Cornwall Heritage Trust

We’re pleased to announce that we have a new benefit to thank our members for their support. They can receive 50% off entry at the National Lobster Hatchery @padstowlobster from 14th February 2026! The National Lobster Hatchery is a marine conservation, research and education charity based in Padstow. A unique organisation, its work is specifically related to a commercial species, the European Lobster, and in the last few decades, it has successfully established itself as a centre of expertise on a global scale. There’s much to explore at its award-winning visitor centre, where you get up close with rarely seen lobster babies, pregnant lobster mamas, giant lobsters and other weird and wonderful coastal creatures. A visit to this family-friendly attraction is a unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of what’s happening at the forefront of marine conservation, and learn about how the hatchery works with the local fishing community. The visitor centre is currently closed for maintenance and will reopen on Saturday 14th February 2026. We have also just announced that our members will receive 50% off entry at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall from 1st–31st January 2026. Our members are the reason we can continue our charitable work and that’s why providing benefits like this is so important to us. In addition to these new benefits, just a quick reminder that Cornwall Heritage Trust members receive discounted or free entry to several heritage sites and museums as a thank you for their support. If you are already members, we hope you enjoy visiting these fantastic places. If you would like to become a member, gift a membership or renew your membership, now there are even more reasons to join. Find out more via the 'News' link in our bio.

Fresh from being shortlisted for a Cornwall Heritage Award, Richie and The Hardy Bunch have been hard at work once again! Over recent weeks, our incredible volunteers have worked wonders at Bosiliack, clearing 13 of the site’s 14 recorded Bronze Age hut circles and helping these ancient remains emerge once more from the moorland vegetation. Practical Tasks Officer, Richie, explained: “When we return year on year, it’s a question of clearing the regrowth - bramble, bracken, heather and gorse - to reveal the totality of the remains, both inside and outside. Some of these hut circles were completely swamped when we first visited. With every return visit, things become clearer, more obvious, and easier for visitors to appreciate.” The before-and-after photos really show the transformation, and the team were rewarded with some beautiful wildlife encounters along the way too. We especially love the final photo: after three Thursdays battling sun and wind on the moor, The Hardy Bunch head home across the landscape they’ve helped uncover… until next time! If you fancy exploring Bosiliack yourself, why not follow the circular route on the Penwith Landscape Partnership website? Along the way you can also visit Mên-an-Tol, the Nine Maidens stone circle, Ding Dong Mine and the beautiful Bosiliack Entrance Grave. With bluebells blooming and the bracken returning, it’s a wonderful time to visit. These weekly volunteer sessions continue the fantastic work begun by the Penwith Landscape Partnership, helping local organisations and landowners maintain the historic sites in their care. Richie’s role is currently funded by @heritagefunduk , and we’re hugely grateful for its support.

A reminder that applications are still open for our Part-Time Finance Officer role at Cornwall Heritage Trust. We’re looking for someone organised, detail-focused and enthusiastic about supporting meaningful work that helps protect Cornwall’s unique heritage for future generations. As part of our small and passionate team, you’ll play an important role in supporting the Trust’s day-to-day financial operations and continued growth. If you, or someone you know, might be a great fit, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more via the Vacancies link in our bio.

We’re thrilled to share that we’ve been shortlisted for multiple 2026 Cornwall Heritage Awards! Collaboration - Castilly Henge Dig Nearly 1,500 people got hands-on with heritage through our Castilly Henge excavation project, a collaboration with @historicengland and Cornwall Archaeological Society. Innovation - Digital Heritage Map Recognised for helping more people explore Cornwall’s heritage online in new and accessible ways. This digital interpretation project was made possible thanks to support from @heritagefunduk , the Rural Prosperity Fund and @gwruk . Heritage Heroes - Larger Organisations Our Practical Tasks Officer, Richie’s Thursday Volunteer Group - “The Hardy Bunch” - for their incredible dedication and impact looking after key heritage sites across West Penwith... whatever the weather! Leader of the Year Congratulations to Hollie (pictured), nominated for her inspiring work as Lead Ranger. The Cornwall Heritage Awards celebrate the outstanding projects, people and organisations protecting and sharing Cornwall’s rich heritage, and we’re incredibly proud to be recognised alongside so many amazing organisations across the Duchy. The final results will be announced at the Cornwall Heritage Awards ceremony on Tuesday 19th May 2026 - wish us luck! 🤞 A huge thank you to our staff, volunteers, partners and supporters who make this work possible every day.

What a special afternoon in the Cornish landscape! 🌿🎨 “I won’t ever tire of seeing people genuinely flourishing in front of your eyes and responding to the immediacy that plein air painting provides,” said our Artist in Residence, @JeremySandersArt who led a recent workshop for us at Sancreed Beacon. Set within the dramatic Penwith landscape, surrounded by ancient archaeology, wide skies, and the sounds of nature, the site was the perfect setting to slow down and truly observe. Participants explored sketching and painting directly from life, responding to the shifting light and atmosphere with guidance from Jeremy throughout the afternoon. From oils to sketchbooks, each person developed their own response to this inspiring place. The weather held beautifully, giving us a full afternoon outdoors to create, connect, and be inspired. If you’d like to join us for a future session, keep an eye on our upcoming events and book early to avoid missing out #JeremySanders #PleinAirPainting #CornishLandscape #CreativeCornwall #ArtInNature

If you missed our recent Virtual Story Cafe, you can now catch up and watch a playback of the event on our website. The event, 'Land’s End to the Levant: Exploring the Bronze-Iron Age tin trade across Europe and the Mediterranean', was lead by Dr Benjamin Roberts, Associate Professor of Later European Prehistory at Durham University, who delivered a fascinating session on the Bronze-Iron Age tin trade across Europe and the Mediterranean and its links to Cornwall. He was joined by Dr Imogen Wood, independent ceramic specialist in Prehistoric pottery and leading national specialist in petrographic analysis, and Dr Alan Williams, Honorary Fellow in the Department of Archaeology at Durham University, who shared additional insights during the session. A big thank you to all three for such an engaging and thought-provoking session. Watch the full recording via the 'Watch our Story Cafes' link in our bio.

"I had no idea so much knowledge could be gained from these local sites that linked so well with our learning in class. It really brought the topic alive for the children. The knowledge Caroline shared and her approach was pitched perfectly for the group." We were delighted to hear how much the children from St Buryan Academy enjoyed their visit to Caer Bran & Carn Euny recently. The workshop was led by our Education and Outreach Manager, Caroline, and provided free of charge as part of our Discovery Workshops Programme. This programme is part-funded by @heritagefunduk and @tnlcommunityfund . Transport for the trip was funded by our School Transport Grants Scheme. @cornish_lithium is the foundation sponsor for this academic year’s transport grants and we're hugely grateful for its support. Find out more via the 'Our Discovery Programme' link in our bio.

Meet our Morgawr… if you dare! A legend from Cornwall’s past, shaped by what we’re leaving behind today. Every bit as fearsome and formidable as we hoped, our Morgawr ready to take pride of place on our stand at the @fishermansfriendsfestival . The Morgawr (Sea Giant) is a legendary sea creature from Cornish folklore, said to dwell in the waters of Falmouth Bay, with a long neck, humps along its back, and dark skin that glistens like a seal. For generations, stories like that of the Morgawr have been part of Cornwall’s heritage, shaped by the landscapes and coastlines around us. But this Morgawr tells a new story. Created by talented local artist @scamp4u , with generous support from @cornishmetals , it has been brought to life using waste materials from @cornwallscrapstore and items collected during a volunteer beach clean at Crantock, next to our East Pentire Headland site. It reflects how our landscapes are changing, and how what a Morgawr might find in our seas today is very different from the past. We can't wait for Morgawr's debut at the festival on 22-24 May at Stithians Showground. If you're coming along, do stop by, say hello, meet the Morgawr and take our quiz to find out if you're a mermaid, a morgawr, a sea monk or a bucca! By caring for Cornwall’s heritage today, and inspiring the next generation to protect, we help ensure Cornwall’s stories and legends live on.

The children of St Cleer Primary School have created something truly special for this year’s St Cleer Well Flowering event. Year 5 pupils worked with our Education and Outreach Manager, Caroline, to design and create a beautiful stained glass–inspired panel, reflecting the flowers that will adorn St Cleer Well. The panel will be carried aloft at the very front of the procession during this year’s Well Flowering Ceremony on Friday 8th May - it will look simply stunning as the light shines through those vibrant floral designs. If you’d like to see it in action, join us from 10:15am as the procession makes its way to the well, led by Merv Davey on the Celtic Pipes. The morning will include a blessing in Cornish and English, the story of the well, singing, and traditional dancing from the children themselves. It’s always a fun and joyful event and all are warmly welcome - no booking needed. Find out more via the Wosson link in our bio. Kindly supported by @GWRuk

A lovely sunny day for the installation of new signage at one of our recently acquired sites, Castle an Dinas at Ludgvan. Our grateful thanks to @cornwall_national_landscape for the funding through their Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) scheme. Our Ranger apprentices, Aidan and Remy, are pictured with Ranger Andrew and Doug the dog!

Fancy getting creative in the fresh air? Join our Artist in Residence, @jeremysandersart , for a relaxed en plein air workshop at Sancreed Beacon - one of Cornwall’s most inspiring historic landscapes, with sweeping views across Mounts Bay and a rich mix of flora, fauna and ancient remains. No classroom. No pressure. Just fresh air, big skies, and expert guidance to help you see the landscape differently. Whether you’re just starting your painting journey or already have experience, this four-hour session is a chance to sharpen your observation, build confidence, and respond to the ever-changing light and natural elements. This small-group session is limited to just 15 participants, ensuring Jeremy can spend time with each person. What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon? Date: Saturday 9th May Time: 1pm - 5pm Tickets: £35.00 (This event is in aid of Cornwall Heritage Trust) Find out more and book your place: /event/en-plein-air-workshop-with-jeremy-sanders-artist-in-residence/

We’re delighted to announce that tickets for Awenek! The Great Cornish Heritage Festival 2026 are now on sale! From Bronze Age skills to Cornish wrestling and sea shanties, there’s something for all ages to explore, experience, and enjoy. Date: Saturday 12th September 2026 Times: 10am - 5pm Location: Enys Gardens, St Gluvius, Penryn, TR10 9LB Tickets from £7.50. Under 18s FREE. Find out more and book your tickets via the Awenek! link in our bio.