From August visitors to Trelissick near Truro will be able to travel to the garden by boat for the first time.

The National Trust has commissioned the construction of a landing stage on the Fal Estuary, with the aim of increasing the number of environmentally friendly visits and improve the variety of travel options available to visitors.

The building work is due to start this month and will be completed in August. Visitors will be able to take a ferry from Falmouth, Truro and St Mawes using services provided by many of the existing ferry operators, prior to entering as Trust members or paying visitors.

The project is part funded by Objective 1 (with investment from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

Further funding for the project is also coming from Cornwall Environment Trust Ltd and Carrick District Council Truro Harbour Authority.

Chris Curtis, Trelissick Property Manager said: "Trelissick is a stunning garden throughout the year with extensive views over the Fal. With the option of arriving by boat now becoming a reality, a visit to Trelissick promises to be an even more exciting day out.

"As a charity that aims to provide public access to its properties, the Trust is continually looking for new ways of improving site access.

"The landing stage is a fantastic project on a number of levels as it not only improves access, but also provides visitors with a fun alternative to travelling by car, which is a plus for the environment."

Carleen Kelemen, director of the Objective One Programme, said: "Objective One is committed to investing in the region's distinctive qualities that provide a boost to local tourism by providing visitors with an improved offering.

"Trelissick Gardens are already a great place to visit, but the creation of a landing stage and the ferry service that will enable should help to attract even more visitors to the gardens in a sustainable way, whilst providing valuable revenue for the ferry operator."

The new access route will direct visitors to enter the garden through 'the Dell' via the woodland walk.