Open Gardens is a volunteer-led initiative raising funds on behalf of Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Every year the team of three volunteer coordinators work together with private garden owners, communities, and a group of up to 30 volunteers to put together a programme of Open Gardens events.
These events take place on Sundays between April and September and allow rare opportunities for behind-the-fence access to some beautiful and impressive wildlife friendly gardens across Cornwall. They also allow for some fantastic days out, with all proceeds going to support the work of Cornwall Wildlife Trust in creating a Cornwall where nature thrives. Over the years they have raised a phenomenal £150,000 for the charity.
This does however, mean a great deal of commitment and work from the volunteers, with volunteer coordinators contributing over 150 hours each per year in organising, overseeing, and running these events, baking cakes and growing plants to sell.