Wildlife Open Gardens to feature Summer Safari

Wildlife Open Gardens to feature Summer Safari

Cornwall Wildlife Trust begin their Open Gardens season this April, showcasing stunning wildlife gardens across the county in aid of their work to protect Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places. Expect to find hidden gems and delicious cake at a range of gardens, including an exciting new experience.

Due to COVID-19 and government advice, all our scheduled Open Gardens are postponed or on hold. We hope some of the events can take place later in the year but this will be dependent on social distancing guidelines. We will keep supporters updated on developments and hope to see you all soon. If you’d like to register your interest in future Open Gardens events, please click here.

 

On the 5th of July Cornwall Wildlife Trust host their first ever ‘Garden Safari’ in the village of Playing Place, between Truro and Falmouth. Visitors will have the opportunity to wander the village and explore the 11 gardens that are open thanks to Kea Garden Society.

A total of 21 gardens will open as part of the charity’s garden extravaganza thanks to this year’s official sponsor - St Eval Candle Company. Expect to find wildlife havens, home-baked cakes by the Trust’s volunteers, and cream teas provided by Rodda's and Cornish Coffee.

Isabella Hawkes, Community Fundraising Officer says,

“We hope to welcome new and returning visitors to our Open Garden series this year which features old favourites, new gardens and our brand new ‘Garden Safari’ at Playing Place. There is something for everyone to enjoy, and each visitor will support our work to protect the wildlife and wild places in Cornwall.”

All the gardens open from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm with the exception of the Playing Place Village Safari and Lethytep which open from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm.

The gardens run from April to September across Cornwall, and it all begins in the spring by the River Helford near Mawnan Smith.

April 5th Pedn Billy, Helford Passage, TR11 5LF.

A favourite with visitors and locals alike, the garden at Pedn Billy is ablaze with colour in the spring and the bluebells are just fabulous. Paths wind down through the ancient ancient woodland to a private beach on the Helford.

May 3rd South Bosent, Dobwalls, Nr. Liskeard, PL14 4LX.

Thousands of spring bulbs will be in bloom at South Bosent; quite a difference to last year when they opened in the autumn. The land surrounding this old farmhouse has been planted to encourage wildlife; fruit trees, a wild flower meadow, and ponds all enrich the local ecosystem.

May 17th The Lodge, Fletcher’s Bridge, Bodmin, PL30 4AN.

Opening for the first time for Cornwall Wildlife Trust is The Lodge, a three acre riverside garden with an amazing 35 magnolia varieties.  Ponds, waterfalls and spring flowers surround this gothic lodge.

May 31st Restineas Cottage, Garker, St. Austell, PL26 8YA.

The garden at Restineas is created for people and wildlife. Take a walk around this magical garden or amble down to the Eden Project Estates wildflower meadow. The garden includes unusual trees, a natural stream, vegetable patch and polytunnel as well as lots of homes for wildlife.

June 7th Lethytep, Penadlake, Lanreath, PL13 2PG.

A stunning 52 acre wildlife haven located in a sheltered valley Lethytep is designed to attract wildlife.  Meandering paths take visitors through grass meadows, woodlands, and wetland areas where they can find wildflowers, orchids, dragonflies and butterflies.

June 21st Duloe Manor, Duloe, Liskeard, PL14 4PW.

Business Supporter’s HPB open the grounds of Duloe Manor to supporters this summer. The Queen Anne manor house is surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens herbaceous borders, a rose garden, and ancient woodland.

July 5th Playing Place Safari, Kea Community Centre, TR3 6ET.

Discover 11 diverse gardens at Playing Place, where each garden uniquely reflects its owner. Visitors will find Mediterranean planting, unusual shrubs and trees, and beautiful views of the Roseland.

July 19th Trevoole Farm, Praze-an-Beeble, TR14 0RN.

A buzzing bee border provides much needed nectar for the resident beehives at Trevoole and the pond, long grass, random wood piles and garden waste all play a part in encouraging nature to thrive here.

August 2nd Trenarth, High Cross, Constantine, TR11 5JN.

Trenarth is a firm favourite with visitors and wildlife.  Water and bog features encourage birds and insects, and there is even a maternity roost of lesser horseshoe bats! The garden boasts panoramic views with not a road in sight!

August 9th Bolts Quarry Farm, St. Breward, Bodmin, PL30 4NY.

Bolts Quarry Farm evolved from a rocky heap into a diverse wildlife garden featuring broadside leaf plantation, quarry garden and wildflower meadow that attract a wealth of wildlife.

 September 6th Cornish Cutting Garden, Vellanusun, Lower Releath, TR13 0HB.

Breaking the mold of a traditional cutting garden, Cornish Cutting Garden introduces shrubs and flowers not usually seen on the cut flower market, whilst taking an organic, creative and educational approach to business.