Stepping into Another World - Heligan Jungle | The Cornwall Series
- phoebesperrin
- May 4
- 6 min read
4TH MAY 2025
Exploring the Jungle at the Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, nestled near Mevagissey in Cornwall, are celebrated as one of the UK's most beloved horticultural destinations. These gardens, meticulously designed in the 19th-century Gardenesque style, feature distinct zones, each showcasing unique aesthetic & biodiverse principles.
'A garden which I became abundantly obsessed by.'
ORIGIN
The gardens at Heligan were not designed by a single person but were developed over time by members of the Tremayne family, starting around the mid-18th century Rev. Henry Hawkins Tremayne is credited with laying out the initial gardens. Thomas Gray also played a role in creating a garden plan around 1780, which later aided in the restoration efforts.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
The history of Heligan is deeply entwined with the Tremayne family, who acquired the estate in the 16th century and established their manor house there in 1603. A significant rebuild in 1692 gave the house its William and Mary style. It was under Rev. Henry Hawkins Tremayne in the late 18th century that the gardens truly began to flourish, with a plan drawn up by Thomas Gray around 1780 guiding the eventual restoration. Rev. Tremayne initiated much of the garden's structure, including tree screening, the northern gardens, and the rose garden. Later Tremaynes added the wild and exotic "Jungle" area.
However, the last Tremayne resident, Jack, eventually leased the property after constructing the Italian garden. Following WWII, during which it served as an army base, Heligan fell into neglect. For over seven decades, the gardens were overtaken by nature, becoming a "lost" wilderness. In the 1990s, a dedicated team of gardeners embarked on a remarkable restoration project, documented in a TV series- the documented boxset of the restoration can be found on amazon - The Lost Gardens Of Heligan - Complete Collection [DVD] bringing the gardens back to their early 20th-century splendor and opening them to the public.
Rev. Henry Hawkins Tremayne:
He is credited with beginning the gardens in the late 18th century, including planting trees, creating the Northern Gardens, and laying out the rose garden.
Thomas Gray:
He was called in to create a garden plan around 1780, which helped with the eventual restoration work.
Other Tremayne Family Members:
The gardens were continued to be developed by other members of the family in subsequent generations, including planting new species and expanding the garden areas.
Restoration:
The gardens were restored in the 1990s, with a team including Tim Smit leading the effort, and a plan based on the earlier work of the Tremayne family, particularly the plan by Thomas Gray.
The air hangs heavy with humidity
A tangible indication of the specialised environment carefully maintained to support an abundance of exotic flora.
Among these, the "Jungle" at Heligan stands out as a remarkable achievement in horticultural artistry, transporting visitors to a verdant sanctuary teeming with life and reminiscent of distant tropical landscapes which will be the focus of this blog.
For many visitors, encountering the Jungle at Heligan is an unexpected delight. Entering this section of the gardens is akin to stepping into another world, a testament to the dedication and ingenuity required to cultivate such a vibrant tropical ecosystem within the Cornish climate.
KEY IDENTIFICATION
Towering tree ferns (Dicksonia antarctica), their fronds gracefully unfurling, create a cathedral-like canopy that filters the sunlight, casting an ethereal emerald glow upon the pathways. These magnificent specimens, often towering over visitors, represent decades of growth and careful nurturing. Similarly, the colossal Gunnera manicata, also known as Brazilian giant-rhubarb, presents an unmissable spectacle. These imposing plants, with their enormous leaves, thrive along the water's edge, their presence a powerful visual statement that photographs struggle to fully capture.
The sheer scale and maturity of these species throughout the garden are genuinely breathtaking, a testament to the vision and commitment of the Heligan gardeners.
Beyond the iconic tree ferns and giant rhubarb, the Jungle unfolds as a haven of lush vegetation, remarkable trees, and captivating exotic flora. Traversing the elevated boardwalk that meanders gracefully around a series of ponds offers a unique perspective, allowing visitors to appreciate the diverse plant collection from above. Colossal rhubarb specimens, established banana groves, and elegant palm-lined avenues create a rich tapestry of textures and colours.
Corridors of towering bamboo envelop the senses, while the flourishing and diverse plant collection stimulates the senses at every turn.
REMARKABLE SPECIES
Nestled within a sheltered valley, "The Jungle" benefits from a unique microclimate, exhibiting temperatures significantly warmer than the Northern Gardens. This advantageous location allows a diverse array of exotic plant species, sourced from around the globe by intrepid Victorian botanists and contemporary collectors alike, to thrive in abundant profusion.
Among the notable specimens is the New Zealand Yew, an evergreen tree that holds the distinction of being the largest of its species in the United Kingdom. Strategically positioned adjacent to the Second Pond, this sentinel tree enhances the aesthetic appeal of the surrounding landscape, adding a touch of elegance and grandeur to the scene.
Another remarkable highlight is the presence of Wollemi Pines, a species only recently discovered in 1994 in a remote gorge within Wollemi National Park in Australia. Introduced to this extraordinary garden in 2012 with the planting of a small copse along Gardener's Walk, the opportunity to observe these trees is a rare and captivating experience, as they are not commonly found in other gardens.
STRATEGIC SCULPTING
Furthermore, the Jungle at the Lost Gardens of Heligan serves as a powerful testament to the importance of water in shaping a thriving tropical landscape. The constant flow of streams and trickling waterfalls creates a humid microclimate that supports the lush growth of exotic plants.
Water acts not only as sustenance but also as a sculptor, carving pathways through the dense foliage and creating a symphony of sound as it flows over rocks and into pools. The strategic placement of water features maintains the high humidity levels essential for the survival of moisture-loving species. The water's journey, visible and audible, weaves through the jungle, connecting disparate areas and underpinning the entire ecosystem, ensuring that every plant benefits from its life-giving presence.
ECOSYSTEM HEALTH & BIODIVERSITY
The Jungle is a remarkable example of the critical importance of ecosystem health and biodiversity. This dense and exotic wilderness is home to a vast array of plant and animal species, each playing a vital role in maintaining the overall resilience and stability of the environment. The intricate web of life in the jungle is a testament to the interconnectedness of all living things, with each organism relying on others for survival and contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem.
At the heart of the jungle, towering tree ferns stretch high into the canopy, providing shelter and humidity for the countless creatures that call this place home. These majestic plants are not only essential for creating a hospitable environment for other life forms, but they also play a crucial role in the water cycle, helping to regulate moisture levels in the air and on the forest floor.
Meanwhile, diverse insect populations buzz and flutter throughout the jungle, pollinating the unique flowering plants that are found nowhere else in the world. The vital role that these insects play in the ecosystem cannot be overstated, as they help to ensure the survival and reproduction of the many plant species that form the foundation of the jungle's food chain.
The rich biodiversity of the jungle is what makes it such a resilient and stable environment. With so many different species interacting and depending on one another, the ecosystem is able to withstand environmental changes and maintain its health. This is in stark contrast to monoculture environments, where a single species is grown or raised in isolation, leaving the ecosystem vulnerable to disease, pests, and other disruptions.
Observing the thriving environment of the jungle, it is clear that protecting and fostering similar ecosystems worldwide is of the utmost importance. By recognising the fragile beauty and essential interconnectedness of the natural world, we can take steps to preserve these critical habitats and ensure the survival of the countless species that call them home. This may include supporting conservation efforts, reducing our impact on the environment, and advocating for policies that prioritise the health of our planet and all its inhabitants.
In conclusion, the Jungle is a powerful reminder of the importance of ecosystem health and biodiversity. The intricate web of life in this wilderness is a testament to the interconnectedness of all living things and the vital role that each species plays in maintaining the stability and resilience of the environment. By recognising the value of these ecosystems and taking action to protect them, we can ensure a healthy and sustainable future for all living things on our planet.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the Jungle at the Lost Gardens of Heligan offers a captivating and immersive experience, showcasing the beauty and wonder of a carefully cultivated tropical ecosystem.
It serves as a testament to the vision, dedication, and horticultural expertise that have transformed a once-lost garden into a thriving sanctuary for exotic plants and a source of inspiration for visitors from around the world.
The Jungle is more than just a garden; it's a living laboratory, a testament to the power of nature, and a reminder of the importance of preserving our planet's precious biodiversity.
The full 'Jungle' photo album can be found under our Phototgraphy section in Gardens. Follow the link below to see more.
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