Lethytep is a stunning 52-acre garden specifically designed to attract wildlife. Visitors can see for themselves when it opens in aid of Cornwall Wildlife Trust on Sunday 23^rd June as part of their Open Gardens scheme for 2019.

The garden at Penadlake, Lanreath, is open from 11.00am to 4.30pm. Admission is £5 with under 16s free, sorry no dogs at this garden. Refreshments will be available with cream teas and beverages provided by Roddas, Berrymans, and Cornish Coffee. There will also be a plant stall.

Wildflower meadows descend to three large ponds full of aquatic plants, birds and insects. A meandering path leads along a grass meadow, down through the woods then out onto a wetland area full of wildflowers, orchids, dragonflies, and butterflies. Gardeners will enjoy this one just as much as the wildlife does.

Apart from the splendid gardens, the moth group will be there, depending on the weather, showing the moths that have been caught in the moth trap the night before, a great way to see insects not normally seen.

The wildlife areas came about when after keeping cattle and sheep for nearly 50 years owners Philip and Faith Hambly saw the effect of modern farming methods, and how the prolific use of artificial fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides took a terrible toll on wildlife. That experience kindled their interest in more sustainable ways of behaving as stewards of the countryside and managed wildlife habitats was their response.

There is a large area of car parking and you can’t miss the signs. They have been specially produced by Philip Hambly in the shape of Kingfishers with the beak of the bird showing the way.

To find Lethytep turn off the A390 Liskeard to Lostwithiel road at East Taphouse and follow the B3359 towards Pelynt, Looe, and Polperro. After 3.3 miles take right turn marked Penadlake.

Other gardens opening for the Trust this year are: July 7^th Cornish Cutting Garden, Lower Releath; July 14^th Arundell, West Pentire; July 28^th Millpool, Cardinham, Bodmin; August 4^th Trenarth, High Cross, Constantine; September 1^st South Bosent, Dobwalls, Liskeard.

More details can be found at www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/opengardens