Ancient Moor Becomes Wildlife Haven

An expansive tract of over 1,100 hectares of moorland in Cornwall has officially been designated a National Nature Reserve. This significant conservation effort, focused on the Mid Cornwall Moors near St Austell, aims to protect and restore a rich tapestry of natural habitats.

The newly protected area boasts diverse ecosystems, including wet woodlands, heaths, and bogs. These environments are crucial havens for several rare species, such as willow tits, sphagnum moss, butterfly orchids, royal fern, Cornish moneywort, and the round-leaved sundew.

This designation marks the Mid Cornwall Moors as the 14th site in a series of National Nature Reserves established under the King's initiative, with a goal of designating 25 new protected areas by 2028. Natural England highlighted the move as a recognition of the landscape's deep natural and cultural heritage, which includes historical tin streaming and Iron Age sites like Castle an Dinas.

Conservation efforts are a collaborative venture, involving Natural England, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Cornwall Heritage Trust, the Gaia Trust, and Imerys. The reserve also encompasses land already designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Authorities anticipate that the reserve will enhance public access to nature, create educational and recreational opportunities, and support the local economy.