What’s Dwells at Heligan? Poet Laureate Unveils Mystical Trail of Hidden Creatures

Poems Brought to Life Through Immersive Installations at The Lost Gardens of Heligan

A slate boulder, a jungle pond and an oak wood tunnel at The Lost Gardens of Heligan have been transformed into magical art installations inspired by Simon Armitage’s brand new poetry collection Dwell, which officially launched yesterday (Thursday 8th May).

Each rustic feature now represents the secret world of animals — from a hedgehog’s winter retreat to the underwater home of aquatic life and the hidden den of a fox. The installations bring three of Simon’s new poems to life through beautifully carved and etched verses, merging nature and words in a unique experience for visitors.

Poetry Meets Nature

The poems, which are part of a year-long collaboration between Simon and Heligan, are taken from his new collection Dwell, published on 8th May. Drawing on the garden’s biodiversity, Simon’s poems celebrate the often unseen worlds hidden across the estate’s 200 acres.

“It is the responsibility of everybody to do something in relation to nature,” said Simon. “We are at a real tipping point now with extinction, climate change and particularly loss and damage of habitat, which is why I wanted to celebrate Heligan as a place that holds nature intact.

“Working with Heligan has been a kind of dream. I got lost in the Lost Gardens, made poems like little dens and treehouses, and didn’t want to be found. As with all poems I just want people to look at the world in a slightly different way, to join with the wonder of it.”

📷Simon Armitage brings his new collection of poems to life at The Lost Gardens of Heligan through magical art installations

A Celebration of Hidden Habitats

Laura Chesterfield, managing director of Heligan, said: “Heligan is home to a myriad of habitats – some known, some hidden and mysterious. They all play an important part in our fragile ecosystem, and we honour this by taking care to nurture and protect them.

“From Simon’s very first visit he not only understood this, but wanted to celebrate each and every one, finding the magnificence below rocks and among burrows. Dwell is a joyful discovery, and we are proud to give it a home at Heligan through these delightful installations.”

Poetry Workshop and Festival Ahead

As part of the launch, Simon hosted a special poetry workshop with pupils from Poltair School, Penrice Academy, The Roseland Academy and Fowey River Academy.

He’ll return again next month for the inaugural Heligan Homecoming Festival, running from 13th to 22nd June. The festival will feature an evening of poetry with Simon and fellow poet Pascale Petit.

The line-up also includes Mercury Prize-nominated musicians Seth Lakeman and Gwenno, top comedians Dawn French and Edward Rowe (best known locally as Kernow King), as well as conversations with guests like chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and author Merlin Sheldrake. Visitors can also enjoy a new wildlife exhibition inspired by the animals featured in Dwell.

Plan Your Visit

Entry to The Lost Gardens of Heligan starts from £28 for adults and £12.50 for children, with free entry for under-fives and Essential Companions.

Tickets to the Heligan Homecoming Festival start from £25. £1 from each ticket sold will be donated to St Petrocs and a new on-site red squirrel enclosure, helping provide safe homes for both people and wildlife in Cornwall.

📷Simon Armitage with local school children at The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Simon Armitage brings his new collection of poems to life at The Lost Gardens of Heligan through magical art installations