South West

In the 2016 BBC series 'Coastal Path', explorer Paul Rose tells the story of the South West Coast Path. At 630 miles, it's England's Longest National Trail and one of the world's best loved walks. Watch some clips and find out more about the beloved land we care for on the South West Coast Path to be virtually transported there.

While the ‘#urbanjungle’ hashtag has become ubiquitous with social media, there’s one special place in Devon that started embracing this trend over 100 years before Instagram. Overbeck’s has been home to plants from all corners of the globe since the 19th century. So, how do the garden team care for these unusual plants, and could they lend some tips to help you care for your own house plants and exotics?

Extraordinary books can transport us and take us beyond ourselves - and some even transport us to recognisable places from around the South West. Archaeologist Martin Papworth reflects on the beauty of the English countryside as portrayed in literature, through four of his must-reads.

From Godolpin in Cornwall to Stourhead in Wiltshire, places in the South West are brimming with bluebells during the spring months. During these uncertain times, while the places we care for are closed, let us bring the bluebells blooming to your home.

During these uncertain times, connecting with nature can bring a sense of continuity and calm. Whether it be on your daily walks, from your window or in your garden, here are some tips for looking out for nature.

We’re doing everything we can to make space for nature in the countryside, thanks to your support. Find out about the projects that are taking place in the South West to create space for nature.

Take inspiration from one of the grand houses in the South West, and create a National Trust gingerbread house.

Honey tea bread, a recipe from Kingston Lacy, is perfect with a generous spread of butter and a steaming pot of tea.

Stephanie Couch from 'A Cornish Mum' shares her recipe for the perfect chocolate chip shortbread. These are her go to at Christmas time with a hot chocolate, but work perfectly year-round.

From Agatha Christie's holiday home, which was requisitioned by the US Coastguard, to coastal defences, several places we look after in the South West played an important role during the Second World War.

How did you sleep last night? Did you have a nice quiet room to yourself? A comfy mattress? Such luxurious solitude we take for granted. Martin Papworth, National Trust archaeologist, takes a look at our houses where we glimpse an older, more communal lifestyle.

Learn something new about Cornish mining with our top ten surprising facts.

Learn how you can make your own simple bird nest box with this easy to follow video from the team at Lydford Gorge. It could help you to give the birds in your garden a brand new home.

The garden team at Knightshayes show you how to sow peas and share their top tips. If you can get your hands on some seeds and have a pot or patch of green space to grow them in, it's the perfect time to begin growing this tasty crop. This video was made a couple of years ago, but we hope it provides some inspiration for you during these uncertain times.

Providing bee hotels is a great way to boost the value of your garden for bees and give them a helping hand. The team at Avebury show you how to make a bee hotel using things you may already have in your garden shed.