This brilliant fundraising total is a huge £8,000 more than last year and has only been made possible through the support of the Trust’s volunteers, garden owners and the thousands of people, mostly locals, who have spent their Sundays visiting the gardens.

In all twelve gardens located throughout Cornwall took part in the scheme which ran from April to September. And even before they had got underway records were being broken with the very first garden to open. Burncoose House and Garden opened for the Trust for the first time in April and it raised the highest amount ever for a single garden in the scheme, an incredible £3,550

The gardens varied, some huge, some tiny, but all had the common theme of providing a sanctuary for Cornish wildlife. As well as Chelsea winner Burncoose; there was The Old Rectory at Boscastle, where Thomas Hardy met his Emma; Pedn Billy on the Helford with incredible views down to the river; and crowds of people chose to celebrate Father’s Day this year at Lethytep, an established favourite of the Trust, a beautiful 52 acre garden at Pendlake, Lanreath.

Dee Reeves, Trustee for Cornwall Wildlife Trust says,
"Thanks to the kindness and hard work of the garden owners and the dedicated work of the team of volunteers this has been a truly outstanding season of Open Gardens for the Trust. We cannot thank them all enough. It’s been hard work for everyone involved but I hope they are rightly proud when they look back at such a successful summer. Each of the twelve gardens is unique and has had something different to offer the visitor whether it is drifts of spring flowers, magnificent camellias and rhododendrons, ancient woodland, wildlife ponds or gloriously planted herbaceous borders. It has been such a treat for all those interested in gardening who could also look forward to enjoying a homemade cream tea as part of the experience. Many of our visitors were gathering information for their own gardens and, in particular, finding out what they can do to help wildlife. The funds raised are vital to the work of the Trust and will be put to good use helping wildlife on its own reserves and elsewhere across Cornwall.”

Chris Betty, Communications Officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust says,

“We are thrilled by the results this year and I would like to pay particular thanks to our main Volunteer Coordinators Jo Swingewood, Rebecca David and Stephen Howe. We would also like to sincerely thank Crantock Bakery, prior to their closure, Roddas and Cornish Coffee who provided the all-important refreshments.”

“We believe that the continuing success must also be due to the friendly, relaxed atmosphere at these events. The scheme, now in its eighth season is growing in numbers and reputation every year and we look forward to next year where we already have an exciting mix of established favourites and brand new gardens.”