Mid Cornwall Mining, past & present; Green Construction & Power; Nature & Habitats; Stories & Creative Arts: –
Welcome to The Meadow Barns, in Cornwall, home of Caroline Stephenson – author, teacher and musician.
Here she shares her passion for Climate Hope, in events and Green Fridays blog, her stories of Mining History and – best of all – her great big garden of displays, play areas and gorgeous views.
News for Autumn Term 2024
It’s back to work time and happily our news is good, because for the first time we are now in a partnership with the best mining brains of Cornwall. It is all part of the “Geo-Resources” Sector Strengthening project, led by the University of Exeter and providing some £s from the government’s Levelling Up/ ‘Shared Prosperity’ funding.
Our role is to work with very young children, along with the adults who support them at a pre-school, nursery or simply as parents or grandparents. It is a hands-on outdoor style of learning that is very different from school and we have always found participants love it.
“It felt more creative, and like I could do what I wanted to do. It wasn’t ever boring”
“It was more special than school, because I had my family learning with me”
Further details. This is a short course of learning in 3 sessions, with movement and songs, which will cover the basics about our warming climate, how trees can help us, why burning trees and other fossil fuels must be replaced by energy from natural, weather-related sources and finally how that energy can be stored in batteries, made of Cornish Rare New Metals.
Some of the sessions are already allocated to groups during term time, here at the centre, but now we are looking for a small number of families, to take part in the pilot (supported by Imerys/British Lithium) in Roche area. Dates are Saturdays in October half term, 26th October and 2nd November, taking place by kind permission of the site owners and school staff, at the pre-school behind Victory Hall, PL26 8JF https://www.rochepreschoolplaygroup.co.uk/Contact
We are grateful for the invitation to run the 3rd Saturday session at Wheal Martyn, china clay museum, PL26 8XG on November 9th https://www.wheal-martyn.com. This is a very fun activity, hunting for Old Cornish Metals and some of those new Rare Metals. We also will tell you how and why the famous author, Charles Dickens, visited our mines and other famous Cornish landmarks, and featured them in his much-loved book, ‘A Christmas Carol’ of 1843.
Apply to take part
Within the project we will be supporting and encouraging families to apply for either the BBC Young Earthshot competition and/or the Blue Peter green badge, so please look at the criteria below and summarise your answers to these questions (max 100 words each). Then to finish please add what makes you the perfect family for this unique mining-based project (50 words) and email to Caroline cjs@themeadowbarns.co.uk. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so don’t take too long!
After Half Term
There will be a series of public events running up to Christmas to present certificates to the families who have taken part, explain more about the project and options for taking part in future. The second half will be a performance of the 45 minute show called ‘What the Dickens’.
Dates booked in so far are:-
Saturday 23rd November at Lanlivery Parish Church, PL30 5BT
Saturday 30th November at East Pool Mine, TR15 3NP
Saturday 7th December at Roche Victory Hall, PL26 8JF
Further details, times and booking page will be here and on Facebook by the end of September.
PREVIOUS MINING WALKS and PLAY SESSIONS at Meadow Barns
Traditionally every visit has included a short introduction of maps and films in the library, a walk-about the mining and water areas of the outdoor Adventure Site, an accompanied first part of walk to Penpell Mine, plus option to borrow a story-based guide book and explore the neighbouring, hidden & secret east side of Luxulyan Valley, at leisure.
Those who had WhatsApp on their phone were provided with a back-up SOS service, to ensure they didn’t get lost. Also, for peace of mind – in the event of a mishap – a qualified first-aider was available, coming to the rescue. Further information on past walks is found here https://themeadowbarns.co.uk/walks/
We have a great collection of rocks to dig for and crush, trucks on tram-tracks for moving the ore and – most important – water wheels that provide the power. These are lessons from 200 years ago, which suddenly are extremely relevant as we aim to reach Net Zero. It informs our mission statement … ‘to help people learn from the past, and build a greener future!’
To book please email your enquiry@themeadowbarns.co.uk
PREVIOUS HALF TERMS 4 CLIMATE HOPE
This brand new concept came together in 2023, with the first ever Ceremony 4 Climate Hope being planned and delivered for our local Red Moor school. It was a brilliant start in Lanlivery, which we used as a spring board, learning what would deliver the best outcomes for our volunteers and small communities in future.
The 2nd harvest-related October event in Lostwithiel involved around 70 people and many local businesses in the run up, although the Ceremony itself was quite small. It was a big, ambitious and wonderful project! So, with the arrival of 2024 we began to plan for our next, which was even bigger and better!
A Ceremony that celebrated CHINESE NEW YEAR in TRURO
To appreciate more of what we offer, please see the films on our YouTube channel. There is a Climate Hope playlist, look especially for the Westcountry TV report of Chinese New Year; and a playlist with history stories and local views in it. Also, you can follow the evolution of each project and Ceremony by signing up to the weekly Green Fridays Blog, which you will find under Climate Hope.
Go to the Meadow Barns YouTube Channel
For volunteering, paying a visit, joining a walk or any other query, please EMAIL our Director, Caroline Stephenson – cjs@themeadowbarns.co.uk
And if you would like help with History or Climate work in a school, just ask! We are now planning a course for teachers, ready for the Autumn Term.
Where to find us and a little more about the Adventure site
You will find us perched high on ‘Penpillick Hill’ a few miles north of its famous big cousin, the Eden Project, where you can enjoy ever-changing, beautiful views of St Austell Bay, some of which are shared in the slider above.
Coming by car, you will find Directions under About Us/Contact. But remember also, to save money on your booking and reduce local congestion, you could come by public transport and we are always happy to advise and support, if you do.
The buildings were consciously planned and the site landscaped to showcase innovative, often recycled materials and to illustrate a range of sustainable energy systems. Read the story of the construction phase (2017 – 2019) under Climate Hope/Green Build.
Joseph Austen Treffry – our Green Hero and inspiration
Read more about this extraordinary mining entrepreneur under Climate Hope/Green Hero.
WORDS from a past visitor, on their family water wheels STORY WALK ADVENTURE, 2021:-
A totally unique experience. Caroline’s attention to detail and passion make this a truly lovely adventure. Hot pasties and hot chocolate were waiting for us on our return, accompanied by a glimpse into history with Caroline’s amazing storytelling skills. The walk itself – even being lost for a little time – was totally awe inspiring. We both loved every minute and if there was an annual Pass to Meadow Barns we’d definitely get one. One day was definitely not enough and we will return!
Finally, those practical things that real matter e.g. 1) HEALTH and SAFETY
The site is fully insured, with additional cover for Caroline as an approved official valley guide and recently qualified outdoor first-aider. Each walk is subject to a separate risk assessment, conducted within the past week, and available along with a first aid guidance page, at the start.
To ensure maximum comfort and safety, please tell us your interests, fitness & budget, plus food choices and preferred length of walk in advance, so the team can create the most suitable bespoke plan.
2) FOOD & DRINK
Always pre-ordered and matched to your individual needs. Or you may choose to bring your own.
MORE COMMENTS
A magical day out with a wonderful guide and host. Our 4 year old had a brilliant time! David Morgan
Fascinating to gain this understanding of
renewable energy and see such positive steps towards a sustainable future. Amanda Penk
This is our 3rd visit! The centre is a favourite place for us, where we can help our grand children learn so much – history, fitness & how to be responsible green citizens. Roger Larham
Stuart Hunkin, Tywardreath Methodist Church
Erasmia & Isabella (lost in the woods)
Jonathan & Sarah Treffry
So pleased that you want to inform people about Joseph Thomas Austen Treffry
Sir Tim Smit
At Meadow Barns you are perfectly placed to tell the story, paint the BIG picture! “