Wildflower identification day
- 13th Jun 2026
- 9.15am - 3pm
- £15
Join Wal Eyre from Three Bays Wildlife Group and Heligan's Wildlife Coordinator, Toby, for a guided wildflower identification day across the meadows and grasslands of the Heligan landscape from Park-An-Lan field to the traditionally managed hay meadow of Gillysame. A donation from every ticket sold will go directly to Three Bays Wildlife Group.
Course Detail
Join Wal Eyre of Three Bays Wildlife Group and Heligan’s Wildlife Coordinator, Toby, for a practical day of wildflower identification at The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
The workshop begins in The Lodge, Heligan’s nature-connected learning space, with an introduction to the basics of identifying wildflowers — including key features, habitats and how to use simple identification resources. You’ll then head out as a group to explore the grasslands of Park-an-Lan field and the traditionally managed hay meadow at Gillysame.
With guidance throughout, you’ll learn to recognise a range of common species found at Heligan, possibly including Yellow Rattle, Cuckoo Flower, Lesser Stitchwort and Common Bird’s-foot Trefoil and much more. There will be plenty of opportunities to get hands-on, ask questions and build confidence identifying plants in the field.
Suitable for beginners and those looking to develop their skills, this is an accessible and informative day focused on practical learning. You’re welcome to bring your own wildflower ID guide to make the most of the session.
A donation from each ticket will go directly to Three Bays Wildlife Group, supporting their conservation work.
Essential information
- Meet at the Heligan ticket office at 9:15am
- Come dressed for the Cornish weather and wear sturdy footwear
- A hot drink will be provided.
- Lunch can be purchased in our Steward’s House Café or bring a packed lunch
- Materials will all be provided, but f you have a favourite wildflower guide, please bring it along.
- Please note that this event does not include garden admission. If you would like to explore the gardens after the wildflower event, please purchase garden admission, or have your Heligan membership/local passes with you on the day.
About Wal Eyre
Wal Eyre is a naturalist and a key figure in Three Bays Wildlife, a community-led wildlife group based in Cornwall. Three Bays Wildlife covers the area encompassing St Austell, Mevagissey and Veryan Bays and the river catchment areas in between, with a mission to protect and enhance the rich natural environment of this special stretch of the Cornish coast.
The group works through awareness raising, wildlife monitoring, citizen science projects, practical conservation, education and training and fundraising, bringing together volunteers of all ages and experience levels who share a passion for their local wildlife.
Wal has been at the heart of many of the Three Bays Wildlife's hands-on events, including fungal forays and wildlife walks and has built a strong partnership with the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
About Toby Davies
After finishing university with an Honours Degree in Zoology, since April 2022, Toby has been Heligan’s Wildlife Coordinator, leading on wildlife reintroduction projects including the release of Eurasian Beavers, Water Voles and Glow Worms.
Having previously worked as part of Heligan’s estate team, Toby’s knowledge of the habitats and species found at Heligan is reflected in his infectious love for conservation. Also, as a member of the committee of local wildlife group Three Bays Wildlife, Toby represents Heligan in the wider local community as well as in his day-to-day role, working with other conservation organisations such as the Beaver Trust and the RSPB.
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