The Cornwall Blog

Amy Cooper When I first wrote about Rooted in 2022, the exhibition was still showing at Wheal Martyn. Coming back to it a few years later, I realised that these images are worth keeping as a little record of the show in their own right. Rooted brought together artists and makers with very different approaches, but all responding in some way to Cornwall's china clay landscape, its materials, history and atmosphere. It was a fascinating idea then, and looking back at the work now, I think it still is. Rooted at Wheal Martyn Rooted ran at Wheal Martyn in the autumn of 2022 and brought together 17 makers rooted in Cornwall. Ceramics were at the heart of the exhibition, but there was also jewellery, photography, metal, film and other work. The starting point was the china clay industry and the extraordinary landscape it has created around St Austell. The artists responded to the material itself, the history of the industry, its effect on the land and the peopl...

Autumn walks are what this season is all about! I recently with my mum, popped down the road to Lerryn as the last light was just fading. Such a calm and peaceful place, and one I always enjoy visiting. We just managed to grab an ice cream before the post office and shop closed (yes, I know, weird in winter but that's just how we roll!) We sat by the river watching the water sparkle in the golden light. We didn't have much time so we just wandered a little way by the bank of the river, pausing to watch the swans and to admire the boats.  Lerryn is the kind of place that feels like you are stepping into a story book, understandably though, as it is said to have inspired The Wind in the Willows stories as Kenneth Grahame holidayed here.  There are woodland walks on both sides of the river, and at low tide you can cross by the stepping stones. There is a small free carpark just by the green, a charming village school and a friendly pub. With a well kept public toilet and a beauti...

We are coming into Autumn, a season I truly love, and in which Cornwall shines - woodland walks to stunning sunsets, everything is aglow. From October through to December is also the best time to catch starling murmurations, the name given to the strange phenomena of flocks of starlings creating undulating shapes as they move through the sky. There is another reason why birds are on my mind, I have been working on our latest poster calendar at work as a graphic designer which has a bit of an ornithological theme. I have always found these strange clouds of black somewhat fascinating, experts are still not sure why the birds chose to do this. Is it to exchange information, to keep warm, to ward off predators - or perhaps just for the shear joy of it! Starlings are actually on the British birds at risk list, with numbers 80% down on what we had in the 1970s. In Cornwall though, we did see an increase last year, with areas such as Marazion Marsh seeing thousands of the birds returning....

Our island nation is a rich hotch-potch of culture, history and heritage. There is so much to explore, especially in Cornwall. This September why not visit one of the county's Heritage Open Days , they are all free and there's lots of opportunity to get involved, running from the 9th - 18th September. Just a few of the places open to you this month are: Gribbin Daymark : This is an instantly recognisable landmark is in my neck of the woods that I love to spot on coastal walks or at the beaches along the south coast. Built in 1832, the views are worth the climb! The historic tower is open Sunday the 11th September, 11am - 5pm.  Godolphin : This house and gardens near Helston will be holding some specialist guided tours looking at Godolphin's mining history. The garden will also be free to enter between the 9th - 18th September.  Cypres Well : Up in Launceston you can visit the home of Cornish poet Charles Causley CBE, normally closed to the public but used for writers as a r...

Cornwall may be renowned for its spring gardens, but for summer colour I think we still shine brightly. For truly stunning displays of flower and foliage check out these few favourite places...  Lamorran is a garden that feels like a holiday. Italian inspired with epic views of the coast beyond, you will find this little gem near St Mawes on the Roseland.  Cotehele House and Gardens is actually one of my favourite in Cornwall, down Plymouth way. A lovely one to visit in winter time as well, as they display dried flowers in a giant garland in the great hall. In the summer time there is still plenty to interest, with tranquil walks down to the river (and a cool manor house to explore, a bonus in the heat!)  Glendurgan may be famed for its wiggly maze but the gardens near Falmouth are also a joy for their summer florals. Splashes of colour abound with hydrangeas and foxgloves dappled here and there, plus there is a beach at the bottom - what's not to like!  Hidden Va...

Starting off July in style, the Sea Salts & Sail Festival  takes place in the picturesque fishing village of Mousehole. Running from the 1st of July to the 3rd this biannual event is a sight to behold.  From the Friday the horizon begins to fill with historic vessels, some the last examples of their kind. Crews skilfully navigate 'the gaps' fitting into the narrow 500 year old entrance.  Its a wonderful day out for all the family, with music, poetry, crafts, food and drink.  I love this little corner of Cornwall, though I don't make it down there as often as I would like, had my first taste of crab here! When the sun shines it really is quite breath-taking.  If you don't make it for the festival never fear, Mousehole is a great place to visit regardless, and they have a brilliant village hall packed full of year round events to tempt you!    

It's not long now until I take my mum to see Diana Ross at The Eden Project! She is very excited, me too! Quite a legend. I thought it might be good to share some of the other musical events up and coming this month and beyond.  It really feels that after a few years away from living life fully we are finally able to. This summer promises to be a bumper one for Cornwall with so many festivals coming back to us, and what a eclectic mix... Sundays from May to September are seeing Truro's Victoria Gardens ' band stand put to good use. Local brass bands and orchestras will be delighting folk from 2.30 to 4pm. Also in Truro, at The Alverton's beautiful gardens, they are welcoming back the Summer Garden Sessions . Think a sun-drenched terrace, stunning tunes and a cocktail or two. This month sees Hannigan, Rue and Ash Harding take to the stage. Speaking of Eden's Sessions , their line up this year includes other big names such as Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Ni...