It's one of then most recognisable sights on the Norfolk Broads – and now plans are being mooted to make sure the public see more of it.

Eastern Daily Press: Love the Broads has provided a grant which has funded a ‘Welcome and Education sign’ for Thurne windmill. This is the first time that the heritage building has had any external information for visitors. Pictured from left Peter Howe (Trustee of the Broads Trust), Keith Bacon (Trustee of the Broads Trust), Bryan Read (Trustee of the Broads Trust) and Debra Nicholson (Owner of Thurne windmill).Picture: MARK BULLIMORELove the Broads has provided a grant which has funded a ‘Welcome and Education sign’ for Thurne windmill. This is the first time that the heritage building has had any external information for visitors. Pictured from left Peter Howe (Trustee of the Broads Trust), Keith Bacon (Trustee of the Broads Trust), Bryan Read (Trustee of the Broads Trust) and Debra Nicholson (Owner of Thurne windmill).Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

The owner of Thurne Mill has revealed her plans to make the structure, one of the only working drainage mills on the waterways, more accessible.

The first step in the journey began yesterday with the unveiling of a new sign telling walkers about its history.

Now its owner, Debra Nicholson, 60, of Repps with Bastwick, said she wants to increase the number of volunteers opening the building more days of the year in a bid to give people a better insight into its heritage.

'This is probably the most photographed and well known mill on the Broads,' she said. 'It's part of Norfolk and I think people should get to see it.

Eastern Daily Press: Thurne Mill at sunset by Hilary FranzenThurne Mill at sunset by Hilary Franzen (Image: Archant)

'We want more volunteers so we can open the mill more. The mill should be open more – as much as possible in fact.'

Overlooking the River Thurne, the mill was built in 1820 by millwrights England & Co of Ludham.

Norfolk engineer Bob Morse bought the derelict mill in 1949 and within 18 months the tower was restored.

The mill was then leased to the Norfolk Windmill Trust, and when Mr Morse died in 2007 it was passed to Mrs Nicholson.

It is part of the Wind Energy Museum at Repps with Bastwick and is currently open on request. But Mrs Nicholson wants to increase that regularity.

The new information sign was funded by a £1,500 grant from

Love the Broads, a charity which raises money by inviting visitors to make donations for new exciting projects.

To date more than £20,000 has been raised by Love the Broads for 14 different projects, which will benefit wildlife, young people and tourism in the Broads.

Mrs Nicholson added: 'We are thrilled to have been awarded a grant from Love the Broads and we are very grateful to the many visitors who have donated to make this sign possible.

'We can now improve our welcome to visitors and give information on the history of this amazing Broads heritage building.'

If you want to volunteer or take a look inside the mill call Debra Nicholson on 07796407864.

Do you have a Broads story to tell?

Call 01603 772453 or email rosa.mcmahon@archant.co.uk