The National Trust property of Trelissick has confirmed that from February 2025, dogs and their owners will be welcome in the garden.

A National Trust spokesperson said the decision was made in response to feedback from National Trust members and supporters, and reflects the wider trend for greater access for dogs in the tourism and hospitality sector.

All dogs must be kept on a short lead, stick to paths and will not be permitted on the lawns. Owners must act responsibly and pick up after their dogs.

The National Trust has a “pawprint rating system” for dog owners, and Trelissick scores two paws. Dogs are currently permitted on the woodland walks and in the café and shop areas, but not past the entrance tills.

“Evidence from other National Trust places which have welcomed dogs, some for many years, suggests that dog access is unlikely to have a negative impact on gardens and visitor enjoyment,” said the spokesperson.

However, not all are in agreement. In a letter sent to National Trust director-general Hilary McGrady and seen by Truro Voice, National Trust members Anne and Richard Watson pointed to existing dog-friendly access including woodland walks, and entreated Ms McGrady “to preserve Trelissick Garden for those who wish to enjoy wildlife, peace and quiet”.

“Dogs are very noisy, with their barking, yapping and whining,” they wrote. “Many owners seem not to understand that other people want a bit of peace and quiet when they visit a National Trust property.

“Dogs also create excrement, which many owners seem incapable of picking up. If they do, they sometimes leave the bagged-up poo lying about, or hanging from branches of trees. This has happened over the years at Trelissick, where a tree near the beach was regularly festooned with dog mess bags.”

The pair continued that a regular seal visitor had been deterred by out-of-control dogs by the water’s edge, and claimed a sheep had been mauled by a dog off the leash.

“It would seem that The National Trust wants to encourage dog ownership by its increasingly dog-friendly stance, ignoring the awful environmental footprint of canines, spreading insecticide, creating noise and disturbing wildlife. We have spoken to gardeners and car park attendants at Trelissick. All admit there are far too many dogs, and none seem to want dogs in the garden.

The National Trust spokesperson confirmed there would still be several areas of the garden at Trelissick which will remain dog-free “for the benefit of nature and wildlife, as well as for the enjoyment of those who do not wish to interact with dogs”.

Many of Cornwall’s gardens are dog-friendly. The Lost Gardens of Heligan permit dogs “with well-behaved owners” all year round, while Trewithen near Probus on leads (to protect wildlife and livestock). Trebah Garden, near Falmouth, provides compostable poo bags and a map showing the location of dog bins, while the café has designated dog areas – but be warned, “chatty chappies” may be asked to leave.