After an absence in 2020 due to the pandemic, Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s ever-popular Open Gardens series returns this summer and is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
The events showcase some of Cornwall’s best wildlife-friendly gardens to green-fingered supporters and offer exciting and innovative approaches to wildlife gardening. This year’s gardens, open from June to September, are set to be better than ever; with new additions, old favourites and previously-showcased gardens that have had impressive transformations.
Over £20,000 was raised by the series in 2019 alone. The fundraising total was only made possible through the support of the Trust’s volunteers, garden owners and thousands of people who spent their Sundays visiting the gardens.
Sadly, due to the pandemic, these vital funds weren’t raised in 2020. Whilst the events couldn’t go ahead, the Trust offered an online series of blogs showcasing the incredible work of the garden owners, Q&A’s and useful hints and tips that can still be viewed online.
Marte Martin, Community Fundraising and Events Manager at the Trust, says: “Our fantastic garden owners and volunteers are working hard to ensure that gardens can open, with measures in place to protect visitors.
“The events provide a much-needed opportunity for people to enjoy these beautiful gardens in the sunshine after a long winter and the difficulties of lockdown. Whether you come for cake, garden inspiration or to admire the spectacular plants, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
With a common theme of providing a home for Cornish wildlife, the gardens range from vast wildflower meadows to bluebell woodlands and riverside gardens – all providing inspirational ideas for visitors to take home with them.
Restineas Cottage, a beautiful two-and-a-half-acre garden set in the countryside of St Austell, kicks off the Trust’s Open Garden series for 2021 this Sunday (June 6) from 2pm-5pm.
Then next on the programme, on Sunday, June 20, from 11am-4pm, it is the turn of the 52-acre wildlife haven Lethytep at Penadlake, Lanreath.
Marte adds: “Our incredible volunteer team has put together another full diary of gardens for people to explore this summer all over Cornwall. These gardens welcome wildlife, and all funds raised ensure that Cornwall Wildlife Trust continues to protect Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places. We hope to see you there.”
For further information on the Trust’s Open Gardens events, visit www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/opengardens