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Home , An Gof, Baulk Head to Mullion, Bude, Cape Cornwall, Caradon Hill, Cardinham

Cornish landscapes face many challenges which Local Sections need to be met in ways which future generations will judge to have been far-sighted and unselfish. 94 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 95 “Peter Mansfield – Chair, Cornwall AONB Partnership ” The Cornwall AONB

Parish boundaries & names 01 Hartland

Location

The Hartland AONB section is located on the far the valleys are secluded and intimate. Coastal north Cornish coast adjacent to the border with heathland edges the cliff tops, particularly in Devon, and includes the coastal strip from Marsland the north, whilst the steep valley sides inland in the north to Menachurch Point in the south. It has are often clothed in broadleaved woodlands, strong links to the Hartland Peninsular which is part some ancient, for example within the Coombe of the North Devon AONB. and Marsland Valleys. Unimproved acidic wet pasturelands on the heavy soils of the inland plateau, known as Culm grassland, are especially Extent important for their unique flora.

Approximately 2,600 hectares or just over The irregular boundaries of the small to medium- 10 square miles forming just under 3% of the sized pastoral fields reflect ancient enclosure Cornwall AONB. although partial removal of hedges in the 20th century has created some larger fields. Nearer the coast, recently enclosed former rough ground Statement of Significance is now sometimes under arable crops and in the south in particular such larger recent fields can The superb coastal scenery of this less visited part extend almost to the cliff edge. Inland there is a of Cornwall includes sheer high cliffs of creased significant amount of dairy farming. and distorted rocks and unstable scree-covered slopes. Below these, a striking wave-cut platform is With its small hamlets and isolated farmsteads exposed at low tide exhibiting the corrugated ridges this section of the Cornwall AONB is sparsely of folded rock strata. These shores are punctuated populated and sometimes the landscape Morwenstow occasionally by sandy coves and beaches at the seems almost empty, especially inland. Building mouths of stream valleys, notably at the aptly materials include local slates, sandstones, cob named Sandymouth. and thatch. Nestled on the side of a coastal valley, Morwenstow Church is a distinctive To the north is a high rolling plateau of strong feature which retains significant original Norman landforms giving the cliff tops a sense of grand stone work. Below this on a steep-sided cliff scale whereas toward the south the elevation of sits Hawker’s Hut now owned by the National Kilkhampton the plateau decreases forming a much lower cliff Trust, where the Reverend Stephen Hawker, of line. Inland, the topography rises gently to a ridge ‘Trelawney’ fame, used to compose his sermons dissected by numerous streams in steeply incised and poetry. valleys. At the cliffs these form small waterfalls that tumble to the rocky narrow beaches and boulder- Narrow lanes weave up and down the steep Bude-Stratton strewn shoreline below. valley sides and cross streams on numerous small stone bridges linking fields, farmsteads and Near the sea and on the open elevated ridges isolated dwellings lending a timeless air to the there are extensive views, but away from the coast countryside.

96 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 97 Hartland Management Condition Guiding Principles

• The National Trust manages land, especially around • CPRE’s tranquility, intrusion and night blight It is intended that these local guiding principles will the coastline at Morwenstow and from Duckpool to mapping shows Hartland to be the most support the actions of the AONB Partnership and Sandymouth, and uses ponies to graze rough coastal ‘undisturbed’ Cornwall AONB section other stakeholders and that their actions will be ground. informed by them. Note: Some local issues may • The large structures of the Morwenstow radio be addressed by strategic policies. • Kilkhampton Parish Plan was prepared in 2003. station are visually intrusive and widely visible. GP01.1 Seek reduction in landscape and visual • Cornwall Biodiversity Initiative plans include support • The Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall impacts and better integration of holiday sites, for the Atlantic Coast and Valleys project, enhancing and Isles of Scilly (ERCCIS) report that few areas visitor infrastructure and signage by respecting local and extending characteristic habitats such as native of Culm grassland now remain in North Cornwall. character in external works, landscaping, site design broadleaved valley woodlands and coastal valleys and layout. Pay particular attention to the increase which support significant biodiversity resources and • Scrub and bracken encroachment affects coastal in scale, massing and associated development for are a key component of the coastal topography. marginal land in some places especially within example at Duckpool, Sandymouth and Morwenstow. GP01.5 Encourage the productive management coastal valleys leading to loss of biodiversity and of broadleaved woodlands for example at Coombe • The Atlantic Coast and Valleys project proposed change in the landscape. GP01.2 Support the provision of affordable housing Valley, Stanbury, The Tidna, and Marsland Valley rough grazing of cliff tops and valley sides to replicate that maintains the sparsely populated settlement in a manner that is consistent with conserving and a traditional farming landscape and its associated • Sycamore has established in native broadleaved pattern characteristic of this section of the Cornwall enhancing local landscape character and biodiversity. flora and fauna including restoring habitats woodlands. AONB and which respect the local vernacular that favourable to the return of the Large Blue butterfly. makes the area distinctive. GP01.6 Support a wider landscape-scale approach • The Duckpool Roman period metallurgical sites to extending and connecting currently fragmented • The Action Plan for the Hartland Peninsula has immediately above the pebble ridge are subject GP01.3 Require an assessment of the landscape, locally characteristic habitats. These include maritime been prepared for the adjacent North Devon AONB to natural erosion and may in time be lost. visual and cumulative impacts of proposals for tall cliffs and slopes, lowland heathland, species-rich structures that are likely to have more than localised grasslands and heath in coastal valleys, and the • The Explore the Coast sustainable tourism project • In parts of this section there was significant loss to impact, and require this to be assessed within the native broadleaved woodland found for example at supports car free access and provision of greater disease of hedgerow elm trees with impacts context of the evidence base including the emerging Coombe Valley, Stanbury, The Tidna, and Marsland information about the North Devon AONB. on habitat connectivity and landscape character. Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Supplementary Valley. Consider small scale planting of local Planning Document. Those proposals which have provenance native tree species such as sessile oak, • Much of the AONB coast is included in the Steeple an adverse impact on natural beauty should not be hazel and alder to act as a future seed source for Point to Marsland SSSI. supported. native woodland establishment where this is currently absent or sparse to assist subsequent natural GP01.4 Promote joint working with the North Devon regeneration. AONB Partnership through the action plan for the Hartland Peninsular and the ‘Explore the Coast’ GP01.7 Encourage the management of hedges to sustainable tourism project. allow elm and other hedge tree regeneration or, where appropriate, planting of native or locally naturalised tree species on hedges in order to restore landscape character following the impacts of elm disease including raising awareness that such local hedges were previously considerably more tree covered.

98 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 99 The Cornwall AONB

Parish boundaries & names 02 Pentire Point to Widemouth

Location

This AONB section forms a coastal strip between the open coastal plateau and sloping elevated land Poundstock Pentire Point in the south near Polzeath, and contrasts strongly with the intimacy of the sheltered Widemouth in the north. Inland it is bounded by the valleys. The lines of these valleys draw the eye B3314 in the south and further north by the A39. inland across steadily rising slopes to the elevated Delabole ridge which lies parallel to the coast, St Gennys physically and visually defining the inland limits Extent of this AONB section.

Approximately 11,900 hectares or 46 square miles Whilst windswept sculpted trees do occur St Juliot forming just over 12% of the Cornwall AONB. occasionally in exposed farmland it is in the sheltered Otterham stream valleys where broadleaved woodland has a strong and sometimes luxuriant presence increasing Statement of Significance the sense of enclosure. An extraordinary survival of Trevalga extensive, ancient, pre-clearance coastal sessile oak Lesnewth This unspoilt rocky coast is strongly influenced woodland at Dizzard faces the full exposure from the Forrabury throughout by the presence and power of the ocean. Atlantic, clothing the cliffs with a continuous rolling The rich geological interest includes folded and canopy that conceals the unevenness of the unstable slopes below. Elsewhere, coastal heathland edges Sennen contorted shales, volcanic rocks and slates which Tintagel Minster form intriguing coastal features ranging from complex the cliffs and coastal valley mouths. inlets, caves, coves, islands, and rocky stacks to blowholes and arches. Pentire Point which is made The landscape is dominated by the open expanse of of pillow lavas is the location where the underwater green pastoral fields although some arable cropping origin of these rocks was first proposed. The highest adds variety. The strong network of small to medium cliffs in Cornwall are found at the aptly named ‘High sized fields with irregular boundaries overlays the St Teath Cliff’ although the coastline generally lowers further rolling landform but gives way at the higher ground west towards Pentire Point. This rugged coast is along the ridge to larger straight sided fields recently punctuated by only a few sandy beaches. enclosed from former upland rough ground. The Altarnum generally treeless and sparsely vegetated Cornish St Endellion Behind the coastline the undulating coastal plateau is hedges are often built with tightly packed alternating cut by steep sided secluded valleys whose streams diagonal slate courses, locally called ‘curzy way’. St Breward drain towards the sea. These valleys are especially There are remarkable survivals of Medieval open St Minver deeply incised as they reach the coast at Boscastle, field strip farming some of which are still in active St Minver Highlands St Kew Crackington Haven and Millook Haven. East from management, as at Forrabury, whilst others are Lowlands Tintagel is the tranquil ‘Rocky Valley’ cut by the River preserved within later field patterns. A network of Trevillet. This is a well known beauty spot famed for old narrow lanes meanders between the fields, its spectacular scenery where huge slate walls tower sometimes sunken or edged with high hedges. St Breock Blisland over visitors enjoying the shady woodland walk past Bronze Age rock carvings and up to the breathtaking The settlement pattern is typified by hamlets and St Issey Wadebridge St Neot waterfall at St Nectan’s Glen. The wild exposure of scattered farmsteads closely associated with the

100 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 101 Management Condition pattern of medieval field enclosures lending a • The National Trust manages significant stretches of • Some modern housing at Boscastle and • Areas of native broadleaved woodland characteristic timeless air to much of the countryside. Small the coast from Pentire Head to Port Quin and the Rocky Tintagel does not respect local settlement pattern, of many steep sided valleys for example at Millook, picturesque fishing villages along the coastline Valley in the west, to Crackington Haven and Dizzard in vernacular or use of local materials. Crackington and St Nectan’s Glen are often are now popular focal points for visitors for the east. Ponies are used for grazing on coastal rough unmanaged and in places colonised by sycamore. example at Port Quin, Port Isaac, Boscastle and ground to control scrub encroachment. • Wind farms including that at Delabole can have Crackington Haven, some still harbouring small a negative visual impact. • Some locally characteristic habitats are fragmented, local fishing fleets adding colour and activity. • Parish Plans have been prepared for St Endellion e.g. coastal heathland, species rich grassland and and St Kew. • Some local stone quarries have not adhered native deciduous valley woodlands. Around small harbours such as those at Port to operational conditions or are poorly restored Quin, Port Isaac, Boscastle and Crackington • Boscastle has recently been redeveloped after resulting in unnecessary landscape and visual • Japanese Knotweed has colonised Rocky Valley Haven, larger settlements have developed and extensive flood damage using mostly locally charac- impacts. and other valley systems. Tintagel has expanded onto the coastal plateau. teristic materials including local slate and killas. Slate is the characteristic local building and • Parts of some major roads are unnecessarily • Scrub and bracken encroachment is a significant hedging material varying from the mid hues of • Active quarrying operations are controlled under the suburban in their detailing, vegetation maintenance, issue within coastal valleys leading to loss of Delabole slate to the darker shades sourced at terms of updated planning conditions approved under and roadside development. biodiversity and change in the landscape. Trebarwith. The local slate industry led to the the ‘Review of Old Mineral Planning Permissions’. expansion of some villages such as Treknow • Overhead wirescape is visually intrusive • In parts of this section there was significant loss and Trewarmett and the numerous small • Some steep valley sides typically have less intensive especially in historic settlements such as Port Isaac to disease of hedgerow elm trees with impacts on scale disused historic slate quarries are now a management and support a range of developing and Tintagel. habitat connectivity and landscape character. feature of the coastal landscape although slate woodland, scrub or rough ground habitats. quarrying operations continue within and near the AONB at a small number of sites. • Cornwall Biodiversity Initiative plans include protecting and extending coastal rough ground habitats. Atop the protection of a rocky coastal promontory, the picturesque remains of the • The RSPB promotes land management that supports thirteenth century Tintagel Castle have a strong the Corn Bunting. association with the legend of King Arthur and form an iconic north coast landmark. Adding • The Atlantic Coast and Valleys project proposed rough emphasis to the historic dimension of the coast grazing of cliff tops and valley sides around Trebarwith are prehistoric earthworks such as Iron Age cliff to replicate a traditional farming landscape and its fortifications. The Rumps, at the most westerly associated flora and fauna, including restoring habitats end of the section is a promontory made of favourable to the return of the Large Blue butterfly. Dolerite, upon which are to be found the remains of a substantial Iron Age cliff castle, built to • The Polzeath Voluntary Marine Conservation Area take advantage of the defensive benefits of the (VMCA) seeks to increase awareness, enjoyment and elevated coastal location. interest in the marine environment including its intertidal habitats and the splash zone.

• The coast from Trebarwith to Widemouth is designated SSSI.

102 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 103 Pentire Point to Widemouth Guiding Principles

It is intended that these local guiding principles will support the actions of the AONB Partnership and other stakeholders and that their actions will be informed by them.

Note: Some local issues may be addressed by strategic policies.

GP02.1 Seek reduction of landscape and visual impacts and better integration of existing holiday sites, visitor infrastructure, car parks and signage. Pay particular attention to the increase in scale, massing, associated development and respecting local character in external works, landscaping, site design and layout at Polzeath, Tintagel, Bossiney, Trewethett, and near Widemouth.

GP02.2 Require an assessment of the landscape, visual and cumulative impact of proposals for tall structures that are likely to have more than localised impact, and require this to be within the context of the evidence base including the emerging Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Supplementary Planning Document. Those proposals which have an adverse impact on natural beauty should not be supported. and management, reducing the impact of signage Boscastle and Port Isaac such that they return to sparse to assist subsequent natural regeneration. and lighting, use of non intrusive methods of traffic having a more undeveloped character. GP02.3 Support small scale existing slate calming and characteristic use of local materials GP02.8 Encourage the productive management of quarries in order to allow controlled production and hedging styles. GP02.7 Support a landscape scale approach to broadleaved woodlands, for example around Millook for use in local works provided that these respect extending and connecting currently fragmented and Crackington, in a manner that is consistent with landscape character, topography and vegetation GP02.5 Support initiatives for undergrounding locally characteristic habitats. These include maritime conserving and enhancing local landscape character in their operation and restoration and minimise visually intrusive wirescapes for example at cliffs and slopes, lowland heathland, lowland and biodiversity. short and long term landscape and visual impacts. Port Isaac and Tintagel. meadows, coastal native woodland as at Dizzard Support further measures to protect and enhance and native valley broadleaved woodland found GP02.9 Encourage the management of hedges environmental quality when existing quarrying GP02.6 Seek conservation and enhancement of for example in the Valency Valley, Millook Woods, to allow elm and other hedge tree regeneration or, permissions are reviewed. the undeveloped character of the coast; for example Crackington Haven and St Nectan’s Glen. Consider where appropriate, planting of native or locally Witches Cauldron to Port Quin Bay, around High Cliff small scale planting of local provenance native tree naturalised tree species on hedges in order to restore GP02.4 Seek better landscape integration of the and around Dizzard in order to retain rugged and species such as Sessile Oak, Hazel and Alder to landscape character following the impacts of elm A39, B3314, B3263, and other major roads with simple tranquillity and promote the enhancement act as a future seed source for native woodland disease including raising awareness that such local their rural AONB setting by improved planting design of other parts of coast for example around Tintagel, establishment where this is currently absent or hedges were previously considerably more treed.

104 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 105 The Cornwall AONB

Parish boundaries & names 03 Camel Estuary

Location

This AONB Section includes the Camel Estuary The estuary gives an impression of vast openness running west from Wadebridge to Padstow and the and scale with long range views toward the sea that adjacent land. It is bounded by the A389 and the A39 contrast strongly with the sheltered tranquil intimacy to the south and west, and the B3314 to the north of the creeks and tributary valleys. The slow passage east and extends almost as far north as the edge of of small boats adds animation and emphasises the Rock, Splatt and Tredrizzick. extent and scale of the water.

This is primarily a green pastoral landscape largely Extent of improved grassland but with significant inclusion of arable use. Smaller fields with irregular boundaries Approximately 2,500 hectares or 9.5 square miles, are common, indicating medieval enclosure, but forming just over 2.5% of the Cornwall AONB. these mix with larger more recent regular shaped straight sided fields, for example north of Cant Hill, but due to the shallow slopes the overall field pattern Statement of Significance is not dominant. The Cornish hedges enclosing fields are built of local slate and on some the bare stone This estuary landscape is unique on the north coast work of the locally characteristic herringbone pattern of Cornwall. At high tide the broad expanse of water, can be clearly seen. reflecting the sky, laps at banks of exposed slate bedrock whilst at low tide extensive mud flats and The mudflats of the sheltered creeks and the Amble St Endellion sandbanks are exposed in a daily cycle of changing Marshes support reed beds and narrow bands St Minver of native broadleaved woodlands edge the small Highlands character. The estuary is nearly a kilometre wide at the boundary of the AONB section between tributary stream valleys together adding to the sense St Minver the fringes of Rock and Padstow and remains of enclosed shelter. Away from the full force of the Lowlands a broad expanse of open tidal water right up to wind hedges are topped by mature trees such as Wadebridge. At the inland head of the main estuary Oaks and Willows. With greater exposure to Atlantic near Wadebridge, the Amble Marshes form a level winds close to the estuary mouth, woodlands and Padstow St Kew area where water and land intermingle giving rise trees become less frequent and eventually are almost to valuable salt marsh habitats that are attractive to absent. The estuary sides and its mud and sand flats Egloshayle St Merryn wildlife such as wading birds. are home to a wide variety of birds including wildfowl St Issey such as widgeon, long tailed duck, goldeneye, Wadebridge From the waters edge the land rises gradually in divers, grebe, and heron, little egrets, cormorants, gently rolling slopes that form the sides of the Camel oystercatchers and gulls along with many species of St Eval Valley. Cant Hill however, rises sharply adjacent to waders. Migrant birds visit throughout the year. Otters St Breock the estuary forming a prominent rounded and steep frequent the Camel and have been sighted locally. sided landmark which results from the localised presence of harder underlying igneous rock. Small The long history of human occupation is indicated tributary streams incise the gentle undulating by this area having one of the highest densities of slopes to form a network of subtle shallow valleys. recorded cropmark sites in Cornwall, many being These tributaries gather at side waters such as Romano-British rounds (settlements). Little Petherick and Pinkson Creeks, creating great variation along the estuary’s edge.

106 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 107 Management Condition

This is a sparsely populated landscape whose • St Minver, St Kew and Padstow Parish Plans along community. The objective is to restore and enhance • CPRE’s tranquillity, intrusion and night blight settlement pattern retains the dispersed medieval with Wadebridge Town Plan have been prepared. habitat conditions for wading bird species, both mapping shows the most ‘disturbed’ (i.e. least scatter of clustered farmsteads and hamlets where wintering and breeding. tranquil) section of the AONB is the Camel Estuary grey slate is the dominant building material. Small • The 18 mile long multi use Camel Trail is managed largely due to the proximity of major roads including lanes bound by high hedges and overhung with trees by Cornwall Council. • Whilst the Camel river and valley outside the AONB the A389, B3314 and the A39 which lies partially are worn by long use into exposed slate bedrock is designated a SAC the estuary does not have such within the AONB along with the adjacent urban as they wind around fields and lead down to dead • The Cornwall Biodiversity Initiative aims include: protection. settlements of Padstow, Rock and Wadebridge. ends at the barrier of the waters edge. There are ‘Coast To Coast’ to link river and valley habitats numerous small quays around the estuary and its including native broadleaved woodlands and • The Camel Estuary Initiative established in 1994 • Some historic Cornish hedges have been replaced creeks. At the head of the estuary the Amble River wetlands from the Camel to the Fowey estuary aims to enhance and maintain the natural quality of by wire fencing although some of this is from recent is spanned by a many arched historic stone bridge via river valleys around Bodmin Moor in order to the Camel by co-ordinating effort and promoting wise division of former downland. which forms a prominent local landmark. reinforce wildlife corridors. There are local aims use of the resource. to extend and enhance the Amble Marshes. • Broadleaved woodlands are mostly unmanaged The bed of the former railway track along the • The Camel Estuary Management Plan was at present. southern side of the estuary now forms the popular • The Amble Marshes SSSI Water Level Management published by the Padstow Harbour Commissioners multi use Camel Trail linking Bodmin and Padstow Plan (WLMP) is being implemented in partnership on behalf of the many users of the estuary. • In parts of this section there was significant loss and lending a sometimes busy air to this otherwise between landowners, the Environment Agency and to disease of hedgerow elm trees with impacts on tranquil and simple landscape. In ‘John Betjeman’s Natural England through Higher Level Stewardship • The Camel Estuary Advisory Group has been habitat connectivity and landscape character. Cornwall’ this now closed rail route was immortalised (HLS) agreements and in consultation with the local established with representatives from bodies with a as “the most beautiful journey I know”. legal responsibility for the estuary.

108 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 109 Camel Estuary Guiding Principles

It is intended that these local guiding principles will GP03.6 Support a reversion to marshland in support the actions of the AONB Partnership and the upper reaches of the Camel Estuary, for other stakeholders and that their actions will be example at Amble Marshes, where drainage informed by them. Note: Some local issues may be and agricultural improvement has taken place addressed by strategic policies. in order to restore to favourable condition this locally characteristic and significant habitat in GP03.1 Seek the highest standards of design the context of a landscape scale approach to the consistent with local vernacular in all development enhancement of locally significant Biodiversity within, adjacent to or visible from the AONB for Action Plan habitats example at Padstow, Rock, Splatt, Tredrizzick and Wadebridge, provided that this includes enhance- GP03.7 Support proposals for enhanced status ment of the settlement edges and conserves and and protection of the Camel Estuary for its wildlife enhances the natural beauty of the Camel Estuary. and habitats.

GP03.2 Support settlement growth to accommodate GP03.8 Seek commitment to the protection affordable housing for example at Padstow, Rock, of mature trees in surrounding settlements for Wadebridge and St.Issey provided, where relevant, example at the edge of Padstow, Rock, Splatt and this includes enhancement of the settlement edges Wadebridge in order to conserve their contribution and also conserves and enhances the natural beauty to local landscape character. of the Camel Estuary. GP03.9 Encourage the management of hedges GP03.3 Seek reduction of impacts on landscape to allow elm and other hedge tree regeneration character and tranquillity from major roads such as or, where appropriate, planting of native or locally the A39, A389 and B3314 by for example reduction naturalised tree species on hedges in order to in street lighting, reduction in signage, less intensive restore landscape character following the impacts management of roadside vegetation, non intrusive of Dutch Elm disease including raising awareness methods of traffic calming and local hedging styles that such local hedges were previously and materials in highway works. considerably more treed.

GP03.4 Seek retention of the quiet rural character of small lanes such as those leading from settlement edges and off major roads to the edge of the estuary.

GP03.5 Promote the co-ordinated management of the activities taking place on the Camel Trail to ensure that they do not detract from tranquillity or visual amenity to the benefit of all users.

110 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 111 The Cornwall AONB

Parish boundaries & names 04 Trevose Head to Stepper Point

Location

This section of the AONB is on the north coast, yawning expanse of the Camel Estuary. Inland, running south from Stepper Point near Padstow and despite being low lying, subtle variations in St Minver Highlands the mouth of the Camel Estuary to Bedruthan. It is elevation allow visual appreciation of the wider bounded to the east inland by the B3276 running local countryside. inland between Porthcothan and Padstow. In many locations the sparsely vegetated slate St Minver Cornish hedges display the characteristic ‘Jack and Lowlands Extent Jane’ herringbone pattern of alternating diagonal courses. Tamarisk, whose soft appearance belies Padstow Approximately 2,400 hectares or just over 9 square its toughness against salt laden sea winds, tops miles forming 2.5% of Cornwall AONB. many hedges near the coast creating shelter in an otherwise unremittingly exposed environment. St Merryn Due to the exposure, there are few trees of any Statement of Significance stature in this section; however some small stream valleys do have narrow strips of woodland along with The varied coastal scenery in this section arises small fens and reed beds giving nature a presence in from diverse geology including hard greenstones the largely agricultural landscape. which form high headlands, for example at Trevose St Eval St Issey Head and Stepper Point. The large and indented Substantial arable farming adds seasonal changes cliffs include the rocky stacks of the iconic Cornish to the otherwise dominant year round green of the cliffscape at Bedruthan Steps. Between these improved grassland pastures of this intensively headlands readily eroded slates of varying softness farmed landscape. Inland the pattern of mostly Mawgan-in-Pydar give rise to numerous small coves and gentle medium sized irregular fields has medieval origins sandy bays, such as at Porthcothan, Harlyn and including the pattern of medieval strip fields Trevone. There are extensive coastal sand dunes at preserved in more recent boundaries lending unity Constantine Bay. At Stepper Point the coast curves to the landscape. Near the coast however there is inland towards Padstow, past the secluded Hawker’s a contrast in field pattern where recent enclosure Cove and further sand dunes at Tregirls Beach, of rough ground has created larger rectilinear fields forming the western side of the expansive mouth of often ending close to the cliff edges and in some the Camel Estuary. places leaving just a narrow remaining strip of rough ground. At Bedruthan a more substantial extent of Whilst the coastal headlands of harder rock are coastal heathland has survived enhancing the coast’s elevated, inland from the coast the underlying slates rugged qualities. The sandhills on the upper slopes of and siltstones form a softer low lying and gently Stepper Point, and behind Hawker’s Cove, Harbour rolling plateau stretching some distance inland before Cove and St George’s Cove are covered with alkaline only gradually rising toward distant higher ground grassland and wildflowers, adding extra variety to the such as Bear Downs. Shallow valleys shape the soft flora and fauna of the area. landform with their slow local streams flowing quietly to meet the sea at sandy coves and bays. The peaceful and wild nature found in much of The high windswept headlands allow panoramic this section contrasts sharply in places with its views and from Stepper Point these include the recreational aspects. The busy beaches of Harlyn,

112 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 113 Trevose Head to Stepper Point Guiding Principles

Treyarnon and Constantine Bay are particularly • Pony grazing of coastal grazing is used in places It is intended that these local guiding principles will Document. Those proposals which have an adverse popular for surfing with its associated paraphernalia to control scrub growth. support the actions of the AONB Partnership and impact on natural beauty should not be supported. of camper vans, surf shops and surf schools. The other stakeholders and that their actions will be sand dunes at Constantine Bay are managed as a • The Bedruthan Steps to Park Head SSSI and the informed by them. Note: Some local issues may GP04.4 Seek restoration of the quiet rural character of golf course and Prideaux Place on the edge of this Trevose Head to Constantine Bay SSSI includes a be addressed by strategic policies. locally distinctive lanes, by reduced signage, lighting, section is registered historic parkland. significant part of the AONB coast. noise and by traffic reduction measures for example GP04.1 Seek reduction of landscape and visual including consideration of better routing for visitor and Numerous visible prehistoric features occur in the impacts and better integration of existing holiday commercial vehicles and seek reduced car parking coastal strip ranging from cliff castles to barrows and Condition sites, visitor infrastructure, signage and car provision close to the coast. inland there are many vestiges of Romano British parks. Have regard to increase in scale, massing, Rounds (settlements). The current settlement pattern • Some holiday and visitor developments and associated development and respecting local GP04.5 Seek conservation and enhancement of the retains much that is typical of the Celtic west with infrastructure are intrusive by their location and character in external works, landscaping, and site undeveloped character of the coast at Bedruthan a dispersed scatter of small farm hamlets many design and cumulative effect. design for example at Mother Ivey’s Bay, Harlyn Steps, Porthcothan Bay and Park Head and encourage still named with the ancient Cornish pre-fix “Tre-‘. and Treyarnon. the enhancement of the coast around Constantine Bay, Slate is the primary local building material and the • This area is subject to a large increase in summer St Merryn, Mother Ivey’s Bay, Harlyn and Treyarnon, widespread network of narrow winding lanes are visitors arriving by car and commercial tour vehicles GP04.2 Support settlement growth to towards having a more undeveloped character. either bound by slate hedges or in places cut into causing significant peak season increase in traffic accommodate affordable housing to meet the bare slate bedrock further emphasising this ever flows with associated congestion and pressures on identified local needs at Padstow, Trevone, GP04.6 Support a local partnership approach present unifying local material. Larger nucleated some protected and sensitive habitats. Porthcothan, Constantine Bay, St Merryn and including the local community, Parish Councils, settlements such as Constantine Bay and Trevone, Treyarnon provided that this enhances settlement farmers, land owners, stakeholders and agencies and St Merryn on the boundary of the AONB, benefit • Porthcothan is one of the few communities edges, respects local vernacular including use of toward seeking a more appropriate management from the popular local coves and beaches and busy occupying a bay along this coast that has not been characteristic local materials and conserves and balance between competing demands that impact on tourist activity. subject to significant commercial development. enhances the natural beauty of the AONB. the rich natural environment and natural beauty.

• Some locally characteristic and protected habitats GP04.3 Require an assessment of the GP04.7 Support, through a landscape scale Management are fragmented landscape, visual and cumulative impact of future approach, measures to enhance and connect proposals for tall structures that are likely to have locally significant BAP habitats and to increase their • The National Trust manages west facing coastal • Sand dunes at Constantine are subject to scrub more than localised impact, and require this to protection from visitor pressures. These include: reed land at Porthcothan Bay, Park Head and Bedruthan encroachment be assessed within the context of the evidence beds and rivers; lowland meadows that are favourable Steps including the use of pony grazing for base including the emerging Renewable and to birds; maritime cliffs and slopes; lowland heathland management of coastal rough ground. • Piecemeal minor additions to visitor sites have Low Carbon Energy Supplementary Planning and coastal sand dunes such at Constantine Bay. resulted in cumulative erosion of charter and • Padstow Town Plan and St Merryn Parish Plan tranquillity at some popular locations. have been prepared. • Large scale farming can have large scale impacts • The Cornwall Biodiversity Initiative aims to support for example soil run off into the sea in heavy rainfall. RSPB targets for management to support farmland birds and Higher Level Stewardship is currently • Lack of grazing of coastal short grass and rough targeted at arable and grassland management to ground for example north of Porthcothan is allowing favour Corn Bunting. encroachment by scrub with consequent los of biodiversity.

114 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 115 The Cornwall AONB

Parish boundaries & names 05 St Agnes

Location

This section of the AONB is located near St Agnes stained rust with iron ore, still exist at Cligga Head, on the north Cornwall coast. It includes a coastal above Trevaunance Cove at Wheal Kitty, on Higher strip extending from Porthtowan in the south, Bal and atop Mulgram Hill, between Chapel Porth almost to Perranporth in the north. and Porthtowan. The Wheal Coates Engine House seen against expansive coastal views and poised on the edge of the heathland clad coastal slope above Extent Chapel Porth is widely used as an iconic image of Perranzabuloe the Cornish coast. Approximately 650 hectares or just under 2.5 square miles, forming under 1% of Cornwall AONB. Fields are mainly rectilinear, of improved pasture and the numerous diminutive fields of historic miner’s smallholdings, archetypical of the mining Statement of Significance landscapes of Cornwall, are a distinctive element of the field pattern in this area. The surrounding St Agnes The St Agnes section of the AONB is dominated Cornish hedges are typically of rubble stone local by the large granite intrusion of St Agnes Beacon killas often incorporating unweathered mineralised rising from a surrounding undulating coastal plateau mine spoil. Between the fields and across open that is edged by high unstable slate cliffs. St Agnes heathland numerous old mining tracks are still in Portreath Head stands fortress-like, surrounded by cliffs that use providing a network of informal access. rise sheer from the sea. The deep stream valleys that incise the plateau become especially steep Whilst there is a marked absence of trees in Illogan sided where they emerge at coves, their streams exposed areas, scrub and broadleaved woodland flowing onto shallow sandy beaches expansively is developing along streams. Drainage from some revealed at low tide. old mine workings forms pools that support a wealth of wildlife. On the coastal slopes at the north edge The open windswept plateau affords expansive of Porthtowan windblown sand including broken views north and south along the coast and from the seashells supports lime-loving flowering plants Beacon there are also panoramic views far inland. that contrast with the heathland vegetation of more The sense of exposure is emphasised by the almost acidic soils. unbroken extent of coastal heathland stretching behind the cliff edges and down into the sloping Small villages and isolated cottages which once mouths of valleys. The heathland clad summit of housed miners and their families shelter in the the Beacon is framed and defined by an encircling coastal valleys and have a rough appearance network of green pastures. that complements the derelict engine houses. At Trevaunance Cove the huge granite blocks of a Many remnants of the former mining industry long ruined harbour are revealed at low tide lying including engine houses, chimneys, spoil heaps and scattered across the shore. Typical local building shafts are scattered amongst heathland which has materials include killas walling, slate roofs and colonised much of the associated disturbed ground granite detailing. although large expanses of rocky bare ground,

116 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 117 Condition

Whilst mining exerts a strong historic influence, • Cornwall Council Historic Environment Service • Existing development at the north side of the • Footpath erosion of coastal heathland from there are other visible historic remains including has prepared on behalf of the National Trust, beach at Porthtowan is out of character in materials informal routes occurs at Trevellas Coombe, bronze age cairns on the beacon, an Iron Age Cliff proposals for a common approach to some areas and form. Chapel Porth and Porthtowan. Castle at Tubby’s Head and more recently on the of habitat and historic landscape management cliff tops east of Trevellas are the taxiways and as a basis for shared agreement between • Settlement expansion at St Agnes has extended • Broadleaved woodland is re-establishing in dispersal points of a World War Two airfield now stakeholders and funders. onto the plateau outside the locally characteristic sheltered valleys but in the absence of significant used for civilian flying. valley settlement pattern. locally native tree seed sources is dominated by Management • Natural England’s Higher Level Stewardship Sycamore. scheme includes most of the areas of heathland • Overhead power lines are especially intrusive in • National Trust managed property includes St that include historic features. locations such as across the Beacon and around • Coastal heathland is in varying condition with Agnes Beacon and a strip of coastal land extending Beacon Drive. some areas showing serial succession toward from Tubby’s head through Wheal Coates, Chapel • Cornwall Biodiversity Initiative plans include scrub vegetation. Coombe and Wheal Charlotte Moor just north of linking up non designated habitats such as • Perranporth airfield (partially in the AONB) Porthtowan. broadleaved valley woodlands. includes some visually intrusive features.

• Perranzabuloe Parish Council have developed a • The St Agnes Voluntary Marine Conservation • Some historic mine structures have not been Management Strategy for Cligga Head. Area (VMCA) includes objectives to map, measure stabilised hence remain vulnerable to progressive and survey the marine environment and its deterioration. • The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscapes important coastal habitats. World Heritage Site includes almost all of this • Cligga Head has experienced problems with anti- Cornwall AONB section • Most of the AONB coastline is included in the social behaviour, fly tipping and use by off road Godrevy head to St Agnes SSSI. vehicles. • The St Agnes Conservation Area Appraisal seeks conservation and enhancement of local settlement character and includes Trevaunance Cove inside the AONB boundary.

118 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 119 St Agnes Guiding Principles

It is intended that these local guiding principles will support the actions of the AONB Partnership and other stakeholders and that their actions will be informed by them. Note: Some local issues may be addressed by strategic policies.

GP05.1 Seek reduction in landscape and visual impacts and better integration at existing holiday sites, caravan parks, holiday infrastructure, signage and car parks. Have particular regard to the increase in scale, massing and associated development and respecting local character in external works, landscaping, site design and layout at Trevellas Coombe, Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes Head, Cligga Head and Chapel Porth

GP05.2 Support the provision of affordable housing to meet identified local need in locations with access to local services provided this respects historic settlement patterns and the local vernacular including characteristic use of local materials in buildings and external works and this conserves and enhances the natural beauty of the AONB.

GP05.3 Seek measures at the north side of the beach at Porthtowan to visually enhance existing development and car parking so that this becomes GP05.6 Seek conservation and enhancement GP05.9 Seek protection of the setting of St Agnes Biodiversity Initiative aims. These habitats include: more in keeping with local character in materials, of the expansive openness of the coastal Beacon by conserving the extent and character of the lowland meadows, post industrial habitats, maritime scale and design. plateau and Beacon to keep free from intrusive surrounding farmland for example between it and the cliff and slopes, lowland heathland and native development and tall structures. existing settlement edge of St Agnes, Goonvrea and broadleaved valley woodlands. GP05.4 Support initiatives to conserve engine smaller groupings of dwellings, in order to protect the houses, other mining structures and features and GP05.7 Support measures to minimise footpath landscape integrity of this key landscape feature. GP05.12 Promote regeneration of locally native tree smallholders field patterns that are significant in the erosion of coastal heathland and soils at the species for example at inland and coastal valleys historic mining landscape. Important sites include north edge of Porthtowan, around Chapel Porth, GP05.10 Encourage the sympathetic management at Chapel Coombe, Trevaunance Cove and at Wheal Kitty, Wheal Charlotte, Polberro, Blue Hills Trevellas Coombe and Cligga Head. of Perranporth Airfield, for example by improvement Trevellas Coombe where this does not conflict with and Wheal Coates. of boundary features and sensitive siting and design historic and World Heritage Site landscapes and GP05.8 Support the implementation of of airfield infrastructure. heathland habitats. Consider small scale planting of GP05.5 Seek reduction in the visual impact Perranzabuloe Parish Council’s Management local provenance native tree species such as Sessile of overhead cables by undergrounding across Strategy for Cligga Head. GP05.11 Support the integrated management of Oak, Hazel and Alder to act when mature as a seed the Beacon and around Beacon Drive. historic landscape and habitats building on existing source for native woodland establishment to assist National Trust, World Heritage Site and Cornwall subsequent natural regeneration.

120 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 121 The Cornwall AONB

Location

North of Camborne between Navax Point in the large, recently enclosed, rectangular fields enhance west, the North Cliffs coast to the north, Tregea Hill the impression of expansive openness close to the to the east and the Red River to the south. cliff tops. However toward the mouth of the Red River anciently enclosed land with its much smaller irregularly shaped fields creates a distinct change Extent in scale and character. The surrounding low stone Cornish hedges are clothed by rough vegetation Approximately 650 hectares or just under 2.5 square mixed with occasional wind sculpted blackthorn miles making up 1% of the Cornwall AONB. and hawthorn.

An almost continuous belt of coastal heath Statement of Significance interspersed with other coarse vegetation creates a varying texture that enhances the wildness of High cliffs of unstable soft Devonian slates, the abrupt cliff edge. Reaching close to these greywakes and siltstones are sculpted into small cliffs the woodland plantations of Tehidy are coves, small islands and numerous rocky stacks windpruned to a low sloping outer edge by the salt by the relentless pounding of the Atlantic Ocean. laden winds but gradually achieve greater stature At Hell’s Mouth and Hudder Cove precipitous drops with the progressively increasing shelter of the Portreath fall sheer to the rocks and surf below. The coast at Red River valley. In spring the sheltered partially Godrevy Point however is softer in profile with a low ancient Sessile Oakwoods woods are spectacularly rocky coast backed by gentle slopes just offshore of carpeted with bluebells. Illogan which is the low craggy outcrop of Godrevy Island topped by its landmark white lighthouse. Along the course of the Red River and its tributaries are other areas of mixed broadleaved woodlands Behind the sharp cliff edge is a broad plateau. adding to the seclusion and shelter along the valley. Camborne Unusually the land then slopes downwards away The stabilised sand dunes at Godrevy include from the sea toward the valley of the Red River. This countless broken sea shells resulting in calcareous river flows parallel to the cliffs eventually emerging sandy soils where colourful flora such as cowslips Gwinnear- to cross open level ground near the coast adjacent thrive amongst the rough unenclosed grassland. St Ives Gwithian to rounded stabilised sand dunes at Godrevy point The rocky coast of Godrevy Head is renowned for and finally flows across the beach into the sea. its readily observable and spectacular seal colonies.

From the exposure of the open cliff tops there are Due to its geology, coastal land here is largely free panoramic views along the coast and inland that of known historic mining remains unlike the adjacent contrast with the enclosed intimacy of the valleys AONB sections to the east and west. It is however of the Red River and its tributaries. At Carvannel a rich in other important archaeological features single small local stream cascades through a notch including vestiges of prehistoric settlements and in the cliffs to the rocky shore below. fortifications. Unusually it is along the course of the Red River valley that significant early industrial The coastal plateau and landward slopes support archaeology is found dating from the medieval mixed arable and pastoral farming. The mostly period onward and possibly far earlier.

122 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 123 Godrevy to Portreath Condition Guiding principles

Settlement is sparse and limited to scattered • Some of the existing visitor development in It is intended that these local guiding principles will dwellings and a few farmhouses. The only exception the AONB at Godrevy and Hell’s Mouth is out of support the actions of the AONB Partnership and being the edge of Portreath which lies just inside character. other stakeholders and that their actions will be the AONB boundary. Small quiet lanes and tracks informed by them. Note: Some local issues may be connect the fields and dwellings whilst the still rural • It is anticipated that the access road to the car addressed by strategic policies. B3301 provides ready access to the numerous park at Godrevy Point will be severed by coastal popular small informal car park view points adjacent erosion. GP06.1 Seek measures for the enhancement of to the cliff top coast path. At Tehidy the designed the appearance of visitor developments and their ornamental landscape and drives and the extensive • At the Red River valley the historic environment setting at Godrevy and Hell’s Mouth consistent and partially ancient sessile oak woodland is and woodland not within Tehidy Country Park lack with local vernacular for example, including locally accessible by the many footpaths associated with management. characteristic use of killas in hedging and walling its current use as a popular Country Park. and granite detailing. • This section of the AONB includes the greatest proportion of SSSI land in ‘favourable’ condition. GP06.2 Seek Community Infrastructure Levies and Management developer contributions for management initiatives • Developing broadleaved woodland along the Red within the AONB and Green Infrastructure links in a manner consistent for example with those • The National Trust manage most of the coastal River valley outside Tehidy Country Park is largely to the AONB from an early stage of proposals found near Godrevy Point in order to reinforce local land including car parks, a café, toilets and the unmanaged and includes colonisation by sycamore. for urban expansion at Camborne, Pool, Illogan, character along the coast path and other footpaths. access road to Godrevy Head. Grazing by ponies is Redruth (CPIR) and Hayle Consider new design solutions that enhance access used to maintain coastal heathland. • Coastal rough ground is in places subject to for those with mobility impairments. developing scrub growth. GP06.3 Seek protection of undeveloped and • Gwinear – Gwithian Parish Plans have been sparsely settled rural character and open views, GP06.8 Support awareness-raising and a sense prepared. free of tall structures. of ownership and responsibility for the AONB in the communities of nearby settlements including • Tehidy Country Park is managed by Cornwall GP06.4 Seek conservation and enhancement of Camborne, Pool, Redruth, Illogan, Hayle, and Council who run educational and environmental the rural character of all lanes and roads including Portreath. activities. the B3301 through the retention of hedges, narrow winding character and low levels of signage. GP06.9 Support measures to reduce anti-social • The Towans Partnership seeks to address local behaviour such as fly tipping, fires and dumping of issues some of which affect the AONB. GP06.5 Support relocation of the car park at cars at coastal car parks such as Tehidy North Cliffs, Godrevy Point in the light of the anticipated future Godrevy and smaller informal parking along the • Cornwall Biodiversity Initiative aims include severance of the access road by the sea and B3301. linking up non designated sites – such as native restore the headland to natural coastal habitats. broadleaved valley woodlands. GP06.10 Support a landscape scale approach to GP06.6 Seek improvement in the landscape the integrated management of the historic and • The AONB coastline is included in the Godrevy integration of all locations used for visitor car natural environments including linking across and head to St Agnes SSSI. parking including those at Godrevy and along the beyond the AONB existing habitats such as native B3301 and North Cliffs. lowland mixed deciduous and particularly Sessile Oak woodland; coastal sand dunes; rivers; maritime GP06.7 Seek use of locally characteristic slate in cliffs and slopes; lowland meadows favourable to new stiles and steps and other rights of way works birds; lowland heathland and reedbeds.

124 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 125 The Cornwall AONB

Parish boundaries & names 07 West Penwith

Location

This AONB section includes the most westerly part Meeting the rocky cliffs is an elevated coastal of the Cornwall peninsula. It extends westwards plateau. Round the south and west coasts this is from the western edge of St Ives, around Cape undulating rising gradually inland. Along the north Cornwall and inland to include the central Penwith coast between Morvah and Rosewall Hill however, Hills (also referred to as the downs or moors). From the coastal plateau forms a narrow shelf-like band Sennen Cove and Land’s End the AONB narrows, of almost imperceptible slopes bordered and being bounded inland by the A30. Eastwards of defined at its inland edge by a sharp transition to this, the AONB remains mostly south of the B3315 the steep sides of the central hills. These downs extending to Penlee Point just east of the coastal form a spine of rounded, elevated and exposed village of Mousehole. moorland tracing an undulating horizon punctuated by prominent heavily weathered granite outcrops for example at Rosewall Hill, Zennor, Carn Galver, and Extent Carn Kenidjack. This high ground stretches from Trencrom Hill in the East to Chapel Carn Brea in St.Ives Approximately 14,000 hectares or just under the west with its highest point midway at Watchcroft 54 square miles, forming nearly 15% of the near Morvah. Due to their scale much of the Zennor Towednack Cornwall AONB. higher central Hills appear open but especially at lower levels there is an extensive network of small Morvah irregular enclosures, many of prehistoric origin, Statement of Significance showing successive modifications over the passing centuries. Madron Ludgvan Unremitting exposure to the full force of the sea at this western extremity of mainland Britain has Long range views over a seemingly endless ocean sculpted the hard granite coastline into a sequence and exposure to the elements are typical but St.Hilary of headlands punctuated by occasional small coves contrast with the intimacy and enclosure found in St.Just Marazion and cut by substantial chasms locally known as the shelter of secluded valleys. On a clear day, Sancreed Penzance ‘Zawns’. The cliffs along the north coast are rugged from the upper slopes of the North coastal plateau Perranuthnoe and sloping but at the south become impressively and the central Hills, the Isles of Scilly can be seen Breage precipitous and vertical jointed. In the south west shimmering on the far horizon. between Gwennap Head and Lands End the rocky shores form a series of especially wild bays with sea The network of tiny irregular pasture fields on the Paul caves hewn into the tough granite by the power of north coast bound by granite Cornish hedges are St. Buryan the Atlantic waves whilst in the south the coast is prehistoric in origin and deemed by many to be Sennen much indented by rocky coves between precipitous among the oldest surviving man made structures headlands. There are only a few beaches, the that have been in continuous use for their original most notable of which is at Whitesand bay, east purpose since they were made, many being older St. Levant of Sennen where the extensive white sands are than the Egyptian Pyramids. Cornish hedges in backed by partially stabilised dunes. West Penwith have a construction markedly different from elsewhere in Cornwall. Large granite boulders, or “grounders” act as a foundation for irregular

126 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 127 upper courses of varying sizes of weathered granite adding to the air of untamed exposure and through the plateau as at Cot, Kenidjack and fougous, tombs, fortifications and ancient taken straight from the surface of the moor. Some contributing sometimes breathtaking seasonal Tregaseal, whilst in the south on the shallower settlements such as the well preserved examples have little vegetation other than perhaps a sparse variation in colour from the yellow of gorse, the slopes stream valleys are markedly deeper and at Chysauster and Carn Euny. Concentrated topping of rough growth whilst others support carpets of bluebells, the magenta of heather and steeper sided especially near the coast. dramatically along the west coast are the impressive windswept gnarled thorn bushes. the fresh greens of summer to the warm browns of and numerous surviving remains and structures dead bracken in autumn. Moorland vegetation has In the north and west, developing scrub and of the formerly extensive mining industry including In the south, the remains of now mostly abandoned its own spectacular seasonal colours. The Western woodland is establishing along open stream old chimneys and ruined engine houses amidst tiny terraced bulb fields occur on coastal slopes Heath includes Heathers, Western Gorse and courses whilst in the south there is extensive disturbed bare ground that includes open shafts and inland to the South despite agricultural rough grasses sometimes interspersed with small well established mixed but only partially native and spoil heaps. In the south and west in particular modernisation, fields remain small with markedly areas of wetland. Generally there are few trees on broadleaved woodland in the deep shelter of valleys medieval wayside granite crosses are a locally irregular boundaries showing their early origin, the exposed ground with occasional exceptions which is sometimes luxuriant in the lushness of its distinctive feature. The less exposed south has much of the better such as contorted wind sculpted hawthorns, and growth such as in the Lamorna Valley. The special agricultural land in mixed arable, pastoral and around some farmsteads isolated small groups of and constantly varying qualities of light, colour Settlement pattern reflects the areas’ culture and horticultural use including potato and daffodil windswept hardy trees have been planted. and texture in the landscape have made Penwith long history being generally dispersed as is typical production with their distinctive seasonal patterns popular with the many artists who are based here. of the Celtic west with scattered farmstead groups and colours. The impoverished soils of the central Valleys incise the slopes and coastal land. Along the related strongly to the ancient field pattern as for downs were formerly important for grazing and north coast, these are small and shallow across the There is great time depth to this landscape with example at Zennor and Rosemergy. In the west whilst this still continues the main purpose of the coastal plateau until they cut steep sided notches visible remains covering millennia of unbroken however the strong influence of mining overlays grazing has moved towards conserving biodiversity. through the cliff edges forming tumbling cascades. human occupation. The wealth of ancient features this earlier settlement pattern as shown for example In the west stream valleys form wide deep valleys includes enigmatic standing stones, mysterious by the numerous terraced granite mining cottages Coastal heathland and rough ground is extensive,

128 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 129 Management Condition

• The National Trust manages significant and landscapes whilst maintaining the downs as a • Whilst much visitor infrastructure is low key that extensive coastal and inland properties around grazed landscape. at Lands End and Sennen is visually intrusive. Zennor, around St Levan and St Just (including at Pendeen and Boscaswell. St Just is the largest extensive coastal mining features). • The ‘Wild Penwith’ initiative promoted by Cornwall • Castle-an-Dinas quarry which supplies granite settlement, set around its twin squares, early square Wildlife Trust (CWT) is a landscape scale initiative for road aggregate and hedging has a harsh towered, granite church and the ancient Plen-an- • Parish Plans are in place for: St Levan; Zennor; for management of a variety of habitats and appearance on the horizon and although operations Gwarry which is said to be the oldest continuously St Buryan; Sancreed; Sennen and Madron. enhancing water quality across West Penwith. are largely screened from external views, there are used theatre in the country. Journeying south, some unnatural landforms associated with tipping Sennen and Mousehole have developed around • The Cornwall and West Devon Mining World • The Cornwall Biodiversity Initiative supports the and stockpiles. historic small stone built harbours and between Heritage Site designation includes sites such as objectives of the ‘Vision for the moors and other these, smaller coastal communities centre on local Geevor, Botallack and Levant along the western related land in West Penwith, Cornwall’. • Some historic mining structures have not been fishing coves as at Lamorna, Penberth and Cape coast. stabilised hence are at risk of deterioration for Cornwall. Apart from a few isolated prominent tourist • A candidate Special Area of Conservation is example at Rosewall and Ransom, Wheal Sisters, destinations such as at Lands End and Sennen • Active granite quarrying operations in elevated proposed along the west Penwith coast from coast Ding Dong, Gurnard’s Head, Wheal Hearle, Cove, visitor infrastructure is almost invisible in land at Castle-an-Dinas and operations at Penlee south of Lands End, extending past Cape Cornwall Leswidden chimney, Spearne Consols, Carnyorth, the landscape and even Lands End aerodrome quarry (close to the AONB at Newlyn) are controlled to just east of Gurnards Head. The designation is Wheal Call, Cot Valley, Portheras, Porthmeor, with its grass runways, its grouping of a few small under the terms of updated planning conditions proposed for submerged reefs. Bosigran, Wheal Cleveland and Rosevale. scale buildings and infrequent use by light aircraft approved under the Review of Mineral Planning scarcely intrudes on the tranquil rural character. Permissions. There is a proposal for a marina • In the south in particular, agricultural land has seen development at Penlee Quarry. a localised but significant change from high quality Upland areas are almost devoid of settlement with pasture to arable - potentially creating efficiency dwellings mostly in the relative shelter south east • The St Just Heritage Area Regeneration Project pressures to remove some historic field hedges. of the downs. Buildings and structures are almost led to the successful physical regeneration of St exclusively of local granite with slate roofing which Just town centre, stabilisation of selected prominent • Scrub encroachment on the moors with serial together weather to appear almost as if they are historic mine buildings, renovation of local fishing succession to bracken and woody vegetation such grown from the landscape in which they are set. infrastructure at Cape Cornwall and of historic stiles. as gorse and willow is widespread and especially Near Porthcurno the open air terraced seats and evident at locations such as Rosewall Hill and Carn stage of the Minack Theatre are set into the granite • The Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) Galver. In places this can impede open access. cliffs host to regular plays and performances against scheme whose main focus was preservation of the the expansive backdrop of Mounts Bay. historic environment, halting the loss of heathland • Unmanaged regeneration of woody vegetation and improving ploughing practice is now closed along stream valleys, often in the absence of locally Winding between fields and farmsteads are to applications and will be gradually replaced with native tree seed sources, has significant inclusion numerous small lanes edged with Cornish Hedges Entry Level and Higher Level Stewardship schemes. of sycamore. or cut into the ground from centuries of continuous The end of the ESA potentially may leave important use. Over the central hills old tracks still exist habitats and features unprotected. • In southern parts of this section there was that were used historically as drove roads for significant loss to disease of hedgerow elm trees transporting livestock and goods lending a timeless • A ‘Vision for the moors and other related land with impact on habitat connectivity and landscape quality to the landscape. The B3306 follows an in West Penwith, Cornwall’ has been prepared character. ancient track route around the north coast along the by Natural England as a vehicle for securing foot of the hills providing one of the most popular agreement between stakeholders and agencies scenic routes in Cornwall. on integrated management of habitats and historic

130 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 131 West Penwith Guiding Principles

It is intended that these local guiding principles will GP07.8 Support an integrated approach to pro- Cot Valley, Portheras, Porthmeor, Bosigran, support the actions of the AONB Partnership and active management of access on open access Wheal Cleveland and Rosevale. other stakeholders and that their actions will be land, with the full involvement of landowners, informed by them. Note: Some local issues may stakeholders including the local community, GP07.13 Support integrated management of be addressed by strategic policies. users, Cornwall Council and other relevant public the biodiversity and the historic landscapes of bodies to ensure a long term strategy for access the Penwith Downs (also known as Penwith GP07.1 Seek reduction in landscape and visual management, built upon consensus. Moors) based on stakeholder and community impacts and better integration at existing holiday support, through appropriate measures building sites, visitor infrastructure, car parks and signage. GP07.9 Support consideration of access on existing National Trust and World Heritage Pay particular attention to respecting local character improvement along old drove routes and Site management plans and Cornwall Biodiversity in external works, landscaping, coastal heathland tracks across the Penwith Downs, for example Initiative priorities. restoration and management of well used routes for consideration of the re-establishment of the Tinners example at Lands End and Sennen. Way, in a manner that respects these route’s historic GP07.14 Encourage the productive management origins and local landscape character based on of woodlands for example at Lamorna, St Loy and GP07.2 Support local employment and affordable stakeholder and community support Penberth valleys in a manner that is consistent housing development in settlements with access with conserving and enhancing local landscape to employment and local services provided that includes appropriate vegetation, appropriate final GP07.10 Support the continuation of small character and biodiversity. by location and design this fully respects historic landform and permanent restoration of completed scale sustainable fisheries in order to conserve settlement pattern and local vernacular including areas at the earliest possible stages. Support further community vibrancy and the character of local coves GP07.15 Support the establishment, and characteristic use of local materials in buildings measures to protect and enhance environmental such as at Porthgwarra, Lamorna, Penberth and extension of existing and developing inland and and external works - for example at St Just and quality when existing quarrying permissions are Cape Cornwall. coastal valley woodlands and favour establishment Pendeen. Where relevant, settlement edge reviewed of locally native tree species such as Sessile enhancement should be achieved. GP07.11 Seek the strongest possible recognition Oak, Hazel and Alder for example within valleys GP07.5 Encourage the sympathetic management and protection of the ancient prehistoric field in the south, north and in the west such as the GP07.3 Require an assessment of landscape, of Lands End Aerodrome and ensure that new systems bound by granite Cornish hedges as Cot and Kenidjack valleys. Consider localised visual and cumulative impact of future proposals development has appropriate regard to the rural valuable historic landscape features and support planting of local provenance native tree species for tall structures such as farm scale, community character of the area. their ongoing conservation and management. to act as a future seed source for native woodland and larger wind turbines, masts and utilities This can be for example within the Entry and establishment where this is currently absent or infrastructure and require this to be assessed GP07.6 Seek conservation and enhancement of Higher Level Environmental Stewardship schemes sparse to assist subsequent natural regeneration. within the context of the evidence base including the existing rural character of the B3306 and other through full take up by farmers coming out of the the emerging Renewable and Low Carbon Energy roads in this area through sensitive design and Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme. GP07.16 Encourage in the southern part of West Supplementary Planning Document. Those minimal use of highway infrastructure. Discourage Penwith the management of hedges to allow proposals which have an adverse impact on natural widening, straightening, re-routing, kerbing and GP07.12 Support integrated projects that include elm and other hedge tree regeneration or, where beauty should not be supported. enclosure of currently unenclosed sections. aims to stabilise engine houses and other mining appropriate, planting of native or locally naturalised structures that are significant in the landscape such tree species on hedges in order to restore GP07.4 Encourage the sympathetic operation and GP07.7 Seek traffic reduction and management as at Rosewall and Ransom, Wheal Sisters, Ding landscape character following the impacts of elm progressive restoration of Castle-an-Dinas quarry in measures on the coast road between St Just and St Dong, Gurnard’s Head, Wheal Hearle, Leswidden disease including raising awareness that such local a manner that respects local landscape character, Ives (B3306) for cars and in particular tourist coaches. chimney, Spearne Consols, Carnyorth, Wheal Call, hedges were previously considerably more treed.

132 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 133 The Cornwall AONB

Location

This AONB section includes the Lizard Peninsula, such as at Praa Sands, Porthleven Sands and St Ives Camborne Gwinnear- extending as far as Marazion in the west, including Gunwalloe beach. An unusual feature is the broad Gwithian Sennen the Helford Ria (a flooded river valley estuary) and shingle Loe Bar that is all that separates the sea to the outskirts of Falmouth in the east. from Cornwall’s largest fresh water lake, the Loe Mylor Pool. Inland of the cliffs gentle south facing coastal Penryn slopes lead to a subtly rolling landscape interspersed Ludgvan Extent with bold rounded valley sides between which short streams flow quietly to the coast. Extensive sweeping views around the broad arc of Mounts Bay focus Budock Falmouth Approximately 19,300 hectares or just under 75 St Hilary square miles, forming 20% of Cornwall AONB. awareness on the elemental qualities of the coastline, whereas inland, visual enclosure mixes with broader Marazion Breage views across the wider landscape. Constantine Perranuthnoe Statement of Significance The permanent greens of improved pasture are Mawnan This beautiful and extensive section of the Cornwall interspersed with considerable arable use lending Helston Gweek AONB includes three linked but nonetheless distinctly great seasonal variation from the textured browns differing areas of landscape character. These are of ploughed soils, rows of fresh green crops such Porthleven described separately below. Firstly from St Michaels as early potatoes and the bright yellows of daffodil St Martin- Mount to Halzephron Cliff, secondly the Lizard fields in spring. Medium sized fields with irregular Sennen in-Meneage St Anthony- Peninsula and thirdly the Helford River and Estuary. boundaries that are typical of early enclosure mix with other more recently enclosed larger straight Manaccan in-Meneage sided fields that exaggerate a sense of openness. Mawgan-in- Meneage St Michael’s Mount to Halzephron Cliff The sometimes bare stone faces of Cornish hedges display their link with the locally variation in the types Gunwalloe Cury Partially sheltered by West Penwith from the full force of stone and typically are topped just by a coarse St Keverne of Atlantic storms, the coastline of Mount’s Bay has growth of turf with wild flowers and brambles. a soft profile, including extensive linear cliffs whose Tough feathery Tamarisk hedges are locally complex geology adds variety to the coastline. In characteristic near some parts of the coast. the west, St Michael’s Mount is a granite intrusion Mullion linked at low tide by an ancient cobbled causeway to The rounded cliffs are clothed with a broad fringe of Grade-Ruan the nearby shore of low earthy cliffs that in the east heathland and scrub adding to their rugged untamed extend past Perranuthnoe giving way around Prussia character. Linear woodlands occur along valleys Cove to progressively higher cliffs punctuated by including that of the National Trust owned Penrose rocky headlands. At Rinsey Head and Trewavas Estate round the Loe Pool with its extensive mixed granite outcrops make the cliffs ever more sheer and conifer and broadleaved plantations edged by rugged whilst around Porthleven and further east extensive waterside reed beds. a complex coastal geology including folded slates Landewednack displays spectacular quartz veining. St Michael’s Mount is crowned by the clustered pointed turrets and buildings of an historic priory These varied cliffs are interspersed with stretches of forming a distinctive silhouette recognisable across popular gently sloping south facing sandy beaches all of Mounts Bay. A medieval house survives at

134 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 135 Pengersick whose fortified tower was used as a underlying Devonian Rocks whilst Serpentine gives refuge from North African Barbary Pirates on slave rise to the almost unrelieved flatness of the central capturing raids along this coast. Disused historic plateau at the heart of the peninsula with Gabbro and engine houses cling to the cliff slopes at Trewavas Hornblende Schists in the east generating a gently and Rinsey. The influence of mining is also noticeable rolling landscape. inland in the west with spoil heaps, engine house remains and terraced former miners cottages that Small streams etch their narrow valleys across the add locally to the density of the otherwise mostly rural plateau as they flow quietly toward the coast to settlement pattern of farmsteads and hamlets. The cross beaches as at Church, Poldhu and Polurrian larger settlement at Porthleven is clustered around an Coves in the north west, sometimes tumbling historic granite harbour that once served the mining through incised channels cut through rocky cliffs industry and recent housing has grown up at popular further south as at Kynance Cove, Pistil Meadow local beaches for example at Perranuthnoe and Praa and Housel Bay. In land of Church and Poldhu Sands. Granite and killas are typical local building Coves are broad level meandering valley bottoms materials and settlements are linked by a network of whereas the plateau drainage is hindered by the many small lanes. lack of slopes resulting in an intriguing matrix of pools and bogs. The Lizard Peninsula This stunningly dramatic and rugged coast affords This Lizard Peninsula includes the most southerly wide ranging views across the open seas and busy point of mainland Britain and is framed all round shipping lanes of the English Channel. Inland the by majestic high cliffs indented with slender coves. enclosed intimacy of areas of gently undulating land The cliffs are especially vertical and rocky at the contrasts with the sweeping panoramas over the exposed west coast but remain consistently rugged open vastness of the unenclosed downland plateau and steep elsewhere punctuated throughout by where a strong sense of isolation and exposure attractive sandy beaches tightly enclosed by rocky prevails. headlands. The Lizard Peninsula’s unique geology includes Serpentine, Gabbro, Schists, Gneiss and Farming is primarily pastoral but with some arable Slates all exposed in the cliffs lending variety of especially for crops such as potatoes and the texture, form and colour to this spectacular coastline. widespread intricate pattern of medium sized fields The serpentine formations rising out of the sands with irregular boundaries indicates anciently enclosed of Kynance Cove are an often depicted view land from the medieval period. In parts such as the representing the best of Cornwall’s coastal scenery. south east especially small and unevenly shaped fields indicate a prehistoric origin. Traditionally the From the cliffs there is a marked sometimes sharp open heathland would have been used for summer transition to the gently undulating plateau that grazing but larger straight sided fields around the stretches inland to the interior of the peninsula margins of this rough ground attest to its partial giving an overriding impression of general flatness. recent enclosure. However significant and extensive However there is abundant variety in the scenery of tracts of open unenclosed rough downland remain, the Lizard resulting in part from local variations in grazed by hardy cattle and ponies that maintain the geology. The undulating north originates from the soft open landscape and its nationally important flora.

136 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 137 The materials used in Cornish hedges reflect closely along the west facing coast. Villages such as The dominant land cover enveloping the river the local differences in geology lending fascinating Gunwalloe, Mullion, Cadgwith and Coverack have system and its tributary valleys is dense mature variations in appearance but all with a rubble grown up around their small fishing coves otherwise often ancient sessile oak woodland extending right construction. On the hedges surviving elms have inland there are just a few scattered villages and down to the waters edge where branches dip into in places regrown but generally since the impact hamlets. Local stone is evidenced in the vernacular the water forming a timeless world of water and of Dutch Elm disease these no longer form dense of buildings for example Serpentine in Kuggar and trees. Despite their apparently wild and untouched screens. Woodland occurs as small pockets on Gabbro in the east with limed render and thatch appearance these woodlands had from time farms, alongside streams and in sheltered valleys still evident at settlements such as Ruan Minor and immemorial until recent years been managed for emphasising their courses through the landscape. Cadgwith. From the village of St Keverne, Michael timber, tannin and fuel production. Distinctive stately The vegetation of the downs which is now subject An Gof led the Cornish uprising in protest against the mature ornamental pines around the mouth of the to less regular grazing than in the past is locally punitive taxes levied by Henry VII. river indicate more domesticated land use and the progressing toward a cover of willow scrub creating a lush ornamental and exotic vegetation of large sense of enclosure on previously open ground. Inland Winding narrow local roads connect farms and open estate gardens is especially characteristic of parts of Church and Poldhu coves extensive reed beds trackways cross the downs, some now little used and of the sheltered river banks. snake inland drawing the eye along the wet valley overgrown. Footpaths feature distinctive Serpentine bottoms. A varied and unique flora and a fauna of stiles often polished from decades of constant use This heavily wooded landscape of extraordinary national significance including many rare species has and around Lizard village there are raised footpaths enclosure, shelter and intimacy has startling established over the downs notably lowland heathland along the tops of especially broad Cornish hedges. contrasts where open views are glimpsed across but including wet flushes and ephemeral pools. seemingly vast stretches of open river and even Vegetated sand dunes occur at Kennack Sands and Traditional local fishing with colourful small boats still across the sea to the distant Roseland coast far at Church Cove where a golf course has domesticated adds interest and activity at some small coves adding beyond. This contrasting openness is especially their vast rounded profile. Mixed heathland, rough animation at the heart of the local communities for prevalent toward the mouth of the river with its low ground and scrub is extensive around most of the example at Cadgwith and Porthoustock. sloping cliffs that are covered in coastal heathland. coast enhancing its untamed character. Inland of the coastal rough ground to each side of Helford River and Estuary the river mouth mixed pasture and arable farmland at the heads of creeks dates from times when the Rough ground on the downs and around the coast occupies much of the gentle rounded slopes. The water was the primary means of communication has great time depth from the numerous visible This area offers great contrast to the often open mostly medium sized fields are bound by winding and transport. The more remote and less accessible prehistoric remains including Bronze Age barrows and exposed landscape of much of the Lizard. Cornish Hedges, many supporting trees. southern shore is noticeably less inhabited than the and other ceremonial features along with enigmatic From the numerous small sinuous creeks to the north side of the river. The largest village is Gweek at vestiges of Iron Age coastal fortifications. At Lizard broad expanse of the main estuary the Helford The densely wooded Frenchman’s Creek was the rivers navigable limit where it formerly served as Point are the prominent twin towers of the still used dominates this area forming both a central focus made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s novel of the a substantial port for the nearby town of Helston and historic lighthouse with its beam sweeping the and a barrier. The changing light and character as same name and in such wooded side creeks and its hinterland. Local buildings are characteristically surrounding countryside at night or its haunting fog the tidal waters ebb and flow is especially noticeable along the banks of the main river numerous almost small white cottages bunched together. The only horn echoing eerily through a blanket of sea fog. in the extensive intricate branching web of side concealed small quays can be found. On the south link between the north and south shores is a modest The large round dishes of the Goonhilly earth station waters in their unceasing cycle between reflective facing shores are the extensive Country House passenger ferry. dominate the downs and are frequently glimpsed water and exposed wet glistening mud around a estates of Trebah and Glendurgan and on the north over hedgerows. remaining ribbon of water. The enclosing steep facing shore Trelowarren each with their extensive Many small leisure boats find sheltered moorings in slopes extend from the waters edge to a higher lush ornamental landscapes. Vestigial earthworks of the estuary. There is some commercial activity A sparse pattern of farmsteads with ancient Cornish surrounding rolling topography of convex slopes prehistoric enclosed farmsteads on the slopes above such as oyster dredging along with boat building names is dispersed through the anciently enclosed incised by the steep valleys of the innumerable the Helford indicate a long history of settlement and and repairs at Gweek where many boats are moored land and isolated farms and cottages face gales small streams that drain to the creeks. the current settlement pattern of villages clustered as dwellings.

138 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 139 South Coast Western Management Condition Guiding Principles

• The National Trust manages significant and extensive • Natural England manage the Lizard National • Larger replacement wind turbines have been It is intended that these local guiding principles will properties around the coast from St Michael’s Mount, Nature Reserve which includes much of the approved and installed at Bonython windfarm. support the actions of the AONB Partnership and Rinsey, Penrose, Mullion and Poldhu, Predannack Goonhilly Downs. other stakeholders and that their actions will be and Kynance, Lizard Point, Cadgwith to Poltesco • Caravan sites near the coast are often visually informed by them. Note: Some local issues may be and Coverack and the south side of the Helford. • Cornwall Biodiversity Initiative aims include intrusive due to location, layout, site design and addressed by strategic policies. The National Trust tackle scrub encroachment on support for the ‘Linking the Lizard’ initiative and poor mitigation for example near Kennack Sands. some coastal land using grazing by ponies and cattle. ‘All of the Coast’ habitat enhancements for birds. GP08.1 Ensure that the conservation and • Large scale quarrying operations for aggregates enhancement of the special qualities of the AONB • Parish Plans are in place for: Cury; Grade Ruan; • The ancient sessile oak woodlands around the between Dean Point and Porthallow have is fully taken into account in strategies, plans St Keverne; Manaccan and St Anthony; Mawnan; Helford have fallen out of productive and economic created extensive excavations, areas of tipping and guidance produced to address development, ‘The Five Parishes’ and Mawgan-in-Meneage. management. and bulk loading and transport structures along transport and service provision in and around the the coastline and are poorly integrated with the AONB, for example including regard to the potential • Active quarrying operations are controlled under the • The Helford Estuary is included in a candidate local landscape. urban expansion of Falmouth. Particular care should terms of updated planning conditions approved under Special Area of Conservation, one of only two be taken to ensure that no development is permitted the Review of Mineral Planning Permissions. being proposed for large shallow inlets and bays, • Forecast sea level rise could affect local outside the AONB which would damage its natural saltmarshes, intertidal mudflats and subtidal harbours, fisheries and beaches such as at beauty, character and special qualities. • The ‘Linking the Lizard’ initiative seeks to establish sandbanks (the other being Plymouth Sound). Porthleven, Gweek, Cadgwith, Coverack and a landscape scale approach to landscape and habitat Maenporth. GP08.2 Seek reduction of landscape and visual management. • A candidate Special Area of Conservation is impacts and better integration at existing holiday proposed around the Lizard coast from Gunwalloe • Loe Pool is affected by nutrient enrichment both sites, visitor infrastructure, car parks and signage. • The Lizard Peninsula Heritage Trust has undertaken Fishing Cove, extending round Lizard Point to from diffuse and point sources. Natural seasonal Pay particular attention to respecting local character a survey of roadside heritage assets including Carrick Luz near Kennack Cove. The designation water level changes within Loe Pool are affected in external works, landscaping and site design milestones, fingerposts, war memorials, post-boxes, is proposed for submerged reefs. by the Helston flood alleviation scheme. and have particular regard to increase in scale, stiles etc. massing and associated development for example • Valley woodlands both inland and coastal were at Marazion, Perranuthnoe, Porthleven, Praa Sands, originally primarily Sessile Oak with Hazel with Mullion and Kennack Sands. Alder – but lack of local native seed sources or lack of management is allowing Sycamore GP08.3 Support local employment and affordable to become locally dominant in woodland housing development that meets identified local need regeneration. in settlements with access to local services provided that by location and design this fully respects historic • Establishment of the conifer plantations on the settlement pattern and local vernacular including Lizard has increased their visual intrusion on characteristic use of local materials and that conserves the landscape. and enhances the natural beauty of the AONB.

• In parts of this section there was significant loss GP08.4 Consider the cumulative landscape and to disease of hedgerow elm trees with impacts visual impact from new individual developments on on habitat connectivity and landscape character. local character and tranquillity for example along the shores and slopes around the Helford estuary.

140 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 141141 GP08.5 Require an assessment of the landscape, GP08.14 Support initiatives which consider with reduction of visual impacts from existing conifer visual and cumulative impacts of proposals for tall communities the long term future of coastal areas plantations on Goonhilly Downs consistent with best structures such as wind turbines and communications e.g. Porthleven, Gweek, Coverack and Maenporth practice. Where possible this should be achieved by infrastructure that are likely to have more than in respect to predicted effects of sea level rise felling with restoration to open habitats balanced with localised impact, and require this to be assessed and increased storminess and the direction equal or greater productive woodland creation using within the context of the evidence base including for management set out within the Shoreline appropriate sites and species selected with regard to the emerging Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Management Plan. landscape character. Supplementary Planning Document. Particular regard should be paid to the open plateau at Goonhilly GP08.15 Encourage the management of mining GP08.20 Encourage appropriate productive Downs and the coast. Those proposals which have features which are outside of the World Heritage Site, management of broadleaved woodlands for example an adverse impact on natural beauty should not be GP08.10 Support appropriate improvements to south of the A394 around Perranuthnoe, Rosudgeon, around the Helford estuary in a manner that is supported. footpath access around the Helford River and its Kennegy, Praa Sands and Porthleven. consistent with conserving and enhancing local creeks with respect to the Marine and Coastal landscape character and biodiversity. GP08.6 Seek improved phased and final restoration Access Act 2009 provided that this does not GP08.16 Seek enhancement of the wider setting of at West of England and Dean quarries to final encourage an increase in traffic levels or the St Michael’s Mount including sea front car parking GP08.21 Encourage the management of hedges landforms and vegetation communities consistent provision of further car parks and that this by design changes to layout, location, minimising to allow elm and other hedge tree regeneration with local landscape character including at the conserves and enhances the natural beauty. infrastructure, enhanced boundary treatments, or, where appropriate, planting of native or locally earliest possible stages permanent appropriate characteristic use of local materials in external works naturalised tree species on hedges in order to restore restoration along coast path routes and completed GP08.11 Support appropriate improvements to and appropriate vegetation. landscape character following the impacts of elm working areas. Support further measures to protect coastal footpath access between Godrevy Cove disease including raising awareness that such local and enhance environmental quality when existing and Porthallow provided that this respects local GP08.17 Support measures to improve water hedges were previously considerably more treed. quarrying permissions are reviewed. landscape character and conserves and enhances and habitat quality at Loe Pool by improved the natural beauty. management of nutrients from diffuse sources in GP08.7 Encourage characteristic inclusion of the catchment and the improved management of local materials and vernacular design in new built GP08.12 Support a landscape scale initiative to effluent from Helston and RNAS Culdrose sewage development, public realm and highways works and integrate enhancement of biodiversity with protection treatment works. rights of way infrastructure using Granite, Serpentine, of historic environment and promotion of a vibrant Gabbro and Schists as appropriate to reflect the local rural economy and community through the full GP08.18 Encourage the establishment and varied geodiversity of this section. involvement of local people, land managers and extension of Sessile Oak woodlands at inland and stakeholder organisations and build consensus for coastal valleys and around the Helford River and GP08.8 Seek reduction in the visual impact of the long term management of the Lizard. Loe Pool. Consider opportunities for small scale overhead cables by undergrounding in affected planting of local provenance native tree species such villages for example Porthleven, Mullion, St Keverne, GP08.13 Support the continuation of small scale as Sessile Oak, Hazel and Alder to act as a future Lizard, Gweek and Cury. sustainable fisheries in order to maintain community seed source for native woodland establishment vibrancy providing that this conserves and enhances where this is currently absent or sparse to assist GP08.9 Support local initiatives to protect roadside local character and natural assets for example at subsequent appropriate natural regeneration. heritage assets that contribute to local character such local coves such as at Porthleven, Mullion, Cadgwith, as milestones, fingerposts, memorials and locally Coverack, Porthoustock, Porthallow and within the GP08.19 Support conservation and enhancement of distinctive stiles etc. creeks of the Helford Estuary. the character of the open heathland plateau including

142 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 143 The Cornwall AONB

Location

This AONB section covers the south central part of Roads blends with the coast there are low rocky the Cornish coast from Porthpean near St Austell cliffs and headlands between which are sheltered in the east, the Roseland Peninsula, the Fal Ria sandy beaches. including Carrick Roads to just south of the A390 near Tresillian and west to near Perranarworthal The tidal extent of the rivers reaches far inland to and the edge of Penryn in the west Truro and Tresillian. At high tide the reflective water catches the colours of the sky as it laps against low banks of exposed rock. At low tide extensive mud Extent and sand banks edge the remaining winding ribbon of water revealed in a daily cyclical rhythm of changing Pentewan Approximately 16,000 hectares or just under 62 character. Views over the immense expanse of water Valley square miles and forms just over 16% of the whole at the Carrick Roads give a sense of vast scale of the Cornwall AONB (including Carrick Roads whilst further inland the ria system feels remote and St Austell Bay upstream from Trefusis Point/St Anthony Head). increasingly enclosed, especially in the smaller creeks.

Probus Visually the dominant landcover is mature often St Clement Statement of Significance dense esturine Sessile Oak woodland cloaking the slopes along the waters edge. In places this Cuby St Ewe The two distinct yet complementary areas of woodland is extensive and seemingly untouched Mevagissey Sennen Probus landscape character of the Fal Ria and the by human interference despite a long history of Roseland make up this beautiful AONB section productive management lending a timeless primeval St Michael and are described separately below. air to the watercourses. In other parts woodland has Penkevil Kea been partially or fully cleared where occasional large St Michael St Goran The Fal Ria fields come right to the waters edge giving a more Ruanlanihorne Caerhays domesticated impression. This rich and productive Whilst sharing many of the qualities of the Helford farmland on the rounded convex hilltops between Estuary the component parts of the Fal Ria (a flooded Veryan the creeks is a mix of pastoral and extensive arable Feock Philleigh river valley) landscape are of a significantly larger uses giving considerable seasonal changes in colour. scale and extent. This seasonally changing agricultural scene is set in a constant and strong framework of Cornish hedges Mylor Gerrans The River Fal meets the open sea at the broad some of which display their construction in bare St Just-in- expanse of the Carrick Roads, an internationally stone faces whilst many others are well vegetated Roseland important sheltered deep water harbour capable of and lined with mature trees strongly enclosing and receiving large ocean going vessels. Stretching far defining the mostly small to medium irregular fields Penryn inland of the Carrick Roads is a winding network of medieval origin. However a proportion of larger of intertwining creeks and river valleys that are recently enclosed straight sided fields adds variety considerably more extensive than those of the nearby to this overall field pattern. Falmouth Helford estuary. The rivers and creeks sit amongst Budock their landscape of steep sided small twisting valleys In addition to the extensive Sessile Oak woodland the between rounded ridges creating a setting of strongly untamed presence of nature is further strengthened Mawnan rolling topography. Where the mouth of the Carrick along the valleys and watercourses by a varied

144 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 145 Management range of semi-natural wetland habits including tidal creating enclosed leafy tunnels and at Trelissick vegetated in the sheltered valleys. These hedges • The National Trust manages significant and extensive saltmarsh, intertidal mudflats, reed beds, and fens the King Harry Ferry emerges from the wooded support occasional surviving and regrown elms. sites around the coast of the Fal Ria at Trelissick whilst heathland and scrub reinforce the rugged banks providing a link for cars and pedestrians. The In some locations the outlines of early strip Gardens, Turnaware Point, Nr. St Mawes, and St undomesticated openness of the coastal margins. waterways are now extensively used for recreational field systems are preserved in the current field Anthony Head and along the exposed south facing and commercial boating with many small craft patterns. Woodland occurs on steep valley sides, coasts at Portscatho, Gerrans Bay, Nare Head, Set amongst this strong natural framework are many moored in sheltered locations or moving slowly alongside streams and in valley bottoms often in Dodman Point, Near Gorran Haven and Black Head. distinctive landmarks and subtle historic remains. across the water having a strong visual presence combination with other valuable wetland habitats The many indications of defended Iron Age farm especially in the vicinity of settlements. such as fens and rush pasture strengthening • Parish Plans are in place at Feock, St Just-in- enclosures emphasise how long this productive land these ribbons of semi natural vegetation that Roseland, Gorran and St Ewe. Parish Plans are under has been settled and the eye catching castles at The Roseland weave through the agricultural land. Coastal preparation in Mylor, Veryan and Tregony. The Parishes St Mawes and its counterpart at Pendennis Castle rough ground including scrub and bracken of Carlyon, St Austell Bay and the Pentewan Valley Separated from the Fal Ria by a pronounced ridge (outside the AONB) have guarded the strategically emphasises the wildness of the cliff tops. (along with St Austell Town Council) were created in that crosses the narrow strip of land inland of Gerrans important Carrick roads since the time of Henry June 2009. Bay, the Roseland has a coastline of sweeping and VIII. St Anthony’s lighthouse is a distinct focal point This markedly tranquil landscape is relatively free extensive bays with majestic cliffs rising above rocky marking the transition to the open sea. of man made land marks or structures. However it • St Just-in-Roseland Parish Plan is adopted as a shores, sandy beaches and small coves all sculpted is rich in discernable pre-historic features from the Supplementary Planning Document in the Cornwall by the erosion of their soft killas rocks. Accentuating Across the Carrick Roads the visually imposing largest Bronze Age burial mound in Cornwall at Council Local Development Framework. and defining the form of the bays are distinctive extent of the towns of Penryn and Falmouth including Carne Beacon to the County’s largest prehistoric rocky promontories which extend from inland ridges, docks, cranes and busy moorings provides a enclosure at the Iron Age cliff castle at Dodman • The Truro and Threemilestone Action Plan seeks to notably at Nare Head, Dodman Point and Black Head strong contrast to more tranquil locations further along with numerous other traces of ancient guide development of these large settlements that lie where the harder basalt and dolerite better withstand up river. Despite the nearby presence of large human occupation and activity. close to the AONB. the power of the sea. A geologically interesting towns settlement is scattered and small in scale, extensive raised beach at Pendower stretches all the especially so away from the coast and waters edge. Estates and ornamental parklands are a feature • Cornwall Biodiversity Initiative aims include ‘All of the way to Nare Hotel. Sharply intersecting the cliff line Villages cluster at the heads of creeks and around of the countryside most notably at Caerhays Coast’ improvement for bird life and catchment area is the gently rolling topography of the inland plateau some of the numerous small quays whilst dispersed and Heligan taking advantage of the sheltered farming. whose subtle ridges are dissected by incised stream farmsteads abound throughout the agricultural land. valleys. Some attractive coastal villages shelter valleys. There are far reaching panoramic views from Estates and ornamental parklands are a feature in the coves at stream mouths or have developed • The ancient sessile oak woodlands have largely fallen the rugged cliff tops complementing the enclosed and of the countryside and waters edge most notably around picturesque small harbours as at out of their previous long historical productive and peaceful farmed landscape inland. at Trelissick and Tegothnan and with their mature Mevagissey and Gorran Haven. Inland apart from economic management. ornamental vegetation they lend an exotic yet the churchtowns of Veryan and Gorran settlement The arable and pastoral fields are predominantly of domesticated air to the waters edge. is a sparse but even distribution of hamlets • The Fal Estuary is included in a candidate Special Area medieval origin being medium in scale with irregular and farmsteads linked by narrow winding lanes of Conservation, one of only two being proposed for its boundaries that range from bare low stone walls Many small lanes link villages and farms often with high hedges and blind corners. Traditional large shallow inlets and bays. (the other being Plymouth near the exposed coasts to being broad and well densely edged on both sides with mature trees black and white painted metal finger signs are a Sound). The designation is also for saltmarshes, distinctive feature amongst these rural lanes. intertidal mudflats and subtidal sandbanks.

146 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 147 South Coast Central Condition Guiding Principles

• Holiday sites around Mevagissey, Gorran It is intended that these local guiding principles will GP.09.5 Require assessment of the landscape, Haven, and Pentewan are unnecessarily visually support the actions of the AONB Partnership and visual and cumulative impacts of future proposals intrusive by their location, layout and design. other stakeholders and that their actions will be for tall structures such as farm scale, community informed by them. Note: Some local issues may be and commercial wind turbines along with masts • The design and scale of some modern addressed by strategic policies. and utilities infrastructure within the context of the development for example on the fringes of evidence base including the emerging Renewable Falmouth, Malpas and at other small water side GP09.1 Ensure that the conservation and and Low Carbon Energy Supplementary Planning settlements is visually intrusive. enhancement of the special qualities of the AONB Document. Those proposals which have an adverse is fully taken into account in development proposals impact on natural beauty should not be supported. • There is poor or non existent footpath access for expansion of Truro, Falmouth and Penryn and GP09.10 Seek protection of the landscape setting around much of the Fal Ria and Carrick Roads. at waterside small settlements in order to retain the GP09.6 Support consideration of landscape and of key landmarks such as St Mawes castle, character of the Fal Ria landscape. Particular care visual impacts on the AONB landscape around the St Anthony’s Lighthouse and others from negative • Change is taking place at some farmland to should be taken to ensure that no development is Fal Ria, Carrick Roads and associated creeks from impacts by new development including housing non agricultural uses – e.g. keeping horses. permitted inside or outside the AONB which would increasing or changing patterns of water based and lighting and seek enhancement of their damage its natural beauty, character and special access, leisure and commercial activity and their settings. • Native deciduous woodlands of the Fal Ria and qualities. related infrastructure such as moorings, jetties, sheltered local valleys throughout the Roseland car parks and yards and seek conservation and GP09.11 Encourage the productive management to Porthpean are generally unmanaged and in GP09.2 Seek reduction in landscape and visual enhancement of tranquillity, dark night skies and of broadleaved woodlands for example around places fragmented. impacts and better integration of existing holiday local character. the Fal Ria in a manner that is consistent with sites, visitor infrastructure, car parks and signage. conserving and enhancing local landscape • In parts of this section there was significant Pay particular attention to the increase in scale, GP09.7 Support consideration of improved car free character and biodiversity. loss to disease of hedgerow elm trees with massing, associated development and respecting access options including, foot, cycle, bus and boat impact on habitat connectivity and landscape local character in external works, landscaping, site for example from Truro, Falmouth and Penryn in a GP09.12 Encourage in the context of a wider character. design and layout at Mevagissey, Gorran Haven and manner that conserves and enhances the AONB. landscape scale approach the extension of Sessile Pentewan. Oak woodlands around the Fal and its tributaries GP09.8 Support appropriate improvements to and in the inland and coastal valleys of the GP09.3 Support provision of affordable housing in footpath access around the Carrick Roads and Roseland. Consider opportunities for small scale settlements such as St Just in Roseland; St Mawes; its creeks with respect to the Marine and Coastal planting of local provenance native tree species Gorran Haven; Mevagissey and Pentewan provided Access Act 2009 which does not encourage an such as Sessile Oak, Hazel and Alder to act as a that there is access to local services, identified increase in traffic levels or the provision of further future seed source where this is currently absent or local need and that by location and design this car parks in the area. sparse to assist subsequent natural regeneration. fully respects historic settlement pattern and local vernacular including locally characteristic materials GP09.9 Support management of visitor car parking GP09.13 Encourage the management of hedges and that this conserves and enhances the natural in quiet and remote tranquil rural areas in the Fal to allow elm and other hedge tree regeneration beauty of the AONB. Ria and throughout the Roseland up to Porthpean or, where appropriate, planting of native or locally such that levels of use do not increase and visual naturalised tree species on hedges in order to GP09.4 Seek consideration of the cumulative impacts are reduced by use of carefully located restore landscape character following the impacts landscape and visual impact from individual unobtrusive small scale dispersed rural car parks of elm disease including raising awareness developments on local character and tranquillity for set back from the coast for example as managed by that such local hedges were previously example along the shores and slopes of the Fal Ria. the National Trust at Vault Bay and Dodman Point. considerably more treed.

148 Cornwall AONB management Plan 149 The Cornwall AONB

Location

The Fowey Ria and its tributaries from just south that enclose small beaches and extend westward of Lostwithiel, west of the Fowey to the coast by to the spectacular promontory of Gribbin Head. Par Sands and eastwards to Portlooe near the From many elevated and coastal locations there are outskirts of West Looe. extensive panoramic views of the coast to the west and east and inland along the Fowey Ria. Adjacent to Gribbin Head, the coast is deeply incised by the Extent Menabilly Valley; penetrating deep inland forming its own small network of tributary stream valleys. Approximately 4,600 hectares or just under 18 From the western coast of the AONB there are views square miles, forming just under 5% of the Cornwall across the adjacent Par Sands. Across the St Austell AONB. and Mevagissey bays to the southwest the distant coastline of the Roseland AONB can be seen.

Statement of Significance By contrast with the exposure of Gribbin Head, the steep slopes surrounding the Fowey Ria give a Similarly to the South Coast Central section of the strong sense of enclosure that is strengthened by St Winnow Cornwall AONB this section comprises two distinct the surrounding expanses of Sessile Oak woodland, but complementary landscape character areas: much of it ancient, that embrace the estuary, the Fowey Ria and the adjacent coast to the east clothing the shoreline and extending up the valley around Polperro which are described below in turn. sides. Higher up the slopes and over the exposed St Veep rolling ridges are medium sized mixed arable and St Sampson The Fowey River pasture fields with irregular boundaries indicating St Tywardreath Although the Fowey Ria (a flooded river valley) medieval origins. However the dramatically varying and Par shares many basic characteristics with both the gradients make this overall field pattern difficult to Helford and Fal Rias it is differentiated notably by discern from most vantage points. In exposed higher St Austell Bay ground and away from the creeks there are few Lanteglos its particularly steep sided enclosing slopes with trees although lower down some Cornish hedges Fowey Lansallos gradients sometimes as steep as 1:3 descending in places from 120 metres above the river straight support belts of trees that extend like fingers up the slopes from the main woodlands. On some slopes Looe down to the waters edge. From deep inland the main river and its network of tributary creeks dissect the vineyards have been established adding a new land between high exposed rounded landforms. texture amongst the more traditional agricultural Three large tributary creeks, the Lerryn, Penpoll uses. Designed ornamental landscapes occur for and Pont Pill, all join the eastern side of the main example the remains of Hall Walk at Bodinnick and river. Close to the sea the water becomes navigable Tivoli Gardens at Lerryn and exotic ornamental forming an important deep water harbour. planting is a feature of some waters edges and settlements. Fowey is Cornish for river of beech The ria system is tidal with daily changes along trees however these are more characteristic further the waters edges where low tide reveals areas of upstream in the Bodmin Moor section of the AONB intertidal mudbanks. The broad estuary opens out to and it is on the heart of this moor that the river the sea through a coastline of low silvery slate cliffs originally rises.

150 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 151 In places the silting up of the upper parts of creeks with the water that is central to its character. Closely by mine waste has made them unnavigable and packed three storey buildings flank the narrow streets has generated new semi natural tidal habitats such of the medieval core. In the southern part of the town as silt and mud banks and the coast is fringed by a significant presence of 19th and early 20th century rough ground and scrub. ordered terraces ascend the slopes giving a more formal character. The towers of the Church and Place Castle Dore on the ridge top above Golant is a house form landmarks and in places the canopies well preserved example of Iron Age defensive of large ornamental trees rise above the buildings. earthworks reputedly linked with the early kings of Bodinnick and Polruan face Fowey across the water Cornwall. It was occupied between the fourth and their tightly tiered randomly orientated settlement first centuries BC and rebuilt around 50AD after the pattern equally driven by the steepness of the slopes. Roman Invasion of Britain. In medieval times Fowey Further inland hamlets such as Lerryn and Penpol was the most important port in Cornwall. At Fowey have established at the heads of formerly navigable and Polruan there are late medieval blockhouses creeks and Golant and St Winnow with their typical Shellfish farming takes place in the estuary. The Ria coast through rocky coombes where they cascade built to defend the sheltered estuary moorings and medieval churches and Mixtow lie alongside the is well used for leisure sailing and moorings and is onto the rocky shore as at West Combe, East overlooking the mouth of the estuary is the landmark riverbanks. The rural settlement pattern away from busy with commercial activity from small local fishing Coombe, Porthallow and Portnadler. St Catherine’s Castle built by Henry VIII as an the waters edge is typified by scattered mostly boats to large ships using the china clay docks artillery fort similar to those at Pendennis and St isolated dwellings and farms with occasional small upriver from Fowey. Busy ferries criss-cross tirelessly The agricultural land is in parts intensively managed Mawes. The Tristan Stone, a seven foot high menhir, hamlets such as St Veep and Lanteglos Highway back and forth carrying passengers between Fowey with a mix of arable and pastoral uses lending texture stands by the B3415 outside Fowey with its latin high on the ridges. The small coastal hamlet of and Polruan and upstream also carrying vehicles and variety to the landscape. Straight sided large inscription Drustans hic iacet Cunomri filius. Polkerris faces westward across St Austell Bay. between Fowey and Bodinnick. Occasional visiting fields close to the coast indicate recent enclosure It is associated with the legends of Tristan and Isolde. The main building material is killas reflecting the cruise ships dwarf the nearby houses. from rough ground whilst further inland despite some Historic limekilns are found at Fowey, Pont Pill and local geology but a wide range of finishes and recent removals of Cornish hedges for agricultural Lerryn and historic quays occur along the river materials are used. Slate is the main roofing material. The coast around Polperro efficiencies there are still many irregular medium banks, many old and disused due to the silting up sized fields indicating earlier medieval enclosure. of previously navigable creeks and waterways. Through roads follow ridge lines and higher ground The strongly bevelled cliffs with steep slopes form The network of mostly sparsely vegetated slate At Polruan are the ruins of an 8th century church and around the boundary of the AONB. Local through an even coastline whose few small headlands built Cornish hedges form a distinct pattern in the atop Gribbin Head a prominent beacon emphasises roads link bridging points at Penpol and Lerryn where such as Pencarrow Head and Downend Point give landscape emphasized by the intervening differing this landmark headland. The annual Daphne du a medieval bridge crosses the head of the creek. definition to the majestic Lantic, Lantivet, Talland uses of the fields. Some hedges do however support Maurier literary festival celebrates the area’s strong Access to much of the AONB is limited to the few and Portnadler Bays. At low tide the rocky shelving taller vegetation such as windswept thorns but there associations with this author both as inspiration small lanes and tracks that descend precipitously shoreline displays grey, green and brown slates is little survival of the previously ubiquitous elm for her works and for her former residences at steep slopes to end at or before the river barrier. interspersed with small coves and occasional shelterbelts. Trees on the plateau are mostly found Ferryside overlooking Bodinnick, a former coach The southern end of the coast to coast Saints Way patches of sand which are mostly accessible only in association with farms and other dwellings. house above Readymoney Cove and the Beach trail ends at Fowey having started at Padstow on by boat or by a challenging steep scramble. The However generally this is a landscape with few trees House at Polridmouth Cove. Grahame Green the north coast. This was once a route for monks exception being the small beach at Talland Sand especially close to the open exposed coast. author of the Wind in the Willows also has strong and pilgrims from Wales and Ireland cutting out the which is readily accessible by the road at its rear. associations with Fowey and Lerryn. dangerous sea voyage around lands end. A freight This mostly very restricted access has helped the It is along the coast and stream valleys where nature rail line primarily serving the china clay industry majority of this stretch of coast remain particularly has its strongest presence in this otherwise well Fowey is a linear town fronting directly onto the follows the western side of the river ending at the unspoilt. Behind these cliffs, well rounded rolling managed landscape. Unbroken and sometimes waterfront for over a mile including the historic town commercial jetties which are concealed just upstream slopes are incised by a network of numerous winding extensive rough ground clothes the coastal slopes. quay and wharves creating a strong relationship from Fowey by a natural bend in the river . small valleys with local streams that emerge at the The steep sided winding local stream valleys inland

152 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 153 Management Condition

• The National Trust manages significant areas of land around • Some recent development at Fowey, the Fowey Ria and along the coast, for example around Polruan and Polperro has extended Polperro and Trethill. Pony grazing of coastal rough ground is outside characteristic settlement patterns. used in places to control scrub. • Some public realm and traffic • St Sampson, Lansallos, Lanlivery and Lanteglos Parish Plans management works in Fowey lack and Fowey Town Plan have been prepared. sensitivity to local character.

• The Fowey Estuary Partnership (FEP) was set up in 1997 to • Par docks and its associated derelict meet the need for holistic management of the estuary, balancing infrastructure is visually intrusive on the the needs of tourism, commerce and leisure interests. setting of the AONB.

• The Fowey Estuary Management Plan represents the FEP’s • Native broadleaved woodlands of the vision for the management of the estuary. It is a non-statutory Fowey Ria are largely unmanaged. document developed through extensive consultation and community involvement and contains guidelines to inform, • Many ancient broadleaved woodland advise and guide current and future management of the estuary. sites have been planted with conifers thereby fragmenting habitat continuity. • The Fowey Estuary Voluntary Marine Conservation Area (VMCA) was conceived in 1997 by the Fowey Estuary • Unmanaged regeneration of scrub and provide some degree of shelter combined with old fish processing house. The place of smuggling Partnership and includes many of the important habitats in the woodland in coastal valleys between unintensive use allowing rough scrubby growth to in Polperro’s history is reflected in the words of the upper reaches of the estuary. Polruan and Portlooe has allowed in develop clothing the side slopes. Along valley bottoms famous Methodist preacher John Wesley’s remark places the establishment of non-native ribbons of developing woodland in combination with after visiting Polperro in 1762 “An accursed thing • The Estuary Partnership is the lead by the Fowey Harbour species. wetland habitats provide wildlife corridors. The slopes amongst them: well nigh one and all bought or sold Commissioners and brings together an advisory group of the coastal valley that embraces Polperro is clothed uncustomed goods.” representing a number of regulatory bodies, non-governmental • Significant removal of Cornish in establishing rough ground and mixed deciduous organisations and interested parties and offers a basis for hedges has taken place in agricultural woodland reinforcing a sense of seclusion and shelter. Apart from Polperro this is a sparsely settled voluntary co-operation. improvement. landscape remarkably free of prominent man made Polperro is the only substantial settlement. structures or features. The clustered farms and • Friends of Fowey Estuary was formed in 1999 to provide • In parts of this section there was The slate clad tightly packed cottages of this 13th isolated dwellings are linked by small enclosed lanes a focus for voluntary activities for the conservation of the significant loss to disease of hedgerow century fishing village crowd along the narrow between the substantial Cornish hedges forming estuary. They are on the advisory group to the Fowey Estuary elm trees with impact on habitat streets in the valley leading down to the sheltered a network that winds through the farmland mostly Management Plan. connectivity and landscape character. historic fishing harbour. The widespread use of avoiding the steep sided local valleys and only local slate in buildings lends great visual unity. occasionally dipping to cross small streams. • Fowey is home to spectacular annual celebrations such as, A museum of fishing and smuggling is housed in the the Du Maurier Festival of Arts and Litera-ture in May and the Fowey Royal Regatta in August.

• Cornwall Biodiversity Initiative aims include the ‘Coast To Coast’ linking of native broadleaved woodland and other river valley habitats from Fowey to the Camel estuary via the periphery of Bodmin Moor.

154 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 155 South Coast Eastern Guiding Principles

It is intended that these local guiding principles will proposals for the redevelopment of Par Docks for Plan and to support the continuation of the Fowey balanced with equal or greater productive woodland support the actions of the AONB Partnership and management initiatives within the AONB and green Voluntary Marine Conservation Area. creation using appropriate sites elsewhere using other stakeholders and that their actions will be infrastructure links with the Cornwall AONB. species and design that have regard to landscape informed by them. Note: Some local issues may be GP10.7 Support communication of the implications character. addressed by strategic policies. GP10.4 Support the consideration of landscape and of the Shoreline Management Plan to creekside visual impacts around the Fowey Ria, harbour and and coastal communities within this section such as GP010.11 Encourage in the context of a wider GP10.1 Seek reduction in landscape and visual creeks of increasing or changing patterns of water Lerryn and Golant in order to open an early dialogue landscape scale approach the establishment and impacts and better integration at holiday sites, based access, leisure and commercial activity and about sea level rise and coastal change. extension of Sessile Oak woodlands at the Fowey visitor infrastructure, car parks and signage. Have related infrastructure such as moorings, jetties, Ria and local valleys at Polridmouth, West and regard to the increase in scale, massing, associated car parks and yards. GP10.8 Support the cultural heritage around the East Coombe, Polperro, Porthallow and Portlooe. development and respecting local character in Fowey and particularly its literary heritage including Consider opportunities for planting of local external works, landscaping, site design and layout GP10.5 Support the further development of the continued success of the Daphne du Maurier provenance native tree species such as Sessile Oak, at Polruan and around Polperro. sustainable water based travel, integrated with Festival of Arts and Literature. Hazel and Alder to act as a future seed source for initiatives in South Coast Central AONB section that native woodland establishment where this is currently GP10.2 Support local employment and affordable build on the existing ferry links between Fowey and GP10.9 Encourage the productive management absent or sparse to assist appropriate subsequent housing in settlements with access to local services Bodinnick and Fowey and Polruan. of broadleaved woodlands around the Fal Ria in natural regeneration. such as Fowey and Polperro provided that this a manner that is consistent with conserving and wholeheartedly respects the locally characteristic GP10.6 Support the work of the Fowey Estuary enhancing local landscape character and biodiversity. GP010.12 Encourage the management of hedges settlement pattern and vernacular in design and use Partnership in its aim to stimulate an appropriate to allow elm and other hedge tree regeneration of materials. balance between competing demands placed on GP10.10 Encourage the replacement of conifer or, where appropriate, planting of native or locally the Fowey estuary through shared information, co- plantations on Plantation on Ancient Woodland naturalised tree species on hedges in order to restore GP10.3 Seek Community Infrastructure Levies operation and action, including seeking opportunities Sites (PAWS) to allow re-establishment of Sessile landscape character following the impacts of elm and developer contributions from an early stage of to implement the Fowey Estuary Management Oak woodland. Where this is achieved by felling disease including raising awareness that such local of productive conifer plantations this should be hedges were previously considerably more treed.

156 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 157 The Cornwall AONB

Parish boundaries & names 11 Rame Head

Location

Rame Head is the headland peninsula at the mouth pastures and changing crops on arable fields Plymouth of Plymouth Sound on the Cornwall side, taking in adds seasonal variation in colour and texture. Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park, Penlee The hedges are low and clothed in rough vegetation Point and Rame Head. with occasional windswept scrubby trees and bushes.

The Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park with its large historic house, numerous outbuildings, Sennen Extent deer park and extensive ornamental landscapes Milbrook Approximately 800 hectares or just over 3 square with many ridge top mature trees occupies a miles, forming just under 1% of the Cornwall AONB. significant proportion of the AONB and its coastline. Maker- Outside of the managed landscape of Mount with- Edgcumbe the steeply sloping cliffs gain a rugged Rame Statement of Significance wildness from their mixed heathland and rough vegetation and whilst the agricultural landscape Known as ‘Cornwall’s forgotten corner’, the area’s of the inland ridge is almost without trees there rocky shore is punctuated by popular sandy is woodland at the comparatively sheltered coast beaches at Kingsand and Cawsand and the between Cawsand and Penlee Point. surrounding steeply sloping cliffs blend with a ridge that stretches far inland. The distinctive rounded Geologically there is considerable interest here. landmark of Rame Head is almost severed from the The beach at Cawsand is formed of rhyolite, main peninsula by the steep slopes of a winding the only know surviving remains of the volcanic narrow valley at its rear. material that erupted above Cornwall’s intruded granites some 270 to 290 million years ago and the From the exposed cliffs, the ridge top and Rame red sandstone further north is the only evidence in Head, the panoramic views take in the coast, Cornwall of the ensuing desert conditions. the busy shipping lanes of the English Channel, the complex of estuarial features of the Tamar Valley The only significant concentration of settlement is and the vast urban expanse of the city of Plymouth at Kingsand and Cawsand. The two villages are with its cranes and naval shipyards seen across the surrounded by mature trees and separated only by broad waters of Plymouth Sound. By contrast the a small headland on which sits Cawsand Fort, built valley behind Rame Head is sheltered and in parts of stone in the 1860s and recently converted to secluded providing at the coast an intimate and flats. These typical small fishing villages are tightly enclosed setting for Cawsand. clustered around the two beaches that still provide landing points for small craft adding vitality and The sense of open exposure at Penlee Point is interest. The buildings are varied in form but united exaggerated by large rectilinear fields on land by their tight relationship to the narrow streets that recently enclosed from former coastal rough ground. run at right angles away from the sea. Kingsand is Elsewhere the medium sized irregular fields of the larger of the two villages. The variety of building medieval origin are interspersed with some that materials reflect the varied local geology including have been recently enlarged by hedge removal for rhyolite (a purple volcanic stone), red sandstone, agricultural improvements. The mixture of green and slatestone along with slate hanging, painted

158 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 159 Management Condition

• Maker with Rame Parish Plan has been prepared. • Some modern buildings are not sympathetic to the character of Kingsand and Cawsand. • The 800 acre Mount Edgcumbe estate is jointly owned and managed by Cornwall Council and • The design of Kingsand and Cawsand public car Plymouth City Council. parks could be more sympathetic to their setting.

• The business plan for Mount Edgcumbe includes • The narrow streets of Kingsand and Cawsand in expansion of employment, facilities and increased particular can become congested with visitor’s cars. visitor numbers.

• Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) now also covers • Small and narrow roads around the Rame some parkland grassland and historic features in the peninsula can become congested by visitors Mount Edgcumbe estate. arriving by car.

• The ‘Joint Committee’ guides management of some • Overhead wirescape is intrusive for example in non Mount Edgcumbe estate areas including for Kingsand and Cawsand. example Rame Head car park. • Much of the AONB and the South West Coast • The Plymouth Green Infrastructure Strategy includes Path is in the Mount Edgcumbe Estate and hence access to Mount Edgcumbe and the Rame Peninsula. is well maintained.

• The Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum is the • Some coastal rough ground is subject to estuary management partnership which coordinates increasing scrub encroachment. all activities on the water and promotes integrated management through the agreed Management Plan. • Removal of Cornish hedges for agricultural efficiency has fragmented some wildlife corridors render and some brick. A prominent feature in by sparse settlement of farms and cottages linked • The Tamar Ferry and Reconnecting Rame were and the pattern of the landscape. both villages is the many local stone rubble built by mostly small winding rural roads. proposed as initiatives toward seeking improved boundary walls. Until boundary changes in 1844 transport links for the peninsula. Kingsand was in Devon however Cawsand was The conical form of Rame Head, with its medieval • In parts of this section there was significant loss always in Cornwall. A small stream marked the chapel on top, forms a prominent landmark with • Pony grazing of coastal rough ground is used in to disease of hedgerow elm trees with impact on border. Rame is a small hamlet. The Country House a widely visible and distinctive silhouette. places to control scrub. habitat connectivity and landscape character. and outbuildings of Mount Edgcumbe dominate The strategic position of Rame Head overlooking the north of this section of the Cornwall AONB. Plymouth sound is evidenced by the frequency • Biodiversity Action Plan targets include habitat Elsewhere this otherwise quiet landscape is typified of visible military fortifications in particular enhancement for farm birds and all of the coast. from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. • The waters of Plymouth Sound and Estuaries is designated as a European Marine Site being both a Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area. The designation protects the key marine habitats including the large shallow inlets and bays, estuaries and sandbanks covered by seawater all the time as well as much of the wildlife that the area supports.

160 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 161 Rame Head Guiding Principles

It is intended that these local guiding principles will building on its location at the mouth of the Tamar GP11.5 Support local community aspirations for GP11.8 Support through a landscape scale support the actions of the AONB Partnership and Estuary, particularly seeking opportunities to undergrounding of overhead cables in villages such approach the appropriate management, other stakeholders and that their actions will be develop sustainable water transport and should as at Kingsand and Cawsand in order to reduce extension and linking of locally characteristic informed by them. Note: Some local issues may be consider landscape and visual impacts and be visual clutter. habitats. These include coastal heathland, addressed by strategic policies. designed and implemented in a manner that farm hedges, parkland and broadleaved native conserves and enhances the AONB. GP11.6 Support the celebration and interpretation inland and coastal woodland. GP11.1 Support local employment and affordable of the extensive and wide ranging military history housing development in settlements with access to GP11.3 Support improvement of non car access of this area in ways which aid awareness and GP011.9 Encourage the management of hedges employment and local services, such as Kingsand between settlements and the South West Coast understanding of the role of the Rame Peninsula as to allow elm and other hedge tree regeneration and Cawsand, provided that by location and design Path. a fortification at the mouth of the Tamar but do not or, where appropriate, planting of native or this fully respects historic settlement pattern, local erode the tranquillity of the area. locally naturalised tree species on hedges in vernacular in design and use of materials and GP11.4 Support measures to increase visitor order to restore landscape character following conserves and enhances the AONB. numbers and employment opportunities at the GP11.7 Support the integrated management the impacts of Dutch Elm disease, including Mount Edgcumbe Estate provided that the character and partnership action of the Tamar Estuaries raising awareness that such local hedges were GP11.2 Support the development of innovative of the Rame Peninsula is conserved and enhanced Consultative Forum in ensuring long term previously considerably more treed. sustainable transport links to and from the Rame and its environment protected. sustainability in the management of the waters Peninsula. This should include car free options of Plymouth Sound and the Tamar Estuaries.

162 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 163 The Cornwall AONB

Parish boundaries & names 12 Bodmin Moor

Location

This AONB Section includes the open and enclosed Lynher, Inny and Camel flow outward in all directions St Clether moorland that spans the A30 between Fivelanes and to eventually meet the distant sea at both the north Preeze Cross. It extends to Davidstow Moor in the and south coasts. The River Fowey which rises in north, Upton Cross in the east, St Neot in the south the centre of the Moor gave Bodmin Moor its former and Tresarrett in the west. name of ‘Fowey Moor’.

Despite its relatively small size when compared Extent to the other South West uplands of Exmoor and Altarnum Dartmoor, the bleak sweeping landforms create an Approximately 21,000 hectares or 80 square miles impression of endless empty vastness and huge St Breward covering over a fifth (21%) of the Cornwall AONB. scale in complete contrast with the intimacy of the This is the largest single section of the Cornwall AONB. surrounding lower valleys. Extensive, unenclosed high moorland is grazed by hardy weather-beaten Lewannick cattle, sheep and ponies according to historic laws Statement of Significance governing common land. This grazing plays an Blisland essential role in controlling scrub thereby maintaining An underlying granite intrusion through the the distinctive openness of this landscape. In parts surrounding softer killas rock has formed this gently the moor has never been enclosed. In other areas, Linkinhorn St Cleer undulating elevated moorland plateau. The imposing past efforts at enclosure are long abandoned leaving enigmatic vestiges of past attempts to tame the St Neot summits of Brown Willy and the adjacent slightly lower Roughtor are the highest points of land in land. Edging the open moorland, larger fields show Cardinham Cornwall, their impression of wild remoteness enduring recent enclosure whilst nestling in sheltered emphasized by the absence of man made structures. folds at lower levels anciently enclosed farmland is recognisable by its smaller fields with irregular Warleggan These and many other ‘tors’ have ragged crests of dramatically eroded granite creating a distinctive boundaries. This long historic process of attempts to horizon recognisable from afar. The naturally formed tame the open moor has created a fascinating texture ‘Cheesering’ has given its name to an internationally of intermingling pockets of commons and enclosures recognised geological category of tor and is an oft that distinguishes Bodmin Moor from most other used iconic image of moorland Cornwall. Bodmin upland landscapes. Almost all enclosed fields are Moor is one of the best places in Cornwall to escape semi-improved pasture for livestock grazing and the intrusions of the 20th Century. there is little arable farmland.

This is part of the central watershed for Cornwall Cornish hedges and retaining banks are constructed and many small streams and rivers drain the gentle of the ubiquitous ever-present weathered local slopes in all directions through shallow valleys granite taken directly from the surface of the moor. toward the edges of the moor. On reaching the High up the hedges are often of bare stone, at most softer surrounding killas rock water courses steepen supporting just a sparse turf topping or maybe a markedly in now incised valleys and picturesque few gnarled and wind sculpted hawthorns, whilst at cascades and low waterfalls abound. Golitha Falls is lower sheltered locations they support dense walls an exceptional example, drawing visitors from far and of mature Beech and native broadleaved trees such wide. The resulting rivers such as the Fowey, Tiddy, as Sessile Oak and Hazel.

164 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 165 The deep river valleys around the edges of the moor where the wild roughness of the moor has lower down however there is a widespread network • Part of the moor is designated a World Heritage support luxuriant broadleaved woodland adding to reclaimed these human attempts at domestication. of small winding lanes. These are open and Site for Mining. the enclosed intimacy of these locations. Stately Significant numbers of surviving holy wells and characteristically unenclosed as they cross open mature Beech trees are especially characteristic stone crosses are poignant reminders of the moorland, but enclosed and secluded amongst the • Most of the moorland area is designated as of the Fowey valley (Fowey means ‘River of enduring importance of religion in the history of lower lying land and valleys. Cornwall’s main road Open Access land under the CROW Act 2000. Beech Trees’ in Cornish). Isolated modern conifer Bodmin Moor’s communities. Some of the older the A30 crosses the centre of the moor serving plantations however add a dark and sombre contrast granite quarries make a positive contribution to the modern travellers as it follows the line of an ancient • The ‘Vision for Bodmin Moor’ seeks to establish a to the open moorland. Gorse and bracken add to the landscape for example at Carbilly Tor and Bearah prehistoric ridgeway. plan basis for shared agreement between agencies roughness of the unimproved acid grassland of some Tor, and particularly the historic stone finger dumps. and with the land owners and commoners regarding commons whilst at the heads of streams on higher Partially flooded china clay workings occur at Lower management of habitats and historic landscapes ground between hills poor drainage and substantial Hawkstor, Parson’s Pit, and Stannon Pit where this Management of unenclosed land within the moorland line only. rainfall create a rich and interesting patchwork of product of weathered granite has been found close This could potentially then be used as a basis for fens, wetlands, quaking bogs and other valuable to the surface. Prominent engine houses and mining • Open moorland access is generally subject to guiding agri-environmental schemes and other habitats emphasising the sense of remote exposure. structures especially in the South East of the moor management under the Commons system. relevant activities. Most of the north of the moor is designated a Site of near Caradon Hill and the Minions are a reminder Special Scientific Interest - the largest single area so of Cornwall’s and Bodmin Moor’s once great mining • Land owners and commoners are seeking • The Caradon Hill Project seeks to work with the designated in Cornwall. industry. The bleak central hamlet of Bolventor to establish a formally and legally constituted community including schools, local farmers and (named after a ‘Bold Venture’ to recover tin from Commoners Council for Bodmin Moor. commoners to conserve the natural and historic Bodmin Moor is remarkable for the survival of moorland streams) is home to the Jamaica Inn landscape through an inclusive programme of extensive visible remains of historic landscapes made world famous by Daphne du Maurier. • The Bodmin Moor Parishes Network’s objectives minor works, education, training and helping foster giving a tangible perception of a deep and continuous include: To regenerate a stronger economy; To foster community-pride in their landscape. history of occupation stretching far back in time. With the tough exposed conditions it is not and promote the vitality and viability of the area; Identifiable remains range from early Neolithic tor surprising that this is the most sparsely settled To generate support for sustainable social, • The Bodmin Moor Livestock Initiative will run until enclosures, bronze age roundhouse settlements landscape in the Cornwall AONB – especially so recreational and environmental initiatives; To bring 2013 and is a Partnership project aimed at improving and fields systems and from the same period often high on the moor where only lonely farmsteads together all the relevant organizations and individuals take up of Axis 1 of RDPE funding to improve the in separate locations ceremonial features such occur often huddled below hill tops to take to work in partnership; To act as the consultative competitiveness of the livestock sector. as barrows and standing stone circles such as advantage of any available shelter. By contrast body for the economic, social and environmental the Hurlers of which the historian William Camden around the fringes of the moor clusters of farms regeneration of the area. • Cornwall Biodiversity Initiative (CBI) plans include wrote in 1610: ‘The neighbouring inhabitants term and houses hug the slopes or exploit sheltered enhancing native broadleaved wooded river valley them Hurlers, as being by devout and godly error hollows. Some of the occasional nucleated • Parish Plans exist for: St Neot, St Breward, Blisland, corridors for example those of the Fowey and the persuaded that they had been men sometime villages are named after Saints – for example St Cleer and Linkinhorne. Camel and other rivers that rise on or frame Bodmin transformed into stones, for profaning the Lord’s Day St Breward, St Neot and St Cleer indicating their Moor. The ‘Vision for Bodmin Moor’ (referred to with hurling the ball’.The distinctive clitter slopes medieval churchtown origins. Buildings, often • The National Trust owns land at Roughtor. above) is also supported by CBI. that surround the tors were formed by the shattering including substantial stone chimneys, are typically effect of summer thaws during the last ice age and constructed of local granite and in exposed • Active quarrying operations are controlled under • Some conifer plantations are approaching maturity this ancient geological landscape has survived ever locations are weathered to appear as if grown from the terms of updated planning conditions approved and will be subject to applications or felling. since, adding to the moor’s timeless qualities. the bedrock itself. Slate is used on roofs and hung under the Review of Mineral Planning Permissions. on walls for weather protection. Quarrying under existing planning permissions at Abandoned medieval settlements and their Parsons Park Pit, Stannon Pit (china clay) and Tor associated vestiges of long abandoned fields There are no tracks and few footpaths across the Down Quarry (granite) cannot be resumed following systems and Cornish hedges are still discernable open moor emphasising its remoteness. Elsewhere the making of Prohibition Orders

166 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 167 Bodmin Moor Condition Guiding Principles

• Large scale china clay extraction operations It is intended that these local guiding principles at Parson’s Park Pit and adjacent to the will support the actions of the AONB Partnership AONB at Stannon Pit have ceased in recent and other stakeholders and that their actions will years and plant and machinery have been be informed by them. Note: Some local issues removed and parts of the sites restored. may be addressed by strategic policies.

• Visitor numbers have led to ground and path GP12.1 Support proposals for the establishment erosion at popular locations such as Golitha of a Commons Council as a basis for co-ordinated falls and the Minions. management of the commons and resolution of commons issues. • Some historic mining structures remain unstabilised such as the two engine houses GP12.2 Support the extension of the Bodmin at Sharptor and other remains as at Wheal Moor Parishes Network and the development of Bray and Phoenix. the role of the Network in the conservation and enhancement of the AONB. • Some aspects of the A30 are visually intrusive on their moorland setting for GP12.3 Support through a landscape scale example in the use of coloured road marking, approach the integrated management of natural, signage, and detailing. historic and geologically significant landscapes across the moor with the full involvement of • Previous headage based agri-environmental commoners, farmers and landowners through payments led to some over grazing — but this appropriate networks and seek to achieve is now largely under control. consensus on long term management objectives.

• Broadleaved woodlands in Valleys are GP12.4 Support the provision of affordable largely unmanaged. housing to meet identified local need provided that this maintains the distinctive local settlement • Some old hedges are deteriorating from pattern and that this respects local vernacular in long term lack of maintenance leading in design and use of materials and conserves and places to the erecting of barbed wire fencing enhances the natural beauty of the AONB. alongside. GP12.5 Assess the landscape, visual and • Some existing conifer plantations are cumulative impact of tall structures including visually intrusive due to their design and future proposals for farm scale, community and location. commercial wind turbines on Bodmin Moor and its setting, within the context of the evidence base including the emerging Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Supplementary Planning Document. Those proposals which have an adverse impact on the natural beauty of the moor would not be supported.

168 Cornwall AONB management Plan 169 GP12.6 Seek improved restoration of China Clay GP12.10 Support a mutually acceptable workings at Lower Hawkstor, Parson’s Pit, and approach to pro-active management of access Stannon Pit in keeping with the local landform, on open access land, with the full involvement of soils and vegetation communities of their moorland landowners, commoners, moor users, Cornwall setting. Support further measures to protect and Council and other public bodies to ensure a long enhance environmental quality when existing term strategy for integrated access management, quarrying permissions are reviewed. built upon consensus.

GP12.7 Support measures to better integrate the GP12.11 Back balanced projects that combine A30 with its wider moorland setting for example, supporting and enabling the community, vegetation consistent with moorland habitats, schools, landowners, commoners and farmers in native rock exposures, local style Cornish hedges, conserving the natural and historic landscape, unenclosed boundaries, appropriate use of local with providing education and training and that granite, the retention of current positive rural seek conservation of significant historic features aspects such as unlit sections and the reduction such as mining structures at Sharptor, Wheal Bray to the minimum necessary of highway signage, and Phoenix. lighting and markings. GP12.12 Seek reduction in the visual impact GP12.8 Seek conservation and enhancement of existing conifer plantations for example at of the character of the small scale rural road Priddacombe, Hawkstor, Bolventor Halvana, network through the use of local stone and local Smallacoombe and Roughtor consistent with styles in the maintenance and repair of roadside established best practice. Seek opportunities for hedges, retention of characteristically unenclosed this to be achieved by restoration to open habitats moorland lanes, utilizing locally characteristic soft after productive felling balanced with greater passing places and banks for traffic management productive woodland creation at appropriate and avoiding hard engineering works and excess local sites in order to conserve and enhance signage for example at Lady Down and Manor the open moorland landscape and also Common. protect the economic resource.

GP12.9 Seek improved integration into the landscape of existing visitor facilities and car parks such as at Golitha Falls, Minions and Roughtor Road in order to reduce their existing landscape and visual impacts.

170 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 171 The Cornwall AONB Partnership Photography

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172 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016 173 175 Contact information Cornwall AONB Unit Par Building, Treyew Road Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3AY Tel: 01872 322350 Fax: 01872 323840 Email: [email protected] Web: www.cornwall-aonb.gov.uk

176 Cornwall AONB management Plan 2011 - 2016