AS the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, The Gardeners’ House in Penzance has announced a rich autumn programme rooted in nature, creativity and community.

Having officially opened in June this year, the West Cornwall charity is now launching its first full autumn programme of events - following a summer of welcoming events which saw almost 1,500 people come through their doors.

With autumn events themed on foraging, fungi, and seasonal craft, there’s something for all ages and interests to enjoy - and a chance to reconnect with the landscapes and stories of West Cornwall.

The Gardeners’ House is a recently restored community hub in Morrab Gardens, after a journey of almost nine years to bring the derelict building back to life.

The team is dedicated to celebrating the unique stories of West Cornwall, offering a space where the local community can connect both with nature and one another.

What to expect at The Gardeners’ House this autumn:

  • Foraged Ink: Create Your Own Botanical Oak Gall Ink - October 18, 1 pm to 3pm

Learn to create natural oak gall ink, used since the 5th century, and take home your own bottle.

  • Fungi Printing Workshop - October 25, 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Family‑friendly craft: explore mushrooms through hands‑on printing. Free drop‑in.

  • Morrab Mushroom Spotting - October 29, 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Guided walks to spot and identify mushrooms in Morrab Gardens. Free drop‑in.

  • Decorate a Bat Box - October 30, 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Help bats thrive by decorating a bat box to take home.

  • Film & Food – Fungi: Web of Life - October 31, 6pm–9pm

Film screening narrated by Björk with a fungi‑inspired feast.

  • Seven Ages of Hu(Man)

November 14, 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Poetry, prose and song exploring life’s journey, performed by local writers.

  • Clothing Repair with Grace and Sustainable Penzance - November 22, 1.30pm–3.30pm

Learn beginner‑friendly repair skills or bring items for mending. Donations encouraged.

  • Foraged Autumn Colours - November 28, 1.30pm to 4.30pm

Discover natural dyes from local plants and create your own autumn colour swatches.

Miki Ashton, director of The Gardeners’ House, said: “Autumn is a time of change, reflection and coming together.

“Our events are designed to help you enjoy the season - whether by spending time outdoors noticing the beauty of nature, or by joining creative workshops that use natural materials and stories from our archive. Each activity is about connecting past and present, while bringing people together in a friendly and welcoming space.”

The Gardeners’ House charity received a £2.2-million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as a grant of £896,000 from the Penzance Town Deal fund to help realise their vision of bringing the former gardeners’ house in Morrab Gardens back to life. It is the first of the Penzance Town Deal funded projects to open its doors.

Tickets for the events can be booked by visiting: thegardenershouse.org/events/