Cornwall is not just a popular holiday destination; it’s also home to some of the UK’s most beautiful and diverse natural landscapes.
From rugged coastlines to rolling hills, and from ancient woodlands to pristine beaches, Cornwall’s natural beauty is a sight to behold. But preserving this natural wonder requires the conservation of important habitats and ecosystems, which is why there are numerous nature reserves and conservation areas throughout Cornwall. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the top 20 nature reserves and conservation areas in Cornwall, so you can discover and explore the incredible natural beauty of this stunning county.
Gwithian Towans Nature Reserve
This reserve is home to a diverse range of habitats, including sand dunes, wetlands, and grasslands. It’s also an important site for birdwatching, with a variety of resident and migratory bird species.
The Lizard National Nature Reserve
Located on the southernmost point of mainland Britain, this reserve is home to rare plant species, as well as a variety of seabirds, dolphins, and seals.
Tehidy Country Park
This 250-acre park is home to ancient woodlands, picturesque lakes, and a variety of wildlife, including otters, badgers, and kingfishers.
Siblyback Lake Country Park
This park is home to a large lake and a variety of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. It’s also a popular spot for fishing and water sports.
Godolphin Hill
This historic estate is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds of prey, butterflies, and rare plant species.
Hayle Estuary RSPB Reserve
This estuary is an important site for birdwatching, with a variety of resident and migratory bird species, including the UK’s largest population of overwintering waders.
Penrose Estate
This estate is home to a variety of habitats, including ancient woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands. It’s also a popular spot for hiking and cycling.
Marazion Marsh RSPB Reserve
This reserve is home to a variety of bird species, including bitterns, egrets, and harriers, as well as rare plant species.
Kennack Sands to Coverack
This stretch of coastline is home to a variety of habitats, including sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and heathland. It’s also an important site for birdwatching, with a variety of seabirds and migratory species.
Polzeath to Port Quin
This stretch of coastline is home to a variety of habitats, including sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and grasslands. It’s also an important site for birdwatching, with a variety of seabirds and migratory species.
Porth Joke to Holywell Bay
This stretch of coastline is home to a variety of habitats, including sand dunes, rocky cliffs, and grasslands. It’s also an important site for birdwatching, with a variety of resident and migratory bird species.
St. Agnes Beacon
This historic site is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare plant species and birds of prey. It’s also a popular spot for hiking and picnicking.
Tamar Lakes
These lakes are home to a variety of habitats, including wetlands, woodlands, and meadows. They’re also a popular spot for fishing and water sports.
Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust
This group of islands is home to a variety of habitats, including sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and heathland. It’s also an important site for birdwatching, with a variety of resident and migratory species to observe, including puffins, razorbills, and gannets. The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust works to protect and conserve the local wildlife and their habitats, as well as to educate visitors about the importance of conservation.
Bodmin Moor
Bodmin Moor is a vast, open expanse of heathland and moorland that offers a unique and rugged landscape. It’s home to a variety of wildlife, including ponies, bats, and birds of prey. The area is also rich in history, with a variety of ancient monuments and sites to explore, including stone circles, burial chambers, and standing stones.
Helford Voluntary Marine Conservation Area
The Helford River is a beautiful and important estuary that’s home to a variety of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and a variety of fish and shellfish. The Helford Voluntary Marine Conservation Area works to protect and conserve the local marine life and their habitats, as well as to promote sustainable use of the area’s resources.
St Agnes and Gugh, Isles of Scilly
St Agnes and Gugh are two small islands off the coast of Cornwall that are home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and a variety of wildflowers. The islands are also important archaeological sites, with a variety of ancient monuments and structures to explore, including a Bronze Age burial mound and a medieval church.
Goonhilly Downs
Goonhilly Downs is a large area of heathland and grassland that’s home to a variety of wildlife, including birds of prey, bats, and reptiles. The area is also home to the Goonhilly Earth Station, a series of satellite dishes that have been used for communications since the 1960s.
Rame Head
Rame Head is a stunning headland that offers breathtaking views of the coast and the sea. It’s also an important site for birdwatching, with a variety of species to observe, including peregrine falcons and choughs. The area is also home to a variety of wildflowers, including the rare Plymouth pear.
The Lizard
The Lizard is a peninsula on the southernmost tip of Cornwall that’s home to a variety of habitats, including heathland, cliffs, and beaches. It’s also an important site for wildlife, with a variety of species to observe, including Cornish choughs, adders, and butterflies. The area is also rich in history, with a variety of ancient monuments and structures to explore, including the Lizard Lighthouse and the Marconi Wireless Station.
In conclusion, Cornwall is home to a variety of nature reserves and conservation areas that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the region’s stunning wildlife and natural habitats. From the rugged landscapes of Bodmin Moor to the stunning coastal views of Rame Head, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, pack your binoculars, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the natural beauty of Cornwall.
