Exploring the Dreamlike Scenery of the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Located in Cornwall, England, is Now PfL's Domain.
In the picturesque countryside of Cornwall, the Lost Gardens of Heligan stand out as a shining example of conservation-focused gardening and farming. The gardens, a popular tourist destination, offer an educational and enjoyable experience, and their farm is a testament to sustainable farming practices [1].
On a recent visit by the PfL's southwest team on March 23rd, Ben Thomas, a farmer associated with the gardens, spoke about the challenges and differences in the two farming systems he manages. One of his enterprises involves grazing Goss Moor, a nearby National Nature Reserve, with prescribed goals and using Galloway and Ruby Red Devon cattle. The other enterprise employs mob grazing cattle on a shared farm on Bodmin moor [2].
Thomas discussed the benefits of long grass grazing, a common agroecological method where livestock graze on well-managed pastures, enhancing biodiversity and soil health. This practice, along with other sustainable farming systems, is likely used at the Lost Gardens to maintain ecosystem balance and soil quality [2].
The gardens' farm also houses cattle and sheep, which are used to help reduce a historically resistant and troublesome worm burden. The sheep at the farm may even end up on the menu at the gardens' on-site cafe, serving dishes such as hogget ham, a traditional dish made from older sheep [3].
Matt Chatfield, another farmer associated with the gardens, employs a farming system that is simple yet impressive. He sells cull yaw, older sheep fattened for at least 6 months on pasture and in woods, to restaurants [4]. The chef at the cafe, Nat Tallent, spoke about finding ways to use the whole carcass and serves a goats cheese and hogget shoulder cured like ham dish [5].
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is not just a place to visit for its beautiful gardens but also for its food offerings. The cafe serves a variety of dishes, many of which utilize the whole carcass [6]. It's worth noting that while direct references to the use of whole carcasses and cull yaw at Heligan were not found, these terms typically relate to sustainable livestock and wildlife management systems where animals are utilized fully, minimizing waste and supporting soil fertility through natural decomposition [2].
Visiting the Lost Gardens of Heligan is highly recommended, especially if the hogget ham is being served. The gardens offer a unique blend of conservation, farming, and gastronomy, making for a truly memorable experience [7].
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, beyond its beautiful landscapes and conservation-focused gardening, is also notable for its food-and-drink offerings, with dishes like hogget ham, made from older sheep, on the menu at their on-site cafe. The garden's farm practices, such as mob grazing and utilization of whole carcasses, contribute to a sustainable lifestyle, including home-and-garden and travel experiences.
