Britons have saved a historic windmill as volunteers prepare to welcome visitors for the first time.
A grassroots fundraising effort to preserve Bursledon Windmill has far surpassed its original goal, with donations now exceeding £2,800.
The appeal was initially launched with a £200 target to purchase essential maintenance supplies, including a replacement wheelbarrow and broom.
Local residents contributed more than 10 times the desired amount.
Volunteers are now gearing up to host a special open day at the historic Hampshire site, where members of the public will be able to meet those working to protect the landmark.
Attendees can learn about plans for the windmill’s future and express interest in joining restoration and maintenance activities.
Bex Longhurst, who grew up near the windmill and spent her childhood playing on the grounds and in the surrounding woodland, has led the volunteering efforts to help safeguard the site.
In an update online, she said: “We are pleased to say that we are running a one-off soft public opening of the windmill on Tues 19th May to celebrate national mills week, and we’d like to personally invite you to show up if you can, to support the mill, tell us if you have any volunteer skills that we could utilise, and just generally have a look round.”
Britons have saved a historic windmill as volunteers prepare to welcome visitors for the first time
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GOFUNDME/BEX LONGHURST/BRYN
The structure has remained temporarily closed since 2024, when funding was withdrawn by multiple public bodies.
Ms Longhurst said: “Having lived by the windmill for 20+ years of my life, and spent many days of my childhood playing on the site and in the woods behind it, it holds a very special place in my heart.”
“There are many people local to the area who can say the same, and who also look back at the site with fond memories.”
Hampshire Cultural Trust, Hampshire County Council and Eastleigh Borough Council all ceased their financial support, leaving the mill without backing to continue operations.
A grassroots fundraising effort to preserve Bursledon Windmill surpassed its original goal, with donations now exceeding £2,800
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GOFUNDME/BEX LONGHURST
These organisations determined the site was “no longer financially viable as a visitor attraction”, an assessment that volunteers firmly dispute.
The windmill welcomed its final visitors during the 2023 season before shutting permanently at the end of March 2024, after efforts to secure sustainable funding were unsuccessful.
Hampshire Buildings Preservation Trust is currently examining the landmark’s long-term prospects while exploring potential new funding avenues.
Constructed in 1814, Bursledon Windmill stands as Hampshire’s sole working windmill and represents a remarkable piece of living heritage that has overlooked the local community for over two centuries.
Local residents contributed more than 10 times the desired amount
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GOFUNDME/BEX LONGHURST
The structure holds particular architectural significance as England’s only traditional five-storey tower mill to have preserved its original timber machinery intact.
Following a period of deterioration, the landmark underwent careful restoration before reopening to the public in 1991.
Substantial investment remains necessary, with Ms Longhurst noting sails are missing and improvements are required around the pond area.
Volunteer guides hope to provide access to sections of the interior during the open day, allowing visitors to explore the mill’s historical importance to the region.