Cornwall Wildlife Trust held its annual summer gathering on Saturday 31st July in partnership with The Lost Gardens of Heligan. This year’s ‘Wildlife Celebration’ was enjoyed by visitors and locals of all ages, and proved to be their largest event in recent years. With over a thousand visitors to the Gardens, attendees were treated to an array of exciting wildlife activities on Flora’s Green though out the day.
Serena Pettigrew-Jolly, Marketing and Fundraising Co-ordinator from the Trust says “We are very happy with the success of our Wildlife Celebration, and want to say a big thank you to The Lost Gardens of Heligan for hosting it. It really was the perfect setting for the day! We set out to create a wonderful wildlife event for the whole family which was both fun and informative. Many visitors came away having enjoyed themselves thoroughly, as well as knowing a bit more about Cornwall’s wildlife and the work of the Trust, so we achieved our goal.”
Serena continues, “The Trust works very hard to protect Cornwall’s wildlife habitats on land and in our seas, and our Wildlife Celebration was the perfect opportunity to share information with visitors and members about the conservation work we do. We had a great turn out from staff and volunteers, who helped to demonstrate the important ways in which we work to protect wildlife and try to keep Cornwall wild.”
The Trusts’ Fox Club, set up for junior members to enjoy nature, had a busy day entertaining the young visitors with exciting art and craft activities, games, wildlife storytelling and face-painting. There was also the chance to meet their mascot Freddy the Fox and get your photo taken with him! The Wildlife Information Service were also on hand to answer questions, and Pond Check advised visitors about what invasive species could be lurking in their ponds.
The Nature Reserves Team demonstrated their work, which included showing people the tools they use and their maintenance, building an amazing ‘clapper stile’, making willow tree-guards, as well as running dormouse nest box building sessions. The Marine Team kick-started Cornwall’s contribution to National Marine Week by talking to visitors about the Trust’s Marine Conservation Programme and hosting such games as ‘Turn yourself into cuttle-fish’, and ‘Search for beach treasures’.
Renowned wildlife photographer David Chapman provided an extremely popular and fascinating wildlife photography walk around the grounds, and Dave Thomas of the Trust’s local Restormel Group hosted a bird walk which was enjoyed by all. The Kernow Microscopical Society were based at the Hide, and amazed passers-by by revealing the pond-life beasts of the deep with their range of microscopes.
Cornwall Seal Group provided information on the protection of seals around Cornwall’s coastlines, and Norman the Notcule bat made an appearance with Bat Aid. One of the star attractions was the chance to meet real live British wildlife, thanks to the Trust’s Business Supporter Gwel-an-Mor. Passers-by were able to get up close to and learn all about the beautiful barn owl, majestic harris hawks and other fascinating creatures such as slow worms and grass snakes.
Sarah de Courcy from The Lost Gardens of Heligan Team says, “We were honoured to be involved with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Celebration this year. The wild inhabitants we share the gardens and estate with here at The Lost Gardens of Heligan are incredibly important and we continually strive to protect and support the resident populations. Having the Trust here with their fantastic activities was a great way to share our love of nature with our visitors.”
