Clay Walk Festival returns to St Austell’s clay country for 2026

What lives in a landscape that 250 years of mining left behind? More than you might think.

For nine days over the half term break, the public is being invited to walk through one of Cornwall’s strangest and most surprising corners. The Clay Walk Festival returns to the clay country of mid-Cornwall from 26th May to 3rd June 2026, and every single event is free.

The festival builds on last year’s first outing and brings together guided walks of all lengths and difficulties, from gentle 1.5 mile strolls to an 8.5 mile challenge, plus family activities and community events across the Clay Villages near St Austell. This is a place shaped by more than 250 years of China clay mining, now being given back to nature and people.

A landscape full of surprises

The walks cross heathland, wetlands, grassland and developing woodland, exploring ecosystems that have only recently emerged. They are home to species specially adapted to this unusual ground, including rare mosses and liverworts, along with birds, insects and butterflies. One of those is the rare dingy skipper.

Recent restoration work by mineral solutions specialists Imerys has opened up far more of this evolving environment, with over 38 miles (62km) of permissive paths now available to walk. New sites are already proving their worth for wildlife. Dubbers Nature Reserve, which only opened in 2026, is supporting breeding little ringed plover and wintering jack snipe.

At the centre of it all sits the Eden Project, the environmental charity and global garden built inside a giant former china clay pit, celebrating its 25th year in 2026.

Emma Tolley, outreach projects manager at the Eden Project, said: “The Clay Walk Festival is all about helping people connect with nature in a landscape that tells an incredibly powerful story. The legacy of mining has created a distinctive environment where new habitats are developing, supporting an increasingly rich and unusual mix of flora and fauna.

“As an environmental charity, Eden Project is all about helping people connect with the natural world and understand the role they can play in protecting it. This festival brings that to life – inviting people outdoors to explore local landscapes, see how they’re changing and uncover wildlife they might not expect to find.”

Walks linked to wider causes

Activities through the week tie into Eden’s The Big Lunch, the UK’s annual celebration of community, and The Big Help Out, which encourages people to volunteer locally. Visitors can help prepare a garden space for The Big Lunch, while a family-friendly walk and picnic at Tregoss Moor offers a slower pace, nature activities and food shared outdoors.

The festival is delivered in partnership with Natural England, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Imerys, Wheal Martyn Museum, Treverbyn Hall, ClayTAWC and Active Cornwall.

Mark Hewson, UK Lead at Imerys, said: “Nature restoration is built into the planning of a modern mine, central to everything we do. We have been working really hard to increase access to historic china clay pits – alongside our active operations – wherever safely possible. The butterfly walk at Dubbers would not have been possible even a year ago, so it’s a real delight to see all our hard work come together – allowing the community to enjoy this fascinating landscape.”

A spokesperson for Natural England said: “This landscape tells a powerful story of regeneration. It is not only rich in industrial heritage but is becoming increasingly important for nature, with habitats such as heathland and wetlands supporting specialised plants and wildlife.

“Events like the Clay Walk Festival encourage people to engage with these environments, supporting both wellbeing and a deeper understanding of the natural world.”

Where it all happens

The Clay Villages sit at the heart of mid-Cornwall, just outside St Austell, and take in communities such as St Dennis, Bugle and Roche along with the surrounding countryside. The festival links locations including Tregoss Moor, Goss Moor National Nature Reserve, Wheal Martyn, West Carclaze and routes around the Eden Project. Other spots on the wider programme include Caerloggas Downs and Baal Pit.

Key festival events (26th May to 3rd June)

• Nature Discovery Day (26th May, St Dennis) – a free, family-friendly event with crafts, activities and virtual reality experiences exploring local nature, plus chances to get involved in community action
• Dubbers Trail Butterfly Walk (26th May) – a guided two mile walk through newly restored landscapes searching for the rare dingy skipper butterfly
• Tregoss Moor Walk and Big Lunch Picnic (27th May) – a gentle, family-friendly 1.5 mile route with drop-in activities and a shared picnic
• Two Treverbyn Trails (28th May) – a mile-long family-friendly route that can be extended with a more challenging 2 mile hike across Caerloggas Downs
• West Carclaze to Eden walk (29th May) – a scenic 3.6 mile journey from historic clay landscapes to the Eden Project
• Helman Tor to Eden challenge walk (30th May) – an 8.5 mile route taking in panoramic views, wetlands and ancient pathways
• Wheal Martyn to Carlyon Farm China Clay Dry (30th May) – a gentle 3 mile walk taking in two cultural landmarks
• Goss Moor trail (3rd June) – a 2 mile out and back exploring a nationally important heathland, home to the source of the River Fal

All events are free, though booking is required for some guided walks. More information and booking details are at the Eden Project website.