25 Nov 2022
Tags: Wildlife, wildlife holidays, Glamping, #ecotravel, Cornwall
November 2022: Pengelly Retreat are delighted to announce that they have been awarded a GOLD in Wildlife Friendly Business of the Year and a SILVER in the Glamping Business of the Year in the 2022/23 Cornwall Tourism Awards.
The awards took place on 17th November at Truro Cathedral with over 300 key tourism figures coming together to celebrate the very best of Cornwall.
Judging was carried out by an independent panel of past winners, industry leaders and experts in their field, selected for their impartiality, experience and suitability for each category.
The Wildlife Friendly Tourism Business Award, sponsored by Tevi in association with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, recognizes businesses that truly demonstrate proven commitment to best practice in protecting and enhancing wildlife.
Pengelly Retreat owners Jim Watkins and Ruth Milligan are passionate about the environment and sustainability, and through their hard work and dedication the site is thriving with a plethora of wildlife and birdlife.
The 5 acres of land offer a myriad of ecosystems including lakes, streams, lagoons, meadows, woodland and a forest. They have planted over 500 trees, 2000 spring bulbs, wildlife hedges, aquatic perennials and established a network of wildflower meadows. Brown Trout thrive in the streams and lakes, moorhen and wild ducks are regular breeding visitors, dragonflies dart in and out of the reeds. Guests can also enjoy watching herons and kingfishers, as well as the swallows swooping through the air in the spring and summer. At night they can listen to the owls calling to each other from the trees across the lake. On occasion, otter have even been spotted. On the land, stag and roe deer, badger, foxes, hedgehogs and voles are frequently seen.
Rowan Hartgrove from Cornwall Wildlife Trust said “Pengelly Retreat is an amazing example of how a business can work in harmony with nature. Jim & Ruth have really taken the opportunities that come with being connected to and inspired by nature and taken it to another level, not just for the benefit of local wildlife but also for their guests too.”
The Glamping Business of the Year, sponsored by Touch Stay, recognizes businesses providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrate excellence across every aspect of the business. Guests at Pengelly can choose between two award winning homes, The Boat House and The Sail House.
The Boat House is an architect-designed, self-catering log cabin in Cornwall, enjoying pride of place looking straight down the lake with gorgeous sunrise and sunset views, surrounded by woodlands full of nature. A lovely country retreat near St Ives and Hayle yet surrounded by rural tranquility, there is oodles of space and privacy all around, including a large private deck area – part of which is cantilevered over the lake itself.
At the eastern end of the lake guests will find The Sail House, a luxurious double-yurt for two nestled in the trees, surrounded by water and the peaceful sound of birdsong. A private boardwalk leads across the lake to a private pontoon and sun deck which is the most incredible spot for watching the sunrises and sunsets over the water. Here guests can also take a wild swim and then jump into the outdoor heated shower to warm up!
Guests are ensured a truly special stay at Pengelly Retreat, where Ruth and Jim have filled the homes with personal touches, and it is little wonder so many guests return again and again to this very memorable place.
Owners Ruth and Jim said “The CTAs are a brilliant way to celebrate excellence in the tourism industry and we feel very honoured to be chosen for the Best Glamping and Wildlife Friendly Awards. We are really inspired to keep raising our game to make sure Pengelly Retreat offers an award-winning experience for our guests, while continuing to support and nurture the wildlife and habitats in this very special place”.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
Pengelly Retreat is a true hidden gem, located in a tranquil and unspoilt rural location between the north and south coasts of Cornwall. Created and run by Ruth Milligan and Jim Watkins, alongside their little daughter Aggie, this secret haven is hidden away in five acres of rolling meadows, lakes, and gardens with two very private and exclusive lakeside properties 'The Boat House' and 'The Sail House'.
Wild Swimming Both homes have pontoons with steps into the water of the lake, where the water is deep and suitable for the experienced swimmer, while for those looking for something gentler there are wonderfully peaceful spots by the stream ideal for a paddle and to cool off your feet after a woodland walk. Open water swimmers will also love the beautiful beaches close by to Pengelly Retreat, perfect for an ocean plunge.
Catch & Release Fishing Both the largest lake and the second lake beyond it are well stocked with wild brown trout for guests who would like to try their hand. Pengelly has a catch and release policy, and guests are asked to use barbless hooks.
Birdlife The Boat House wood cabin and The Sail House Cornish yurt both overlook the largest lake which is a magnificent 100 metre stretch of water flanked by reeds and bullrushes with a mysterious wild little island in the middle. Moorhen, ducks, and wild geese nest here, and guests can also spot a grey heron and even the bright blue and orange flash of a kingfisher.
Wildlife The stream that forms the border also feeds two large lakes, a set of ponds and smaller streams that run across the land. This lush riverine habitat is home to gorgeous Cornish wildflowers and trees, birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. There are always animal tracks and clues around, and they have a night-time wildlife camera they station in the forest / far meadow which has captured badger, fox, deer, and stoats.
Yoga The serenity of Pengelly Retreat is ideal for those looking to practise yoga. Whilst guests are welcome to lay down their mats anywhere, one of the best outside yoga and meditation spots is on the deck overlooking the lake with the sound of the water all around.
Guests can book a private yoga session tailored to them with experienced Yoga Teacher and Homeopath, Kim Hopkins. While yoga teacher and healer Rosie Atherton runs popular day and weekend holistic retreats on selected dates throughout the year.
Spa Guests can also enjoy luxurious treatments in the comfort of their lakeside accommodation or in the serene surroundings of the stream-side tipi at Pengelly Retreat. There's a range of holistic, spa and beauty treatments to choose from including aromatherapy, hot stone massage, reflexology and a relaxing couples massage with two therapists.
Weddings and Retreats Pengelly Retreat is also a unique and magical venue for romantic celebrant-led weddings and elopements with up to 10 guests. Perfect for couples seeking somewhere private and peaceful surrounded by nature and the peaceful sounds of water. On occasion, the whole of Pengelly Retreat including land and lakes is also available to hire for small yoga or holistic retreats with accommodation in the lakeside properties and the 4-bedroom Mill House on-site.
Pengelly Retreat is the ultimate place to relax and recenter, somewhere to recharge and reboot surrounded by the beautiful Cornish countryside. Enjoy the simple pleasures of star gazing, slipping into the lake for swim, wandering through the woodlands or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings that cocoon these wonderful waterside properties.
Minimum stays Minimum Stays from 3 nights, with flexible arrival dates. From £136 per night for the Sail House and from £153 for the Boat House
High Res images : https://www.dropbox.com/sh/kbcilihzy1h71ol/AADXmd_WxLeQbEZABja8YGLfa?dl=0
Press Contact:
Diana Massey at The Massey Partnership
Tel +44 7939584215
