WALKS, talks, and outdoor-based activities will be the focus of Liskeard Unlocked this year – with plenty of virtual alternatives so that everyone can be involved.

The annual event is part of the national Heritage Open Days Festival, which runs from September 11-20.

In a normal year, intriguing glimpses into the past are offered as properties open up their doors to areas usually out of bounds to the public.

This year, with a mind to the COVID-19 precautions, the theme chosen is ‘Hidden Nature’ and it’s the town’s parks, gardens and outdoor spaces that will take centre stage.

There’ll be the chance to find out about the wildlife improvements in Castle Park and take part in a family nature trail, or have a go at macro photography.

At St Martin’s Church, find out about plans to ‘rewild’ the churchyard for the benefit of nature.

In the Public Hall, there’ll be displays from properties in the town that are unable to open this year, and in the Cattle Market, an open-air exhibition showcasing the history of the market and the plans for its transformation.

A full programme of online tours and talks is also planned, including a train driver’s eye view of the Looe Valley Line, photographic tours of some of the Liskeard’s most beautiful historic homes and gardens, and Zoom talks on Liskeard’s Wool industry and Stuart House.

Liskeard Unlocked events run from September 11-13, and registration for both the physical and Zoom talks is required by noon on September 10: find out full details by going to the Visit Liskeard website.

Heritage Open Day events will also be happening in hundreds of other locations across the country, including at St Lawrence’s asylum church in Bodmin, and at the Royal Albert Bridge in Saltash.

Here’s a brief guide to what’s on in Liskeard:

Friday, September 11

Old Cornwall Society online talk on the Wool industry (7.30pm)

Saturday, September 12

Town Centre Open Spaces Walk (9.30am and 1.45pm)

Castle Park Activities (12 noon-4.30pm)

Public Hall exhibition (10am-2pm)

St Martin’s Church (10am-2pm)

Unlocking the Cattle Market Past and Future (10am-2pm)

Sunday, September 13

Grade II Geology Walk with Callum Beeson – meet 2pm at The Fountain on The Parade

Stuart House online talk (5pm).