Located in a sheltered valley at Penadlake near Lanreath, Lostwithiel, Lethytep is a superb garden to visit, and it will be open on Sunday June 26th from 11am to 4.30pm, entrance for adults is £4 and under 16s free. Sorry no dogs to this garden.

Meandering paths lead along a grass meadow, through the woods and then out on to a wetland area of wildflowers, orchids, which attract dragonflies and butterflies. This 52 acre wildlife haven, with woodland, meadows, lakes and paths, has plenty to interest the keenest naturalist and gardener.

Owner Philip Hambly is always keen to show visitors around his beautiful garden and point out the various wildlife locations, or you are welcome to explore it yourself.

Around 100 species of bird have been spotted at Lethytep, and thousands of orchids can be found in the fields along with traditional wildflowers – agrimony, cat’s ear, ragged robin, meadowsweet, plantain, yellow rattle, ox eye daisy, and many more. The land is alive with insects, moths, butterflies, dragonflies while ducks, moorhens, coots and grebes nest amongst the reeds.

Philip Hambly says,

“Keeping cattle and sheep for nearly fifty years gave us an insight into modern farming methods and we have seen first hand how the prolific use of artificial fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides had taken a terrible toll on wildlife”.

“That experience kindled our interest in more sustainable ways of behaving as stewards of the countryside. Our response has been to develop wildflower meadows, wetlands, lakes and woodland at Lethytep as managed wildlife habitats”

As an added interest to the garden there will be a fascinating moth display put on by a local moth group. For more information and spectacular photos of this stunning garden please see www.lethytep.co.uk

Chris Betty, Communications officer for the Trust, says,

“This a garden created by a family passionate about wildlife and we are delighted that they are once again hosting an Open Garden day for the Trust to help raise awareness and funds. It is more than just a garden, but one especially created with the conservation of wildlife and flowers in mind, and Philip is an excellent guide who will help his visitors spot things they might otherwise have missed. A brilliant garden to visit, and one of the highlights of our Open Gardens scheme.”

This is the sixth year running that the Trust has run their highly successful Open Gardens event. More details of the Lethytep event and all the other gardens opening this year can be found here

Other gardens opening for the Trust in the year are: July 3rd Trevoole Farm, at Praze-an-Beeble, July 24th Higher Trenedden, at Peakswater, near Pelynt, August 7th The Ranch House, at St. Issey, near Wadebridge, August 21st May Tree Garden, at St. Austell, October 2nd Garten Gardens, at Lower Treculliacks, Constantine, and October 9th Pedn Billy, at Helford Passage.