The volunteer force behind Cornwall's top attractions
Cornwall is packed with beautiful gardens, fascinating museums, and unique attractions that offer incredible experiences and opportunities to learn more about this special corner of the world. Behind the scenes, dedicated volunteers play a vital role in making it all possible. From restoring historic sites and maintaining lush gardens to caring for wildlife and bringing vintage railways back to life, their efforts preserve Cornwall’s legacy while creating unforgettable moments for visitors.
History and Heritage
Cornwall’s heritage is rich and varied, brought to life through the dedication of volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes. At King Edward Mine Museum, volunteers restore historic machinery, lead tours, and maintain authentic mill buildings, preserving Cornwall’s mining legacy for future generations. Similarly, at Geevor Tin Mine, passionate individuals guide visitors underground and help maintain the exhibits, ensuring the story of Cornish miners is never forgotten.
In Falmouth, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall relies on its volunteers to enhance the visitor experience by supporting educational workshops and assisting with family activities. Meanwhile, the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro benefits from its volunteers who help conserve precious artifacts and welcome guests to explore a diverse collection of archaeology, art, and geology. Volunteers at PK Porthcurno, once the heart of global communication, also play a vital role by preserving Cornwall’s pivotal role in telegraphy through maintaining historic equipment, digitising collections, and welcoming visitors to this unique site. At the Museum of Cornish Life in Helston, volunteers curate exhibits and run community events, offering an intimate look at Cornwall’s everyday history.
Gardens and Wildlife
Cornwall’s gardens and wildlife sanctuaries flourish thanks to the care and commitment of their volunteer teams. Enys Gardens owes its beauty to the efforts of volunteers who tend its historic grounds and welcome visitors with warmth and knowledge. Similarly, at Trebah Garden, volunteers are vital in maintaining the subtropical paradise and leading tours that connect guests with the garden’s wonders. At Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, volunteers play a vital role in maintaining the gardens, ensuring the artwork and natural surroundings complement each other beautifully.
Conservation takes center stage at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, where volunteers play an active role in caring for rescued seals, assisting with fundraising, and educating visitors about marine life. Equally important are the volunteers at the Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary near Looe, who ensure the well-being of its residents while raising awareness about conservation and wildlife protection.
Sports and Steam
Whether it’s engaging with a beloved sport or taking a nostalgic journey on a steam train, Cornwall offers experiences that inspire and captivate, thanks to the dedication of volunteers. The Cornwall Golf Union actively promotes the sport by organising tournaments, coaching aspiring golfers, and engaging the community through initiatives like the Community Golf Instructor program.
At Bodmin Railway, the legacy of vintage steam travel is preserved by volunteers who operate locomotives, restore historic carriages, and welcome visitors to step back in time. Similarly, the Preservation Society at Helston Railway keeps Cornwall’s transport history on track, with passionate individuals laying rails, running trains, and sharing their enthusiasm for heritage railways.
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