Meadows are being celebrated this week with yoga, scything, and Cornish dancing.
The National Trust has organised events across Cornwall to mark National Meadows Day and shine a spotlight on the region’s species-rich grasslands.
The day is part of a wider UK campaign led by Plantlife to celebrate and raise awareness of the biodiversity and ecological value of meadows.
In Cornwall, the National Trust’s coastal meadows project, supported by the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme and Delia’s Fund, has created more than 250 hectares of species-rich grassland to help address biodiversity loss and the impacts of climate change.
Fern Carroll-Smith, project officer for the Cornish Coastal Meadows Project, said: "We're really excited to give everyone across the county the opportunity to connect with meadows and celebrate these fantastic habitats on National Meadows Day.
"Whether it's artwork, yoga, bug hunting, dancing or scything, there's something for everyone and we look forward to welcoming people to whichever event inspires them."
A full programme of events is taking place at National Trust sites across Cornwall.
In the Boscastle–Morwenstowe area, a yoga session will take place on Maer Cliff on Saturday, July 4, from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.
The session focuses on mindfulness, connection with the landscape, and enjoying the sights and sounds of the coastal meadow.
Tickets cost £5 and booking is essential.
At Cotehele, families can join a free workshop on July 4 and 5 from 11am to 1pm.
Led by a ranger named Ben, the session will cover flower-insect timed counts in the Mother Orchard and Tower Fields, and will include gathering yellow rattle seeds to support plant diversity on the estate.
Admission is free, though standard entry fees apply.
At Lanhydrock, activities will be centred around the meadow in front of the Gatehouse on July 4, from 11am to 4pm.
Budding Nature will lead bug hunts, and visitors can use identification guides, try self-led activities, and explore the meadow under a microscope.
In Lansallos, visitors are invited to explore wildflower meadows not usually open to the public between 10am and 3pm on July 4.
At Lizard Point, two seed collection sessions will be held at Teneriffe Farm Campsite from 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm.
Seeds gathered during the event will help restore meadows elsewhere.
Penrose will host free nature-themed crafts on July 4 from 10am to 4pm.
At Pentire, a 'Reconnect with Nature' workshop will take place from 1.45pm to 4.30pm.
The event includes a guided circular walk and a monoprint-making session. Tickets are £5.
A scything workshop will be held at Porth on the Roseland Peninsula on July 4, led by Scythe Kernow from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
At Trelissick, the Pop Up Paint Pot team will run creative meadow-themed art activities from 10am to 4pm.
A special Nos Lowen dance night will also take place at Trelissick on July 4 from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
This Cornish-Celtic event celebrates the meadows in traditional style.
Salt and Sky will provide the music, and visitors are encouraged to dress in bright, floral clothing and enjoy an evening of folk music and simple, family-friendly dance.
All events at Trelissick are free, though normal admission charges apply. Booking is not required for the art workshops.
National Meadows Day aims to highlight the ongoing efforts by rangers and conservationists to care for and restore meadows, and to raise public awareness about the vital role these habitats play in supporting wildlife.
For more information and event details, visit the National Trust website.
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