Wildlife trust launch appeal to buy rare heathland on the Penwith peninsula
It's hoped the purchase of the land will help restore the rare habitat, home to one of the UK's rarest bees
Last updated 20th Jun 2024
One of the world's most threatened habitats could see a major boost - if the Cornwall Wildlife Trust manage to buy more than 50 acres of land on the Penwith Peninsula.
It's hoped the purchase of land next to the Bartinney nature reserve will help restore lowland heathland.
More than 30 species of bee live at the reserve - which are hoped to see a brighter future if they manage to secure it.
One of those is the Tormentil nomad bee, which is one of the UK's rarest bees, as it has been only recorded at just 12 sites across the country.
The Cornwall Wildlife Trust have launch an appeal to fundraise the cash needed to buy the additional 53 acres of land, the possibility of which has been called by them to have stirred a real 'buzz' for nature lovers.
Callum Deveney, Head of Nature Reserves at Cornwall Wildlife Trust said: “Bartinney is a special place. The colours of the heathers and gorse can be breath-taking, and on a clear day you see the Isles of Scilly.
"The opportunity to increase its size and restore lowland heathland is incredibly exciting! In the UK, this globally rare habitat is sadly restricted to parts of Cornwall and a few other locations. Adding this land would be a huge win for wildlife, including pollinators and butterflies.”
Lowland heathland is characterised by dwarf shrubs, such as heathers, bilberry, and gorses, providing a spectacular display of colours, particularly in late summer when the purples and blues of heathers are in full bloom.
The type of land is rarer than the tropical rainforests, with the UK losing more than 85% of its lowland heathland in the past two centuries alone.
If Cornwall Wildlife Trust can buy the land, the charity say they will be able to transform it from a nature-poor state into vibrant lowland heathland, benefiting not just the pollinators, but also adders and nightjars.
The purchase of the land is also said to play a big role in Cornwall's nature targets.
By 2030, the county is hoping to meet the international target of ensuring 30% of its land, rivers and seas are managed for nature.
Having secured a pledge of £85,000 from a major funder, the charity is now hoping the public will help match this amount with an additional £85,000 to secure the land.
Callum continued: “People in Cornwall seem to really appreciate the beautiful wild landscapes and wildlife we have here. We were so grateful to the public for getting behind our appeal to purchase Creney Farm in mid-Cornwall last year, and we hope they will do the same again.
"The scale of the crisis facing nature is enormous, so protecting and restoring rare habitats is vital if we’re to avoid catastrophe.”
You can find out more about the fundraiser here.