Open Gardens

Pedn Billy gardens and the Helford River at sunset. Tree branches can be seen in the foreground of the shot.

Open Gardens

Discover wildlife-friendly gardening and support Cornwall Wildlife Trust at locations across Cornwall

The wildly popular Open Gardens events, showcasing wildlife-friendly gardens across Cornwall, is back for 2024, featuring 10 privately owned gardens, all opening their gates exclusively for Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Discover something new and exciting at each garden, learning how the owners of these spectacular gardens take approaches to make beautiful wildlife havens. You can also enjoy our delicious volunteer-baked cakes and treat yourself to home-grown wildlife-friendly plants. With the 2024 season spanning from April to September, attending one of these gardens is a great way to connect with nature and raise vital funds for Cornwall Wildlife Trust. We look forward to welcoming you.

Since starting, Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Open Gardens programme has raised over £175,000. This has only been made possible thanks to our incredible volunteers, garden owners, sponsors, and the thousands of people like you who have have spent your Sundays visiting the gardens. Thank you.

Upcoming Events

Sunflower and damselfly

Jan Dinsdale

Sponsors of the Open Garden program

Thank you to our incredible sponsors of the 2024 Open Garden programme. We are extremely grateful to you for your support and look forward to working with you for another spectacular season. 

Join our Open Gardens email mailing list

Sign up to know more about the Open Gardens 2024 season! 

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You can update the way you hear from us at any time by contacting our Supporter Care Team on 01872 273939 or supportercare@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

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Image of heron by pond with text 'need your support'

We're always looking for gardens to join our programme

Have you always wanted to open your garden, or know someone who does? We're looking for gardens to join our 2025 programme of events. If so and you meet the below requirements, we'd love to hear from you! Please do get in touch with Sam on Sam.Lucock@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk, who will be able to give you further information and arrange an informal chat to talk through any questions you may have.

Requirements:

  • Parking for at least 50 cars. Either on your own land, or potential to work with a local land owner, neighbour or local business to support this.
  • Access to water and electricity.
  • Toilet for visitor use
  • Access to kitchen facilities or space to put up a camp kitchen.

If you like to support the Open Garden programme in another way, through selling plants, left over vegetables from the garden opening your garden to the community, please do get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!

Garden bumblebee

Garden bumblebee by Chris Gomersall/2020VISION

You can help!

Do you have a glut of plants, fruits, vegetables or even cut flowers? Set up a stall with them outside your home and ask for donations towards Cornwall Wildlife Trust. 

Or, set up your own mini open garden and invite your friends, family and community to visit. You could ask for donations on entry as well as donations towards tea, coffee and cake (if you're happy to provide these).Â