Off Grid at Hardcastle Crags.

Gibson Mill at Hardcastle Crags is the first National Trust property to be completely off the grid with no power, water or sewerage connections to the grid.

It uses a combination of hydro and solar power for electricity and a biomass boiler to produce hot water and heating.

Below: The Two hydro electric turbines that help power Gibson mill.

The original turbine, on the left in the video above, is an 18.4 kw Francis-Gilkes and the new one on the right is a modern 1.5 kw turbine.

The huge battery pack consists of twenty four 2 Volt sealed lead acid cells for a total of 48 volts. These supply all the sites electrical needs via three load balanced inverters.

Below: Both the mill and cafe also has its own water supply from a spring, and composting toilets that do not require mains sewerage. 

The mill is over 300 years old, and there are plenty of interesting things to learn about its history.

Below: The biomass boiler that provides heat and hot water for the site.

There is very little ability to process rubbish on site, all food waste or biological material is composted but rubbish has to be taken off site.

If you're looking for a unique and eco-friendly way to experience the Yorkshire countryside, then Hardcastle Crags is the perfect place for you.