Trenarth farmhouse is a good example of a house expanding over the years. The oldest part is from the 16th century to the newest, 2001. Like the house, the garden has grown over the years and now sits in 4 acres. Here you will have plants that will intrigue you, views that take your breath away, and the odd odderty to make you smile.
There is wildlife to be found from bats to wild bees, swallows and hawks. There has been a slow worm sighting along with the usual suspects of rabbits, foxes, squirrels and deer. There is a plethora of common seasonal wildflowers merging the borders of the garden with the surrounding countryside.
A circular walk leads from the garden to Trenarth Bridge on one of the creeks of the Helford River. Its steep route takes you through farm and woodland, part of which is a good example of the many old passages from the river to the big houses seen in this area.
Garden Manager: Jeremy Pedersen
Open Dates for 2024
Cornwall Heritage Trust, Sunday 23 June 2024, 11am -4pm.
Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Sunday 8 September 2024, 2pm-5pm.
The gardens are also open by prior appointment, in aid of either the NGS or Cornwall Hospice Care.
Cornwall Heritage Trust entrance fee: Ticket prices are £6 if pre-booked online and £7.50 on the door. Under 12s go free and do not require booking. Online booking will close at 12noon on the Friday before each event.
Cornwall Wildlife Trust entrance fee: Adults, £6.00 cash only. Children free, dogs on leads welcome. There are normally some plants for sale, and tea and refreshments are available. Garden tours can also be arranged for group bookings.
https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/events/2024-09-08-open-gardens-trenarth
Part of Cornwall Wildlife Trust “My Wildlife” campaign on website and bus shelters, as “My wildlife My Legacy”, featured in My Cornwall Jan. 2016. We have our own bus stop, with willow shelter and time table which celebrates this.
WI Life magazine Feb. 2016 illustrated article about Trenarth Gardens, written by Katherine Lambert, photos by Charles Francis.
Directions
Trenarth is situated between the villages of Constantine and Mawnan Smith on the north bank of the Helford River, and within easy reach of Falmouth, Truro and Helston.
Directions from Truro: Take the A39 towards Falmouth until reaching the roundabout near Asda and B&Q.
Turn right up the hill into the village of Mabe and then left at the junction following signs for Mawnan Smith and Constantine.
Continue past Argal reservoir until arriving at the crossroads. Turn right towards Lamanva, continuing for around half a mile, and then left towards Constantine.
After approximately a mile and a half take the left hand turn towards Mawnan Smith at High Cross. 30 yards from the Mawnan turning take the dead end lane bearing right, Trenarth is half a mile at the end of this lane.