How we manage severe weather warnings for Cornwall
- 30th Dec 2024
How we manage weather warnings
Due to the nature of our gardens and the large, mature trees we have throughout the estate, we consider multiple factors when assessing risk.
We will look at the forecast, wind direction, travel advisories and leaf coverage on our trees. For example, heavy rain by itself may not require site closure, but if access via roads is dangerous due to flooding, then we may take the decision to close.
The decision to close is taken by our Duty Management team, including our Head of Operations and Managing Director. We will contact all pre-booked visitors (for gardens admission and events) via email, and update you on our social media channels and websites, the day before.
Garden closures - keeping everyone safe
The Lost Gardens of Heligan site is uniquely situated on the south coast of Cornwall, and we are open year round.
As part of our Health and Safety policy, the Duty Management team are responsible for deciding if it's safe to keep our gardens open and events running. We use six different forecast models and weather monitoring systems, as well as using data from our own site.
Cornwall weather warning updates
The Met Office issues warnings which cover various weather types, including rain, thunderstorms, wind, snow, lightning, ice, extreme heat, and fog.
Weather warnings are color-coded: Yellow, Amber, and Red, indicating increasing levels of likelihood and severity:
- Yellow: Low-level disruptions; stay aware.
- Amber: Higher risks; take action.
- Red: Severe weather; expect significant disruption and danger to life.
To stay informed, we suggest visitors can consult the Met Office homepage, warnings page, or location-specific alerts, sharing updates through social media or links.
