Cornwall Wildlife Trust is launching the 2024 season of its popular Open Gardens.

The annual showcase of private wildlife gardens across the region gives rare access to stunning landscapes that are normally hidden from the public.

Open only for these specific events, this year's programme includes two new additions alongside traditional favourites.

Kicking off on April 7, the Open Gardens season runs until the end of September, with events held at various private gardens throughout Cornwall.

These unique locations are kindly opened up by their owners to the public as a way to support the trust.

The first of the new gardens this year is a two-acre wildlife refuge at Suffree Farm near Probus.

Here, visitors can also meet rare breed pigs and Shetland ponies.

Falmouth Packet: Another new addition this year

The other new entry is a distinctly tropical retreat at Trelan in St Ives.

Highlighting inspiring wildlife-friendly habitats, Open Gardens events offer a range of dazzling sights, from wildflower meadows and woodlands to picturesque ponds and walled gardens.

Some gardens will also play host to special events featuring local artists or live entertainment like the Garker Street Band.

These events are made possible by an army of dedicated volunteers.

Over the last twelve years, they've helped raise more than £130,000 for Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Falmouth Packet: The annual showcase of private wildlife gardens across the region gives rare access to stunning yet

Sam Lucock, community fundraising and support officer, said: "We are delighted that Open Gardens is back for its thirteenth year!

"We have two fabulous new gardens in our repertoire this year, which we are so excited about and know that our supporters will love."

Becky David, Open Gardens volunteer coordinator said: "The Open Gardens programme is all about helping Cornwall Wildlife Trust in their work, so I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to raise so much money for the charity’s work over the years."

As well as enjoying the meticulously crafted gardens, visitors are invited to indulge in delicious home-baked cake or scones, deliciously accompanied by clotted cream donated by Rodda's, and a range of hot and cold drinks donated by local suppliers.

The Cornwall Wildlife Trust's Open Gardens promises a blooming great day out for all.

To find out more about these private garden showcases, visit www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/open-gardens.

See the full list of Open Gardens events for 2024:

  • Pedn Billy – Sunday, April 7 – Helford Passage, Mawnan Smith TR11 5LF
  • Lavethan Manor – Sunday, April 21 – Blisland, Bodmin PL30 4QG
  • The Lodge – Sunday, May 19 – Fletchers Bridge, Bodmin PL30 4AN
  • Lethytep – Sunday, June 2 –  Penadlake, Lanreath PL13 2PG
  • Higher Trenedden – Sunday, June 16 –  Peakswater, Nr Pelynt PL13 2QE
  • Suffree Farm  - Sunday, June 30 – Probus, Truro TR2 4HL
  • Meadowside – Sunday, July 21 – Trevarth, Redruth, TR16 6AE
  • Lower Penbothidnow – Sunday, August 4 – Penbothidno Lane, Constantine, Falmouth TR11 5AU
  • Trenarth – Sunday, September 8 – High Cross, Constantine, Falmouth TR11 5JN
  • Trelan – Sunday, September 22 - Wharf Road, Lelant, St Ives, TR26 3DU