Using the River
The Silk Mill is located on the River Test, a fast flowing river which provided power for the many watermills along its length. The level of water in the river is controlled by sluice gates. If the river level is low, the sluice gates are lowered to divert more water to the waterwheel. When the river level is too high, the gates are opened to allow the water to pass downstream.
The River Test is a classic chalk stream. The bulk of the system drains Cretaceous Chalk, with the lowermost reaches passing over a variety of geological strata. More recent deposits are common in the valley bottom throughout the system.
The Test is more species rich than most other lowland rivers, with the most diverse communities being found in the lower reaches where the substrate is more varied.
