Join Tim Kellet, from the Cornwall Ancient Tree Forum as he leads an Ancient Tree Safari through the woodlands of the Boconnoc Estate. 

With an introductory talk, guests will learn about ancient trees and their special value to our culture, landscape and biodiversity before investigating the ancient landscape of Boconnoc. 

Explore the grounds, deer park, wood pasture and woodland to gain an insight into the amazing wildlife that lives on the estate, as well as learning how we age trees and the integral part that trees have played within communities at Boconnoc throughout history. 

Guests will visit some of the oldest trees on the estate where our guide will measure and estimate the age of the trees. 

We will explore their own habitats and the wildlife they support. During the walk you will have time to ask questions, photograph and measure some trees and find out why Oliver Rackham said, “one 500-year-old oak is more valuable to biodiversity than 10,000 100-year-old oaks!” 

Please note, there will be uneven ground during this walk, so participants must wear suitable clothing and shoes and be able to get on and off the tractor trailer unaided. 

Boconnoc Deer Park is known as far back as 1540, Henry VIII’s map of coastal fortifications showed Boconnoc House surrounded by a deer park. It is abundant with beech, oak, ash, and willow trees and is home to 188 lichen species, including the only known British site for Porcina Hibernica. The Deer Park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is considered the best old-growth southern oceanic woodland in the South West of England.

Join us for a fascinating wildlife adventure at Boconnoc Estate. Hop on board the tractor-trailer with our Deer Ranger who will lead you on a safari through beautiful grounds to the ancient Deer Park, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe these graceful creatures in action.

The Safari will start with a talk all about the Deer, their habits and the work that goes into running the Deer Park, following this visitors will be taken to the Deer Park on a tractor-trailer to observe the herd. The Safari will take around 2 hours and is suitable for all ages.  

Sessions will be available to book now.

From Trees workshop will take you on an explorative journey into the forest, looking at collective heath and how teas can support your body and the environment to thrive. We will centre on new ritual tea practice to increase energy, hydration and relaxation. The workshop will also take you outside, beneath the trees, where you’ll learn about forest gazing and breathing techniques to fill your body with immune boosting phytochemicals.

Qigong is a healing art that utilises slow, intentional movement that supports physical wellbeing and draws inspirations from the natural world. In Qigong and Chinese Medicine, Five Elements outline the relationship between the different elements in nature and the life force, Qi.

During these forest inspired sessions for this event, you will explore different forms corresponding with the Five Elements practice which allows us to reflect a deep understanding of natural law and inspire us to cultivate and honour our bodies, minds and spirits.

Have you ever wondered what happens behind the bark of a tree? - The Tree Listening Project uses highly sensitive microphones to make audible the ‘popping’ of ascending water mixing with air in the xylem, the very life of the tree surging up from the roots towards the leaves. -The Tree Listening Project aims to provide an experience that engages & inspires a keen interest in trees. 

Boconnoc is the oldest surviving deer park in Cornwall and the top site for it's numbers of ancient oak and other veteran trees.

  This long and unbroken continuity of habitat plus the current site quality makes it the most important site in the county for the special invertebrates that live in decaying wood. Dr Keith Alexander is the leading UK authority on these invertebrates and has been carrying out a study at Boconnoc. 

Dr Alexander will deliver a short introductory illustrated talk on Sunday, 7th July followed by a guided walk explaining the features of the trees that make them important and including searches for some examples of the associated wildlife.

To cultivate a deep appreciation for the celestial wonders above by providing participants
with the knowledge and tools to confidently explore and interpret the night sky. 

Through guided observation, storytelling, and interactive discussions, this Sunday session aims to spark curiosity, foster a connection with the cosmos, and inspire ongoing exploration of the universe. 

John Walters is a world renowned ecologist, having worked with the likes of Sir David Attenborough. 

Join him on Saturday for an immersive journey on a nature walk and explore the rich and biodiverse realms of Boconnoc where you will uncover the secrets of some of the natural wonders found throughout the grounds of the estate. 

Participants will be guided through the through the grounds, by Thomas Wilson fostering a deep connection with nature by enhancing their ability to identify animal tracks and signs.