Discover Cornwall
There is much to see and do in Cornwall, but sometimes it's good to discover what's on your doorstep. Demelza may seem like a sleepy, quiet little place, but it's teeming with wildlife, wildflowers, and some very rare species.
The area is also home to a lot of talent, including Bruce Middleton an expert botanist and ecologist with more than 25 years' experience in landscape and species conservation management. His enthusiasm for Cornwall's nature is evident in his homestead and nature trails. Just a short walk to his little haven, Bruce offers full and half-day tours of the local ecology. For those who would like to fully immerse themselves in a weekend of Cornwall's natural habitat, he also develops bespoke tours, taking in the Cornish Coast, estuaries, and ancient woodlands.
Half Day Doorstep Trail
4 hours to discover some of the native flowers and plants that can be found in abundance around Demelza, as well as a few rarer finds that you would be hard pushed to find in the city suburbs, or along well-trodden paths.
His homestead includes woodland, a large pond, meadows, bees, market gardening, and an abundance of creatures that choose to call Demelza home, from bats to minibeasts, as well as resident sheep, goats poultry, and a pony, which has a very important job to do.
£75 for the morning (Group size up to 4)
An Evening of Discovery
At the end of the day, what better way to spend an evening than discovering some of our nocturnal species. Demelza is home to several bat species, including the pipistrelle and less common long-eared bat. Join Bruce Middleton for an evening of discovery, using bat detectors to find and listen to Demelza's resident bat population. Using a moth trap, many species of moth can be found here too. You are likely to hear the call of a tawny owl, of which there are several in the area, and maybe even a barn owl. Distinguish the different calls and if you stay really quiet, you may get a visit from a badger, fox, rabbit, hedgehog, or deer, all of which can be seen in the area. Finish the evening around a campfire with marshmallows and hot chocolate, and a myriad of stars for company. Wrap up warm, as it can get chilly.
The session includes two hours in the evening (after your evening meal) and about an hour just after breakfast the following morning to view what has been caught in the moth trap. This leaves you time to get on with your day.
£75.00 for the evening (group size up to 4)
Discover Cornwall - Two-day ecology break
Join Bruce Middleton for a weekend of discovery exploring Cornwall's diverse flora and fauna, from the rural setting of Bruce's homestead to the coastal ecology and landscape which has attracted nature lovers for generations. This two-day break includes:
B&B or self-catering farmstay accommodation at Demelza Cottage
Day 1 - Discover Demelza. Situated in a quiet hamlet, deep in the Cornish countryside, Demelza is home to an abundance of wildflowers and minibeasts. Explore the grasslands and native hedgerows, woodland and wetland. Demelza is home to wild primroses, red campion, bluebells, wild orchids, foxglove, oxeye daisy, wild garlic and a whole host of flora, some of which are rare and preserved at Bruce's homestead. Our unmanicured woodland and hedgerows are also home to an abundance of wildlife and as evening draws in and the fantastic sunset displays dissipate to dusk, there is a whole new set of ecological treasures to explore.
Day 2 - Take a trip to an area of the South West Coast Path known for its diverse ecology. The coastline is teeming with wildflowers such as thrift, valerian, heather, and gorse and is home to a variety of coastal creatures. Spot a variety of sea birds on Cornwall's craggy cliffs, and marine life, such as seals, in the surf and remote coves. Head down to the beach and there is another world of mussels, seaweeds, and jellyfish to discover. Take the late afternoon off for a bite to eat before heading back to Demelza and a good night's sleep.
Price from £150 per day (group size up to 4)*
Packed lunch can be provided.
*Own transport is required.
