Visitors can witness a dedicated team of volunteer millers at Houghton Mill on Sundays until 3 November, weather permitting, and purchase bags to take home.

Houghton Mill’s flour is available all year round from its tearoom, where you can also taste scones made with it.

The flour is also available to buy at National Trust gift shops at nearby Anglesey Abbey and Wicken Fen.