Glasney College tower re-envisioned through Community Planting

A massive thanks to all the volunteers that turned out to help make space for nature at the site of the former Glasney College in Penryn.

The site, which is part of a larger Scheduled Monument, is a public open space well-loved by the community as a dog walking and games spot, whilst little remains for the former mediaeval church that paralleled Exeter Cathedral in grandeur and supported a colligate community that was of huge significance for Cornish culture.

Investment through Green Infrastructure for Growth 2 (Making Space for Nature) is building on previous enhancements to showcase the heritage value of the site, which included inlaying of granite to outline the former walls in 2019. Today (12th October 2021) volunteers helped to plant a sensory mix of perennial herbs and flowers in newly installed raised beds designed to evoke a scene of the previous structure, whilst echoing the plants found in mediaeval monastery gardens. Swathes of wildflower meadow were also oversown, all using minimally intrusive techniques in order to preserve any potential underground archaeology.

The improvements will help towards future protection of the site, as well as provided a nature-rich space for people to enjoy and reflect on the fascinating history of our very special places.

There will be regular volunteer opportunities at this space and others, please check here and site posters for future details.

Meadow sowing: Cornwall Councillor Tamsyn Widdon joins CORMAC and volunteers to make space for nature at Glasney College, Penryn.