The Sutton Mill Dam in Sutton, St.Helens
People often ask of the derivation of Mill in Sutton Mill Dam and Mill Lane and wonder whether a mill factory was originally in the area. The 1849 Ordnance Survey map of Sutton shows Sutton Mill Corn marked to the east of the Mill Dam (although it's not marked on the 1894 OS map).
This suggests that the waters of the Mill Dam were used for the milling of corn using a water mill. Incidentally the Mill House Inn in Mill Lane is clearly marked on the 1849 OS map. Dam House and Dam House Bridge are also listed, both located to the south-west of Sutton Mill Dam. On the 1894 OS map Mill Farm and Dam House Farm appear.
The recent history of the Mill Dam dates back to 1976 when proposals were made for industrial waste to be dumped on the site. Concerned local residents formed the Sutton Mill Dam Action Group to protest against the plans. As a result of the local community's campaign, the waste storage proposals were rejected and in 1987 Sutton Mill Dam was opened as a wildlife park. It was decided at the outset that natural recovery would be encouraged as opposed to artificial landscaping. The success of the project was recognised on May 24th, 1988 when HRH Prince Charles visited Sutton Mill Dam to the delight of a crowd of 200 onlookers.
A view towards the east bridge by Leach Lane
Like the lake in Sherdley Park, the Mill Dam usually has a pair of mute swans in residence as well as grey herons. If you’re lucky you might witness one of the swans flying the whole length of the Dam with its wings making a loud, throbbing, waou waou sound. This is often as part of a coordinated movement with other birds and is a spectacle indeed!
The mute swans have bred for the last three years
A grey heron can often be seen standing on the branches of a fallen tree on the Mill Lane side of the Dam with its neck stretched out, standing motionless as it stalks its food. In 2006 there was a family of three to be observed. A pair of great crested grebes - one of the more elegant waterbirds - have been on the Mill Dam for the past three years. Visitors often witness their elaborate courtship display in which they rise out of the water and shake their heads at each other.
At the west side of the Dam, beyond the foot bridge, there is a marshy area containing willow scrub and alder trees. Reed bunting birds can sometimes be seen here.
Waiting for supper! Four cygnets in Summer 2006. Four also hatched in 2007.
As well as mute swans, herons and grebes, mallards, coots, moorhens and Canada geese are often on the water. Whooper swans visited in 2005 before being chased off by their mute cousins! Winter birds that can sometimes be spotted include Kingfishers, Grey Wagtails and Water Rails. Summer birds include House Martins and Swallows.
The Sutton Mill Dam frozen in February 2007
Sutton Mill Dam is one of the most popular angling locations in St Helens containing roach, bream, gudgeon and carp. Although thousands of fish were lost a few years ago as a result of a fire at a chemicals firm on Lea Green Industrial Estate, stocks have been replenished and East Sutton Angling Club hosts popular summer contests for young anglers on the Dam.
Mallard ducklings in their nest taking a break
Over the last few years ducks have been shot by youths armed with air guns and swans’ eggs have been stolen. A considerable amount of rubbish has also been dumped on the site and railings at the west end have also been removed. One individual who was challenged stealing railings said he was taking them in order to build a swing in his back garden!
Woodland surrounds the lake and is especially copious beyond the west and east bridges with paths connecting the Dam to Clock Face Road and Mill Lane respectively. Squirrels and foxes often inhabit the woodland and it makes for a very pleasant walk throughout the 26 acre site.
Click the buttons above for Sutton Mill Dam Location information, a Photo Album and a six minute video made in 2006.