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, her stories of Mining History and – best of all – her great big garden of displays, play areas and gorgeous views.
Summing up 2024
We had a fun and rewarding second half of 2024, in a partnership with the best mining brains of Cornwall. It was all part of the “Geo-Resources” Sector Strengthening project, led by the University of Exeter:-
This project is funded (£960k) by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Cornwall Council has been chosen by Government as a Lead Authority for the fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded though the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Our project, called “Full STEAMS Ahead”, was to bring together families with very young children, or sometimes Early Years at a pre-school or nursery, and the adults who support them. It was a hands-on outdoor style of learning, generally quite different from school and we have always found participants of all ages, 3 to 83, love it! In a nutshell we offer …
“Fantastic views, Fantastic learning and Fantastic Fun!”
The New Year has brought us another new challenge, which is to adapt the “Full STEAMS Ahead” model to secondary age participants during the February half term. This is a collaborative venture involving Truro and Penwith College, hosting in their STEM building in Bodmin, with 3 full days of learning from STEM.org. As a fitting end, we have just enough funding to enable us to facilitate a day of adventure with a morning at British Lithium and Imerys working sites and the afternoon hunting metals at Wheal Martyn – huge thanks to the staff of these places for giving so much of their time to planning for this. The outcomes will be captured in a film, that will be posted via our normal channels, such as Facebook and YouTube in a month or so. But we are also pleased to announce there will be
… a complete refresh of this website, by the end of March 2025
New Partners
A major element of our fresh start will be work with partner organisations, that share our aims and values. There are organisations with a grown up focus, such as a Local History group in the Caradon Mining district, or a historic mansion interested in hosting heritage working horse events, along with the invaluable Early Years settings, with whom we plan to create Family Learning Clubs about Climate Change and Cornish Mining. Those will be evidence of our funding Legacy.
Do please send an email to enquiry@themeadowbarns.co.uk to be kept informed of progress and – if interested – we will explain how to join our Advisory Panel. In the mean time, some of the EVENTS in the project plus others during previous Half Terms 4 Climate Hope, may be seen below.
The Final ‘Joining In’ Story Event
To conclude on Saturday 23rd November we celebrated together, putting on a show that told 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. We were so lucky that Storm Bert was dying away by the time we gathered indoors to share this story with the world, in the beautiful setting of Lanlivery Parish Church. Thank you to the community for welcoming us and providing imitation Goose flavoured, but veggie biscuits and mini Christmas puds!
September, October and early November, in PL24 and PL26
The half term pilot, supported by Choose Nature CIC and the Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum in their grounds and neighbouring woodland, went brilliantly. Thank you!
https://www.choose-nature.co.uk wheal-martyn.com.
This location greatly enhanced our learning sessions. For example, we went exploring the real Wheal Martyn waterwheel and their Boulder Park, featuring a number of large granites holding Lithium in different combinations with other metals. What a lively Lithium activity it proved to be!
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! “