The Lost Gardens of Heligan has welcomed back emus to the Cornish estate, 100 years since they were last seen on site.

“We have been researching the livestock and practices that took place at Heligan a hundred years ago,” comments Michael Hart, Heligan Stock Manager, “in their Victorian heyday the Heligan landowners, the Tremayne family, had a fascination with exotic plants and pets, and archive images reveal a number of emus roaming the estate.”

Advice was sought from Heligan friends and wildlife conservationists Wingz Bird and Animal Sanctuary, who coincidently had two emus they were looking to re-home, and arrangements were made for them to be brought to the estate.

Heligan are currently in the process of turning back the clock 100 years in preparation for a ‘living stage’ performance in collaboration with WildWorks Theatre commemorating the outbreak of World War 1 on August 3rd. The West Lawn too has been ploughed and planted with poppy seeds that, once in flower, will stretch into the distance towards Mevagissey. Funding for the initiative is to be sourced from an innovative crowdfunding campaign, looking to raise £7,500 to help pay for the poppy seeds, performers, costumes and event materials.

“We are delighted to have found such a great new home for our emus Queenie and Edmund,” comments Grenville Allen, Wingz Bird and Animal Sanctuary, “when re-homing our animals we want the best for them, somewhere they will be cared for, appreciated and loved and we are delighted to have found that at The Lost Gardens. It’s also great that they have such historical relevance to Heligan too.”

To welcome the new emu couple into their new home a new Emu Trail has been designed to celebrate their arrival and will be part of family entertainment at Heligan this Easter.

The six-week crowdfunding campaign launched on Friday 21st March and people can pledge by visiting: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/100