The Meadow Barns
The barns and sheds of our centre sit at the heart of a small hamlet, called Penpell. The name dates back to 1196 and is Cornish for ‘Distant Height’ … a quick glance at our photos will quickly show what an apt title this is, given we have coastal views that take your breath away.
What is less obvious is the connection with mining, going way back 2000 years BCE. Penpell was first a centre for tin streaming, then iron excavation and later housed workers for one of the most productive copper mines in the world.
This industrial heritage underpins our work in Science or STEM and helps us focus on finding hopeful solutions for the future well-being of people and our beautiful planet.
Caroline Cares – A statement from our Director

At the age of 30 I was studying music, (conducting and jazz) at the University of Denver. Obviously the thing I cared most about at that time was music and creativity. It was my career and I loved having music as a kind of tool to help other people enjoy life and develop confidence.
I refer to it now, because in retrospect, I realise that one of my lecturers really understood what makes me tick. He endorsed my ‘scholarship’, which remains very important to me, and something else that’s fundamental, about setting goals and never giving up:-
Caroline has ‘’a superb background and training in performance and scholarship …
(she is) one of those rare individuals who seeks a challenge and always rises to meet it …’’
Vincent C. la Guardia, Director of Orchestral Conducting, University of Denver
Since retiring as a music teacher I have chosen to use my skills for causes that are not music – causes I care deeply about. I have given 5 years to developing educational materials, songs, story-walks and associated exciting outdoor activities, but now (2025) it feels right to review how things have gone. I can see I need to consolidate things and conserve my energy, because I can only make a real difference by collaborating with wonderful colleagues and partner organisations, who share my passions.
So that is why this new web site, has 6 main sections all focused on the things I care about and 3 more to explain how you can get involved.
1. I care about Penpell, the place of fields looking out to sea, where my grandpa & father farmed, and where I grew up. My partners here are a mix of professionals in the field of eco construction and green energy systems, such as Duratite and Eco NRG, along with my team of paid staff, wonderful neighbours and volunteers.
2. I care about the Industrial Heritage close by – the ingenious structures rotting away, plus the ordinary and extraordinary people who lived and worked here in the past. My partners in this regard are Bob and David, the colleagues who outshine others in their passion and time commitment for restoring heritage in Luxulyan Valley area, plus the wonderful John, who has recently set up a business called Dog World at the historic St Blazey Foundry, PL24.
3. I care about the need for enjoyable STEM learning (Science Technology Engineering and Maths), for all ages but especially the very young. This is where my Arts, Music and Stories can bring things to life, in a method about Mining and Sustainable Energy Systems, called ‘Full STEAMS Ahead to Net Zero‘. My partners to deliver this are Forest School leaders and the wonderful Arts and Environmental centre in Caradon district, called Sterts. The course content and final certificate is supported by top organisations in the world of future mining – Imerys British Lithium, Exeter University/Camborne School of Mines and many colleagues in the Cornish Mining and Geo-Resources Alliance.
- Care for Penpell & ConstructionHistory of a little hamlet and residents through the centuries, where metal mining and water machinery have provided vital employment …
- Care for Industrial HeritageThe Industrial Landscape of PL24 is the main resource for learning at our site. But every section of its World Unique elements is decaying and in desperate need of restoration work.
- Care about Fun STEM LearningDiscover how our Family Learning Club model, ‘Full STEAMS Ahead’ to Net Zero came about and why you should come on board.
4. I care deeply about Building Great Teams, with Support for their Well-being and Future Prospects, especially those struggling with financial or health challenges. Financially, I aim for the right balance of low &/or flexible pricing for our activities, plus rewards of other kinds. To help mental health, by partnering with community groups and local churches or other faith leaders, we strive to bring light to their lives. The events maybe outdoors, such as rescuing tree trunks with a heavy horse, but also – for special occasions – we go indoors with a spiritual element and run ‘Ceremonies of Climate Hope’, like the one below. I also will continue to provide a hope-filled Newsletter every month.

5. I care that as many people as possible, regardless of financial status, should feel able to join in our activities at the Centre and when we operate further afield. However, I have seen too many times that people do not value what is given for free, which is why we do ask everyone to pay a moderate amount as reservation fee for a session, non-refundable. But after that, it is fine to pay what is genuinely affordable, and/or contribute in volunteering hours.
6. Where I see other people and organisations doing good things for their community and with a high sense of environmental responsibility, it matters a lot that we should build connections and support each other. This summer, 2025, I will go out of my way to help create new learning opportunities at 3 partner locations – St Blazey Foundry, Newquay Orchard and Sterts Arts & Environmental Centre.
- Care for People in Great TeamsWhoever we work with, regardless of age, status or any other category, we aim always to celebrate their skills, give them courage in the face of adversity and bring out a sense of fun!
- Visit our Meadow Barns Centre or EventA unique experience of STEM learning, for young and old, with an equally unique basis for charging that is flexible but fair.
- Visit a Partner Centre or EventWorking with partners is changing our impact beyond what we ever dreamt would be possible. We are grateful for every opportunity you offer.
7. I care about Farming & Food and the excellent farm businesses around me. I seek out and promote their environmentally responsible practices and the best quality produce that they provide for us … another small but important group of partners, which includes Colwith Farm Shop and Distillery, Leyonne Farm, Coppergon Produce, Paul’s Fresh Fish of Mevagissey and Westcountry Mussels of Fowey. Working with them I can share knowledge and celebrate tasty cooking, at a Wednesday lunch-time Mid-Week Meet Up at the Foundry.

8. I care about Woodland and Trees. The Temperate Rainforest areas around me are wonderful, but there is very little understanding of what they are and how to look after them. Equally, no one seems to realise that letting the best trunks of fallen old trees rot away is bad. In any year on our planet more CO2 is released by this decay than by all the fossil fuels we burn. How can this be? I am delighted to have the promise of working, in this category, with such major partners as Newquay Orchard, Kernow Horse Logging, Kernow Training and a growing group of individuals, especially Simon and Jenny, who make useful and beautiful items from wood.
9. Finally, I care that we operate to the highest standards for safe-guarding, for healthy, safe outdoor activities and represent our commitment by using Penpell image as a kite-mark, for this quality experience.
- Care for Good Food and FarmingAs a farmer’s daughter I am well aquainted with the Good elements, but also the Bad and Ugly aspects of what farming has been. Happily, I sense that today there is a quiet but amazing revolution underway …
- Care for Woodland and TreesTemperate Rainforest areas are hidden in glades and quarries around PL24. Greater awareness is needed and team efforts of locals, to look after it.
- Care about Insurance, DBS and other PoliciesWe aim for the best balance possible between what is needed for safety and yet still enables a sense of adventure.