The popular events, ran by the charity for the last 10 years, showcase some of Cornwall’s best wildlife-friendly gardens to green-fingered supporters. With a common theme of providing a home for Cornish wildlife, the gardens range from vast wildflower meadows to bluebell woodlands and all offer exciting and innovative approaches to wildlife gardening.

This year’s gardens are set to be better than ever, with two new additions, Bochym Manor House and Goenrounsen House, joining the scheme, as well as special family day event on Father’s Day to encourage Cornwall’s youngest residents to connect with nature.

For those that fancy exploring stunning gardens with a slice of cake in hand, the series will return on April 24^th at the spectacular Pedn Billy, which opens exclusively for the Trust and its supporters every year. The season will run from April until September, with gardens both big and small on display.

Esme Plunkett, Community Fundraising and Events Officer at the Trust, said: “This season is particularly exciting for us as we’ll be celebrating these picturesque gardens as well as Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s 60^th anniversary. We’ll be opening Lethytep for a special family day on June 19^th and Meadowside garden on July 15^th for a special evening with The Garker Street Band.

“We want to create a Cornwall where nature thrives and all funds raised from these events will help us do exactly that. We’d love to see you at one of the gardens – whether you’re keen to learn more about wildlife gardening or simply want to enjoy a relaxing Sunday outdoors with your loved ones.”

Cornwall Wildlife Trust experts will attend some of the events to provide advice on peat-free gardening and the importance of gardening in the conservation of hedgehogs, which are now classed as vulnerable to extinction. 

The charity is hoping this year will be equally successful to last year’s season, which saw nearly 2,000 visitors enjoy Cornwall’s most beautiful and blooming hidden gems. In total Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Open Gardens programme has raised over £100,000, which has only been made possible with the support of volunteers, garden owners and the thousands of people who have spent their Sundays visiting the gardens.

Tickets for the Open Gardens events are available on the day, with both cash and card payment accepted (card payments subject to mobile signal). Entrance to all gardens is £5 per adult or free for those under 16.

Refreshments and plants will be available to purchase to help fundraise for Cornwall Wildlife Trust. The events are kindly sponsored by St Eval and supported by Rodda’s, Cornico Coffee and Cornish Orchards.

Find out more about Open Gardens