The Lost Gardens of Heligan has become the first visitor garden in England to achieve B Corp certification.

The 200-acre estate on Cornwall’s south coast, near Mevagissey, was recognised as a purpose-driven business, prioritising people and the planet above profit.

B Corp certification is part of a global movement that benefits communities and the planet.

After a rigorous 18-month assessment, Heligan was evaluated across five impact areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers.

It achieved an overall score of 91.3, exceeding B Corp standards in the UK tourism sector.

Laura Chesterfield, managing director of The Lost Gardens of Heligan, said: "Joining the global B Corp community is a huge achievement, so to also be the very first visitor garden in England to be recognised is extra special."

Heligan's initiatives include introducing glow-worms, water voles, and a beaver re-introduction project to increase biodiversity and educate visitors on conservation.

It is home to a Cub and Scout group, providing children with opportunities to explore the estate while developing leadership skills.

The estate employs over 100 local people, ensuring zero gender pay gap and paying the living wage.

Ms Chesterfield added: "At Heligan, we believe in a world where everybody understands their relationship with nature.

"Since the very beginning, we have pursued purpose, and the B Corp certification process has spurred us to dive even deeper."

The announcement follows Heligan's success in last year’s Cornwall Tourism Awards, where it was recognised as a leading wildlife-friendly business.

Funding has been secured to develop Heligan Learning Seed Pod, an education hub to promote agriculture, horticulture, and systems change.

Sir Tim Smit, founder of The Lost Gardens of Heligan, said: "Heligan is rightly proud to have become a B Corp.

"The intense concentration on how we can work and live better by being mindful of the overall wellbeing of everything is a foundational step to a new way of doing business."

Gillyflower Farm in Lostwithiel, part of the Heligan family, has also achieved B Corp certification.