Although much of the unique natural history value of The Lizard was not recognized until relatively recently, its wildlife resources are now very well protected. There are a host of designations, dedicated organisations and individuals which combine to ensure that this priceless area is best conserved.

Those of you who are regular watchers of the sky may have noticed in the last few weeks that it changed from its more traditional winter colour of battleship grey to something approaching a pleasing shade of blue. Yet, at this time of year, cometh the blue sky, cometh the smoke as farmers and conservationists alike took the opportunity of this window of dry and settled weather to burn selected patches of heathland. For those unfamiliar with the practice it appears a destructive form of habitat management, but carried out correctly it has a number of benefits for both graziers and wildlife and is regarded as one of man’s oldest land management tools, predating civilisation itself.

Volunteers on The Lizard (and elsewhere in Cornwall) have been playing their part in an innovative recycling programme established by Keep Britain Tidy and Fathom’s Free which is helping transform marine plastics into swim wear, kayaks and more.

Volunteer Ranger Matt unloading abandoned fishing net found on Poldhu beach

National Trust Images: Catherine Lee

While we can all do our bit at home and in business to reduce single-use plastics there’s still a mind boggling amount of plastic in our oceans, much of which eventually washes up on the coast. Volunteers across Cornwall work tirelessly to collect beach rubbish to help protect wildlife and keep their special places healthier and looking beautiful. Unfortunately, most of the waste collected on beaches is presently sent to landfill which is something we are working to change.
Earlier this year, Friends of Poldhu (a National Trust beach cleaning group) collected over four cubic metres of abandoned fishing net and hard plastics from Poldhu beach. With the help of the recycling programme this waste will be recycled or ‘up-cycled’ into useful plastic products. For example: the hard plastics are being repurposed into ocean recycled kayaks.
A circular economy for marine plastics is a trend that will lead the way for cleaner oceans worldwide. We are proud to be working with Rob (founder of ‘Fathoms Free’ and director of ‘Odyssey Innovation Ltd.) whose efforts have recently been recognised by the Prime Minister through a ‘Points of Light’ award.
If you want to help us collect beach rubbish join the Friends of Poldhu beach cleaning group on the first Friday of every month 10am - 11am Oct - Mar and 7pm-8pm Apr – Sept.
The Marine Conversation Society runs the Great British Beach Clean in September, check out their website for information on how you can get involved at a beach near you: https://www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch/greatbritishbeachclean
Published: Aug 2018
Author: Catherine Lee, Community and Volunteering Officer, Lizard National Trust

This is a question I’ve been asked many times since I donned the mantle of “Survey and Monitoring Trainee” at Natural England. Tom, my fellow trainee, and I find ourselves in the rather enviable position of spending three months involved in a wide and varied plethora of tasks touching upon varying aspects of the management and conservation efforts within a National Nature Reserve.

Before I moved here I was promised by anyone I discussed my impending placement with that I was relocating to one of the most beautiful locations in the country, with more wildlife and biodiversity than I could shake a stick at. I will readily admit that, one month in, I have not been disappointed. With tasks ranging from surveying marsh fritillary habitats, herding Shetland ponies, discovering new colonies of the Red Data Book Species land quillwort (Isoetes histrix), and failing to register historic ones, maintaining invisible fences, nest-watching Cornish choughs, partaking in guided woodland walks and observing barn-owl ringing we’ve got more than just a flavour of what conservation on the Lizard is all about.

Walkers passing through Carleon Cove, near Cadgwith, on the Lizard's east coast are in for a treat, thanks to the completion of a stunning new footbridge that carries the South West Coast Path over the Poltesco River.

The bridge has been designed to reflect the curved lines of a boat, and it is made in oak and larch, with stainless steel tension wires.

We knew the old bridge was near to the end of its life, so we decided to take the opportunity to do something different, to build a bridge that really did justice to this lovely place. We wanted a bridge that encouraged people to stop and linger. Most importantly, it had to be a good place to play Pooh sticks as that's always a favourite with the many school groups we bring here!

Loe Pool Forum (LPF) is a catchment based partnership concerned with water pollution in Loe Pool and the impacts of flood risk management for Helston on the natural environment downstream of the town. LPF thinks of itself as sister ship to Linking the Lizard Partner-Ship. Moored alongside in the geographical sense, but working to improve the water environment rather than the terrestrial biodiversity. To stretch the metaphor LPF even share some crew; Alastair Cameron (National Trust) and Jeremy Clitherow (Natural England) who are on the bridge of both partner-ships.

Another great year at Windmill Farm! Cornwall Wildlife Trust and the CBWPS continue to provide excellent support to the upkeep, development and regeneration of the farm back to its natural habitat. Windmill Farm is, by design and nature, a boggy environment and heavy rain can cause the footpaths to become muddy – I advise that you always have your wellies with you and if it is particularly boggy/wet you may have to refrain from certain areas of the farm. The trust and helpers try their utmost (with scarce resource) to keep all paths clear at all times but it is not always possible. A big thank you from me – as always if any of you wish to help out please look on the CWT and CBWPS websites for events/dates. Also if you have anything you wish to discuss please contact me, or either of the Boards' of the societies, as we are always happy to listen, engage and discuss.

A 14 –tonne digger and a king size dumper truck are not what you expect to encounter amidst the skylarks and meadow pipits and general blissful tranquillity of Goonhilly Downs National Nature Reserve. But a few weeks ago that is exactly what you would have found – contractors Gordy and Ky turning their skills to restoring an old trackway for the benefit of the pigmy rush (Juncus pygmaeus).