MERIT was established in 2025 to promote the preservation, protection and restoration of the historic landscape at Mount Edgcumbe in South-East Cornwall, UK, by supporting restoration of the landscape and the buildings and structures within it.

MERIT seeks to encourage public access and to advance education about the rich cultural heritage and history by promoting the creation of a heritage centre, rebuilding an archive and by organising talks, lectures and meetings.

MERIT seeks to publish research papers and other documentation.

MERIT’s interest is in the Grade I designated landscape that includes the Country Park, listed heritage assets at Empacombe and area stretching to Rame Head. Click here to learn more about the historic Mount Edgcumbe landscape.

MERIT seeks to work with all those organisations involved with Mount Edgcumbe, especially the Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council, the Mount Edgcumbe Estate, the Friends of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park and also with other organisations with an interest in the landscape. These include Historic England, Cornwall National Landscape / Cornwall Areas of Outstanding National Beauty, the South West Coast Path Association and the National Trust, now custodians of the Edgcumbe family’s other home at Cotehele.

MERIT enjoys or is actively seeking good collaborative working relationships with all these organisations.