Drolla ‘the story telling bench’ continues its journey across Cornwall

Each flourish and curve is a gentle prompt to look a little deeper, listen a little more closely and appreciate the stories that live in the land…

Drolla the story telling bench continues its remarkable journey across the protected landscapes, now stopping at Penrose in Section 08 inviting residents and visitors alike to pause, reflect and reconnect with the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

So far Drolla has visited 2 of the Cornwall National Landscape’s 12 Sections, having recently visited Constantine Bay in Section 04 and then having previously visited Trebah Gardens also in Section 08. Drolla offers a rare opportunity to engage with local identity, folklore and the healing power of nature.

Commissioned and co-designed by Cornwall National Landscape team and crafted by renowned Cornish metal sculptors Thrussells, Drolla, which takes its name from the Cornish word for “folk tale” seamlessly blends intricate artistry with functional design. Its metalwork teams with symbols of Cornwall’s rich cultural tapestry: from mythical creatures and ancient legends to indigenous flora and fauna. Each flourish and curve is a gentle prompt to look a little deeper, listen a little more closely and appreciate the stories that live in the land.

Joss Presdee, Visitor Experience Officer for Lizard and Penrose:

“The National Trust is a key partner with the Cornish National Landscape and is thrilled to host the Drolla story telling bench and Celebrating People and Place exhibition at National Trust Penrose. Penrose is a haven for wildlife and the local community, making it a very special place. Penrose even stakes a claim in Cornish folk tales, as one of the supposed final resting places of King Arthur’s Excalibur. So, we can’t wait to celebrate Cornish wildlife and stories in such a special way.” 

Accompanying Drolla at Penrose will be a photography exhibition displaying some fantastic shots of the winning photos from Cornwall National Landscape’s photography competition run during 2024 with the overarching theme of ‘Celebrating People and Place’ with participants asked to capture what makes Cornwall National Landscape special to them, from flora and fauna, to bees, birds and diverse landscapes.

Whilst relaxing on Drolla, keep the family entertained with our activity sheets, inviting young minds to engage with Cornish heritage through quizzes, colouring, myths, legends plus so much more! These activity resources were commissioned by Cornwall National Landscape’s Monumental Improvement project, funded primarily thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with the artwork being produced by Alexandra Fowler of Cornish Books.

Section 08 – The Lizard, will continue to be a key source of inspiration for an upcoming project being launched by Cornwall National Landscape known as ‘Natural Beauty & the Beast’. This brand new project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, will build on the strong foundation of over five years of community initiatives already established in section 08 – The Lizard and incorporating these learning onto Section 12 – Bodmin Moor, identifying specific needs for this section well as ensuring that local people remain central to shaping and sustaining Cornwall’s protected landscapes.

The insights gained in Bodmin Moor will further help shape a methodology for future rollouts across all 12 sections of Cornwall’s protected landscape, creating a lasting framework for community engagement, sustainable land management and heritage preservation. Coupled with the successful legacy of the Monumental Improvement Project and its work with volunteers, communities and heritage, the Natural Beauty project will build meaningful connections between people, place and heritage; rural and urban communities.

Amy McElhinny, Project Manager Natural Beauty and the Beast:

“We are really excited that Drolla The Storytelling Bench will be hosted by our Partners, The National Trust at the beautiful and historic Penrose Estate this summer. We hope the stories and imagery of the bench will inspire local communities and visitors alike to get creative, or simply to take a moment to sit and reflect.” 

Visit Drolla at Penrose between 11th June – 31st August near the Stables Café. The bench will have an interactive QR code that enables visitors to explore and gain awareness of all 12 sections of Cornwall National Landscape. For more information, including upcoming events and activities, please visit both Cornwall National Landscape and Penrose National Trust or follow their social media channels.

Commissioned and co-designed by Cornwall National Landscape team and crafted by renowned Cornish metal sculptors Thrussells, Drolla, which takes its name from the Cornish word for “folk tale” seamlessly blends intricate artistry with functional design. Its metalwork teams with symbols of Cornwall’s rich cultural tapestry: from mythical creatures and ancient legends to indigenous flora and fauna.