National Trust take over 'vital piece' of protected land in North Cornwall
Land that borders the medieval fortress of Tintagel has been acquired by the National Trust
The National Trust's takeover of Smith's Cliff is said to add a 'vital piece in the jigsaw' for the charity - joining up 2.7 miles of land from Barras Nose to Bossiney.
The section of rugged coastline in north Cornwall borders the medieval fortress of Tintagel and is hoped to create a coastal corridor for wildlife to flourish.
They say 97 per cent of traditional meadows have been lost since the second world war - something they're working to help reverse.
Along with the 'significant benefits to nature', it's also hoped the new coastal acquisition will help improve access for local people and visitors, too, as the 55-acre piece of land can now be sustainably managed on a larger scale.
Joining up the land just north of King Arthur's Castle to Bossiney means there'll be a continuous stretch of coastal land totalling 186 managed by the National Trust, knitting together a 'coastal corridor' in a bid to help wildlife across the Duchy, and, importantly, within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It also forms a part of the Pentire-Widemouth Heritage Coast, with sections of the newly acquired land are also lying within the Tintagel Cliffs Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Tintagel-Marsland-Clovelly Special Area of Conservation (SAC) - all which recognise their national and international nature conservation importance respectively.
Mike Simmonds, the National Trust’s Lead Ranger for the area, said: “We’re working hard to bring back these vital species-rich grasslands on many parts of the north Cornwall coast, and wildlife surveys show the positive difference this kind of conservation work can make. To have the opportunity to extend these wildlife habitats at Tintagel is fantastic.
"We look forward to improving visitor access, particularly on existing footpaths and rights of way, to help local people and visitors enjoy this very special place.”
Over the coming years, the newly acquired Smith’s Cliff and adjacent clifftop grasslands, once a golf course in the 1950s, will be expertly managed for nature.
The National Trust claim this will bring benefits to local species such as the small copper butterfly, maritime plants like rock sea lavender and golden samphire, a range of birds including linnet, skylark and fulmar, and a nationally-rare black headed mining bee.
Rangers will create 'a mosaic of species-rich grasslands and wildflower meadows', while the wild nature of the steeper cliff slopes will be enhanced by sustainable grazing.
Jon Stewart, National Trust General Manager for North Cornwall, said: “It’s been widely reported that 97% of traditional meadows have been lost since the Second World War, so we’re delighted to be able to make another positive contribution to halting and hopefully reversing this decline.”
Smith's Cliff itself dates back thousands of years - with eight known archaeological sites there.
It's believed the land was occupied by humans all the way back in the Mesolithic age (9600 - 4000 BC).
On Barras Nose there is a Bronze Age barrow, and related features may well extend onto Smith’s Cliff.
It's also believed the site's preservation is similar to one of the best examples in the UK of medieval strip fields, which is also cared for by the Trust at Forrabury Stitches, a short distance along the coast at Boscastle.
At the site, the National Trust say access will be enhanced with a network of footpaths and improvements to visitor signage.
Jon added: “This acquisition is made even more special as Barras Nose was the first piece of coastal land in Cornwall and England to be acquired by subscription for the National Trust in 1897.
"As it was back then, the coast remains so important for our collective wellbeing and inspiration and the health of the wild species that call it home.
"With the essential support of people over the last 125 years, we continue to be able to care for these places on behalf of the nation.
“Bringing this remarkable section of the coastal landscape in north Cornwall into our care highlights the importance of gifts left in wills. Thanks to our supporters, this coastline will be protected for the nation forever. What an amazing way for them to leave a gift to the nation and to be remembered, as we too enjoy the sea and the cliffs they loved so much.”