Sustainable Things To Do in Cornwall
By
2 years ago
From a trip to the Eden Project to a dip in a geothermal pool
The UK‘s very own riviera! From wild moorland to ragged cliffs to sandy beaches, there’s plenty to see and do. Here is our pick of sustainable activities to add to your Cornwall bucket list.
Read the C&TH Responsible Tourism Guide
Green Things To Do in Cornwall
Try your hand at fermenting
Kefir, kimchi, kombucha: fermenting is all the rage, so why not try it for yourself? Head to Newlyn Fermentary to explore the two stage process of making the tasty sparkling kefir drink, and explore the botanical extracts involved. Or learn the basic fermentation processes behind sauerkraut and kimchi – ideal for preventing food waste and supporting gut health to boot. Workshops from £40, newlynfermentary.co.uk
Kudhva
Chill out at Kudhva
The ultimate digital detox, reconnect with nature at Kudhva’s off-grid architectural hideouts in north Cornwall. Plunge into a wild swimming lake, listen to the sounds of lapping waves, plus the area is bountiful in wild foods and botanicals for which you can forage such as wild strawberries, and gorse flowers that are said to raise your endorphin levels. kudhva.com
Embark on a vineyard tour
Calling all wine lovers: Polgoon produces award-winning vegan sparkling wine, alongside their ciders and fruit juices. Pop into the shop to collect a few bottles, or book onto a tour to explore the process, learn about their grapes, and try five wines for yourself. Tours from £10, polgoon.com
Tuck in at The Hidden Hut
Tuck into freshly cooked produce from the sea en plein air at The Hidden Hut, possibly now Portscatho beach’s worst kept secret (Boris and Biden tried it out at the G7 last year). The hut’s unmissable event is the ‘bring your own plate’ summer nights – think lobster and chips over a wood fire. hiddenhut.co.uk
The Eden Project. Image courtesy of Hufton+Crow.
Get inspired at the Eden Project
Possibly one of the most famous biomes in the world, The Eden Project recreates indoor verdant rainforests and Mediterranean hillsides that make you feel completely in awe of nature. The domes will make you rethink your perspective on the natural planet and see how all life is interconnected, leaving you feeling inspired on how you can be a part of fighting climate change. edenproject.com
Read our interview with Sir Tim Smit, Founder of the Eden Project
Hike around Trewithen Estate and Gardens
With a name that means ‘house of the trees’, this historic estate plays host to some of the most beautiful specimens of flora. If you go between May and September, you’ll enjoy the majestic bloom of the magnolia tree that stands over 65 feet high. The estate is embarking on rewilding projects and there’s also a monumental sculpture within the gardens made from recycled and salvaged materials by artist James Wild. trewithengardens.co.uk
Volunteer for beach cleaning
As you’d expect, there are plenty of beach cleaning communities to get involved with in Cornwall. Heading near Falmouth? You can volunteer at Fathoms Free, a charity that recovers ghost fishing gear and marine debris. The National Trust also host beach cleans at North Helford Beach and Sandymouth Beach, and many more. fathomsfree.org; nationaltrust.org.uk
Swim in a geothermal lido
Heated exclusively by its own well, Penzance’s Jubilee Pool is the first geothermal lido in the UK. This Art Deco, Grade II-listed delight isn’t just sustainable in its energy reduction, it’s also community owned, meaning all the profits go back to its upkeep so it is enjoyed for generations to come. jubileepool.co.uk
Cabilla. Image courtesy of Rebecca Cox
Get back to nature at Cabilla Cornwall
The owners of retreat Cabilla Cornwall have a thousand-year project: to preserve the ancient woodlands on Bodmin Moor. It’s all about becoming a steward; going along the grain of nature rather than exploiting it. Opt in for its Summer Solstice or Autumn Equinox retreats where yoga flows and sound baths sit nicely with meeting reintroduced beavers as well as other flora and fauna. cabillacornwall.com
Go on a wild foraging walk
It’s foraging season. Join Rachel Lambert for a Wild Food Foraging Course with WildWalks Southwest to explore the best flavours Cornwall has to offer. Plod along the coast path foraging in hedgerows, collect your discovered edible plants in your basket, and learn some of Rachel’s delicious recipes, too. Courses from £45, wildwalks-southwest.co.uk
Featured image: Perranporth, Cornwall – image courtesy of Getty
