BIG appeal launches to improve nature reserve for wildlife in Cornwall
Cornwall Wildlife Trust is hoping to raise £240,000 to expand Helman's Tor near Bodmin
Last updated 19th Jun 2022
A major fundraising appeal has been launched to create more space for wildlife and nature to live in Cornwall.
The charity, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, is raising money to secure 97 acres near Bodmin to see species like beavers and butterflies thrive.
They are hoping to raise £240,000 for Creney Farm, which is surrounded by the Helman Tor nature reserve, as part of the largest nature recovery project in the Duchy.
Callum Deveney, Head of Nature Reserves at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said: "This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only increase the size of our Helman Tor nature reserve, but to ‘fill in the gap’ so we can create more space for nature.
"Bigger, better and more joined-up nature reserves give wildlife an opportunity to thrive - and that’s exactly what we’re doing here. This land purchase and the ambitious work it will lead to will be transformative for nature in Cornwall, which is crucial given so many species are in decline".
The charity is looking at the possibility of reintroducing beavers and large herbivores at Helman Tor in the future as a part of the appeal to increase biodiversity and reduce intensive management of the landscape by people who work there.
Research in 2020 showed the last 30 years experience a decline in wildlife, with nearly half of terrestrial mammals and three-fifths of butterflies found in fewer places.
The study by Cornwall Wildlife Trust also found 50% of breeding birds, such as the Buzzard and Yellowhammer, also declining in that time.
Cheryl Marriott, Head of Conservation at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said: "Nature is missing from too much of our countryside but given the chance, it can recover in the most remarkable way. With your help, we now have the chance to transform this site into a wildlife haven, providing a home for some of Cornwall’s most threatened and much-loved species.
"This is the biggest public fundraising challenge we have ever faced, but we can only make this land purchase possible with help from our supporters and people who love nature in Cornwall".
Cheryl continued: "If we’re going to hit this target of protecting 30% of Cornwall’s land by 2030, we need bigger nature reserves. We need these rich, special places for wildlife.
"But we can’t do this alone. We want to work with neighbouring farmers and other landowners in the Helman Tor area to support sustainable land management and create corridors through which wildlife can expand".
A remaining £240,000 is needed urgently through the public appeal, with a philanthropist and Cornwall Wildlife Trust supporter agreeing to match donations pound-for-pound up to £120,000.
You can contribute to the appeal and have your donation doubled on their website or contact the Trust on 01872 273939.