![](https://cannockmillcohousing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/CohousingSiteViewMillFlatsHouses2048-1024x683.jpg)
The historic Cannock Mill to the left is adjoined by a new external lift tower and a group of six flats. Behind the houses to the right are individual terraced gardens and shared growing spaces. The adjacent Bourne valley is a nature reserve and the whole site is surrounded by trees and wildlife – all this just a 20 minute walk to Colchester city centre (or 5 minutes on the bus).
We are lucky to have a gym, with a pool, and good local shops and café close by. Footpaths by the site allow easy walking either up the Bourne valley or down towards the River Colne.
Mill pond
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The focal point of the site is a large pond overlooked by the common house. The deck beside the pond is a favourite spot to socialise; there are also quieter spaces around the pond where we can sit and relax and enjoy the varied wildlife including moorhens, dragonflies, frogs and the occasional heron.
Gardens
![](https://cannockmillcohousing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/CohousingRainGarden2048-1024x683.jpg)
Rain garden beds alongside Cannock Mill Rise not only look beautiful but play an important role in the Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) to decrease surface water run-off on our sloping site.
![](https://cannockmillcohousing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/CohousingWillowTreeBanquet2048-1024x684.jpg)
Throughout the grounds there are areas we can gather for different activities: beneath our huge willow tree is a great place to sit in the shade or have summer meals; a small ginkgo grove is an ideal spot to sit and catch the evening sun; a lawn is sometimes used in the summer by the meditation group, or for sitting round a fire pit in the evening; we play boules along the path by the pond and table tennis in the car park.
Vegetable plot
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We are developing a large vegetable plot where we will produce fruit and veg for the community. At the corner of this area there are composting bins, a shed and wood store. On our voluntary work days many of us are out doing all kinds of tasks from pulling reeds out of the pond to planting and weeding – these days are fun, help us keep fit and always include cake as an added incentive!
Shared storage
![](https://cannockmillcohousing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/CohousingUndercroftSpaces2048-1024x683.jpg)
In what we call ‘the undercroft’ we have our communal rubbish and recycling area, a secure bike store and workshop space, and some garages, temporarily storing all manner of things.