Trelissick ranger blog

The countryside at Trelissick is loved and enjoyed immensely by its many visitors. Yet there is only a small bunch dedicated to ensuring this incredible space remains accessible while conserving its diverse environments and wildlife. This blog will tell you the whats, hows and whys of our important work to preserve Trelissick's natural heritage.

Swallows flying in front of Trelissick House
Trelissick   Cornwall

Countryside news - Spring 2021

It has been a slightly irregular start to the season. On the one hand, spring is undoubtedly here, but on the other, the seemingly interminable chilly winds, cool temperatures and a distinct lack of rain have meant a slow start for many plants and wildflowers.

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Wildflower field
Trelissick   Cornwall

A long overdue re-cap from the Trelissick Countryside

The team are now back to full strength and have been busy catching up on all that needs doing over the winter months, both here at Trelissick and on the North Helford which we also manage.

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Sheep in the parkland
Trelissick   Cornwall

Sheep, Storms and Shellfish

The sheep have returned to graze the Trelissick Parkland so we can manage the grassland without resorting to mechanical means.

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Illustration of a robin by Sonia Hensler
Trelissick   Cornwall

Winter workin'

The season of winter is for woodland management and wildlife spotting. What are the rangers up to at this time of year?

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Illustration of a painted lady butterfly by Sonia Hensler
Trelissick   Cornwall

Butterfly monitoring at Trelissick

The rangers look back on their summer collecting data on butterfly populations at Trelissick.

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Illustration of heavy horses ploughing by Sonia Hensler

Horsepower 

By using work horses in archaeologically sensitive spaces, the rangers are helping to preserve our historic environment as well as rich farming heritage.

Illustration of veteran tree at Trelissick by Sonia Hensler

Summer across the estate 

The rangers have been busy in the woods, parkland, meadows and even the river!

Illustration of a nettle by Socia Hensler

Spectacular stinging nettles 

The bane of every countryside rambler's ankles, but did you ever think to put these nutrient rich nuisances in a risotto?

Illustration of a great northern diver by Sonia Hensler

Winter work and wildlife at Trelissick 

What have the rangers been up to during the depths of winter? Woodland management and wildlife watching abound.

Illustration of the letter B by Sonia Hensler

Trelissick A-Z: Bats 

You may have spotted these fascinating creatures darting during the evening. How do we make sure they have a home at Trelissick?

Illustration of a harvest mouse by Sonia Hensler

How we manage Tregew for wildlife 

Tregew offers secluded walks and a haven for wildlife. Can we tempt you to explore this lesser-trodden side of Trelissick?

Illustration of the letter A by Sonia Hensler

Trelissick A-Z: Archaeology and Apples 

The rangers are embarking on an alphabetic adventure through the Trelissick countryside. Will you join them on their maiden voyage?

Bramble illustration by Sonia Hensler

Brilliant brambles 

Brambles are one of the most important, prolific and misunderstood components of the countryside. Do they really deserve our ire?

Illustration of queen bumblebee by Sonia Hensler

Work and wildlife at Trelissick 

Summer for Trelissick's rangers is equal parts estate maintenance and chasing butterflies. What other wildlife is worth keeping an eye out for?

Illustration of cow grazing by Sonia Hensler

Why do we have grazing animals at Trelissick? 

They don't just make for a pretty pastoral scene, their grass munching makes the parkland a better place for visitors and wildlife.

Orange tip butterfly illustration by Sonia Hensler

Spring days at Trelissick 

A closer look at the season’s finest sights and the conservation projects the rangers are undertaking.

Holly weevil illustration by Sonia Hensler

The deadwood invertebrates 

Often unseen and ignored, these creature play an integral role in the woodland ecosystem. What do we do to promote them and how do they vary?

Fallen tree illustration by Sonia Hensler

High winds on the Trelissick estate 

Why are fallen trees left to return to the earth on the estate and how do some return to life after such a dramatic event?

Grey squirrel illustration by Sonia Hensler

Woodland management at Trelissick: Part two 

Woodland thinning helps reduce the negative impacts of grey squirrels, but how else does this practice benefit the woodland ecosystem?

Coppiced woodland illustration by Sonia Hensler

Woodland management at Trelissick: Part one 

Why are forestry techniques required to promote and maintain a healthy, diverse woodland - and what can be learned from the past?

Teal watercolour by Sonia Hensler

Winter birds around Trelissick 

What will you catch a glimpse of out on the water, or hear on a walk in the woods?

Illustration of autumnal oak leaf by Sonia Hensler

Leaf blowing in the woods at Trelissick?! 

What could possibly be the benefit of leaf blowing on the woodland walks?

Boletus watercolour by Sonia Hensler

Fantastic fungi 

There's a wealth of fungi around Trelissick, but why are they so important to our countryside?