A popular annual showcase of private wildlife gardens across Cornwall being opened to the public for charity promises new delights.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Open Gardens, which showcases inspiring wildlife-friendly habitats, ranging from wildflower meadows, woodlands and board walks to ponds, walled gardens and orchards, kicks off on Sunday, April 7 and runs until the end of September.

This year’s programme includes two new additions, a two acre wildlife refuge at Suffree Farm near Probus, where visitors will be able to meet rare breed pigs and Shetland ponies and a distinctively tropical garden at Trelan in St Ives.

The garden at Pedn Billy at Helford Passage, Mawnan Smith TR11 5LF, will open on Sunday, April 7, Lavethan Manor at Blisland, Bodmin PL30 4QG on Sunday, April 21 and The Lodge at Fletchers Bridge, Bodmin PL30 4AN on Sunday, May 19.

Lethytep at Penadlake, Lanreath PL13 2PG will be unveiled on Sunday, June 2, Higher Trenedden Peakswater, near Pelynt PL13 2QE on Sunday, June 16, Suffree Farm at Probus, TR2 4HL, on Sunday, June 30, Meadowside at Trevarth, Redruth, TR16 6AE on Sunday, July 21,

The garden at Lower Penbothidnow at Penbothidno Lane, Constantine, Falmouth TR11 5AU will open on Sunday, August 4, Trenarth at High Cross, Constantine, Falmouth TR11 5JN on Sunday, September 8 and Trelan in Wharf Road, Lelant, St Ives, TR26 3DU on Sunday, September 22.

Sam Lucock, a 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. 

“We will have wildlife experts available at the events, helping you to become emerged in the wonderful wildlife that Cornwall has to offer. To add to the lovely atmosphere, some gardens will also have special events, from the Garker Street Band to local artists.

“These spectacular events would not be possible without the tireless and dedicated work of our wonderful volunteers, which makes the Open Gardens programme even more special. Over the last twelve years, our Open Gardens seasons have raised over £130,000 for Cornwall Wildlife Trust.” 

Becky David, an Open Gardens volunteer coordinator, added: “When I discovered that Cornwall Wildlife Trust was looking for a volunteer coordinator to grow the Open Gardens concept I felt this was an opportunity to discover more about gardens in Cornwall as well as an opportunity to encourage others to appreciate how gardens can have a significant impact on securing wildlife recovery in Cornwall. 

“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.”