A Guide to the County of Cornwall, Naturally
Cornwall is a fairly small county on the tip of southwest England, and surprisingly one of its less affluent as one of the only incomes these days is tourism. This has led to an influx of empty second-homes.
If out walking, always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. If at the coast, read about how to keep dogs safe by the seaside.
Plastic-free Penzance (an inspiration!)
Penzance is one of England’s first plastic-free communities, involved in litter clean-ups and beach cleans and local shops that use reusable containers.
Local greengrocers turn leftover veggies into soup, there are many zero waste shops, and restaurants are part of the nationwide tap refill water station network.
Even the local lido is powered partly by geothermal energy. And this is also where you take the 3-hour ferry ride to Isles of Scilly (it only operates part of the year).
Choughs: Meet Cornwall’s ‘National’ Bird!
Choughs are unique crows with red beaks and legs. Previously endangered, these birds are now thriving thanks to conservation efforts, and are found in Cornwall, as well as Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
These birds use their long bills to eat beetle larvae and leatherjackets. They have a loud ‘chee-ow’ song, and are mostly found on cliff faces and rock ledges, but also nest in empty buildings.
Keep at least 50 metres away from coastal birds (if they fly away, this wastes energy that could be spent feeding).
Known for their dramatic dives and swoops, choughs are monogamous and pair up in bonds that last for life. They are also very faithful to nesting sites, often returning to the same cliffs each year.
Bodmin Moor (one of Cornwall’s most wild areas)
Bodmin Moor is one of Cornwall’s most wild areas, granite tors rising above sweeping grasslands, and wide open spaces with ancient stone circles. Walking trails cross the moor to landmarks like Brown Willy, Cornwall’s highest point.
Dogs must be kept on leads during nesting season, and near livestock and wild ponies. Dogs are not allowed inside Bodmin Jail, as the dark space with loud noise could frighten them.
Keep distance from wild ponies, and never touch or feed. Bodmin Moor Pony Rehabilitation lists numbers, for any concerns.
Does the Beast of Bodmin Exist?
Just like the Yeti in the Himalayas or the Loch Ness monster in Scotland, for years there have been reports of a large black panther-like cat on Bodmin Moor, but no evidence of its existence. The government launched an official investigation back in 1995, and found no proof, saying that reports of sightings were likely of other animals (perhaps large dogs or deer).
One concern would be the illegal release of an exotic animal. Blue Cross and Born Free both are calling for an urgent review to update the Pet Animals Act 1951, to enforce regulation over the purchase of wild animals (especially due to endangered species and the Internet).
Unique (mostly unknown) Islands of Cornwall
Cornwall is quite a small county, but has quite a few islands off its wild coast. Let’s meet a few of Cornwall’s (mostly unknown) islands.
Many islands don’t allow dogs (St Michael’s Mount for instance does not allow them in warm weather for their safety, due to lack of shady areas). Many island have no lifeguards and beaches that disappear at high tide.
St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island that rises from the sea, off the coast of Marazion. It offers centuries of history and sweeping views.
Locals claim a giant called Cormoran once stalked the island. Others speak of the Archangel Michael appearing to fishermen in the 5th century.
Asparagus Island takes its name from the wild asparagus that grows on its slopes (toxic to humans and all creatures, so don’t eat it).
Truro (Cornwall’s Only Very Small City)
Truro is a Georgian city, just 9 miles from the sea. Its name means ‘three rivers’ (named after the rivers Truro, Kenwyn and Allen). Many places in Truro are named after the Lemon family, who had great political clout. Sir William Lemon and his family were wealthy landowners.
Five Acre Nature Reserve (no dogs permitted due to wildlife) is a small but rich patch of green that feels a world away from city buzz. Managed by volunteers, it supports a lively mix of habitats.
Tor to Shore is Cornwall’s project to protect the county’s amazing nature and wildlife, with volunteers helping to rewild local areas and promote sustainable farming around Helman Tor, Par River and St Austell Bay.
Discover the Ancient Standing Stones of Cornwall
Lanyon Quoit is the most photographed of all the standing stones in Cornwall. However, it’s the least authentic, as the original collapsed in storm back in 1815, so it’s kind of a new version! It’s thought that too many people kept digging underneath to find treasure, that possibly never existed!
Typically fashioned from granite or slate, you’ll often find them in groups, forming circles or avenues. Perhaps the local red kites flying above these ancient stones (mostly found in the southwest) are the only ones who know exactly why they were built?
Cornwall’s Warm Climate (good for tropical gardens)
The Lost Gardens of Heligan near St Austell were rediscovered in 1990, lost to overgrowth since World War 1. Names of the gardeners had been etched into walls, before they went off to serve.
Dogs are allowed in some areas (not the Burma Rope Bridge) but due to lack of shady parking areas, they recommend not visiting these areas. Dogs are also not allowed in some areas of the Eden Project, as the biomes are too hot. Read updated information (never leave dogs in cars).
If planting tropical flowers, read up on pet-friendly gardens. Also know of trees to avoid near horses (including yew, oak and sycamore).
St Ives, Cornwall (named after an Irish Princess)
St Ives is one of Cornwall’s most popular holiday destinations, and popular with sustainable surfers and painters (due to its unique light). However, it is one of the towns where so many Londoners have second homes that remain empty most of the year, that it’s pushed property prices up for locals.
St Ives has seasonal dog bans, so check before travel.
Legend is that St Ives was named after Irish princess Ia. She was planning to visit Cornwall from Ireland with other saints. Finding herself alone, she began to pray.
She then noticed a small leaf on the water. She watched it grow bigger. So embarked up on it – and it carried her across the Irish sea to St Ives!
A ‘not for sale’ Ancient Green Door
The ‘green door of St Ives’ has peeling paint and is over 200 years old. The owner was offered an obscene amount of money by the local Tate Gallery to buy it, but it’s not for sale. In fact, the owners had the door listed, so it stays put. He asked ‘Where am I going to find another 207-year old door?’
Home to Many of England’s Seals
The Cornish coast is popular for native seals to bask and pup here (keep yourself and dogs away from seals and their pups, who mums often hide in sand dunes).
There is presently a campaign to ban flying rings (due to curious seals getting them trapped around their necks on land or sea). Add your signatures (over 45,000 so far!) If passed, the UK would become the first nation to do so. It’s also good to avoid flying kites, for the same reasons.
Let’s Discover The Seaside Resorts of Cornwall
Mousehole, Gill Wild
For such a small county, Cornwall has many seaside resorts (though many have seasonal dog bans, and Mousehole Harbour does not allow dogs).
- Mousehole (‘mowzel’) is a charming village a few miles from Penzance, with narrow streets and old cottages. It was home to Cornwall’s last native speaker.
- Fowey (pronounced ‘foy’) is a pretty place on the banks of a deep river, known for its pastel cottage and literary links. Popular with sailors.
- Newquay is a top spot for sustainable surfing (mankinis are banned!).
- Falmouth has a deep harbour, so popular for boats, and a mild climate with lush gardens.
- Padstow is a pretty town with cobbled streets, leading to the harbour. The Camel Trail offers a scenic riverside cycle to Wadebridge.
- Looe is an ancient port town with sandy beach, split it two by an old stone bridge (West Looe is more peaceful). Nearby Looe Island has rare plants and nesting seabirds.
- Perranporth offers three miles of sandy beach, with rock arches and caves. Nearby dunes are home to rare plants and butterflies.
- Bude lies close to the Cornish-Devon border with two large beaches. The town centre has a friendly, down-to-earth feel, with independent shops and cosy tearooms.
- St Mawes looks across the Fal Estuary. The castle anchors the water’s edge.
Extraordinary Encounters with Cornwall’s Wildlife
Wild Treasures is a charming book by a native expert, introducing you to Cornwall’s hidden wildlife, which she sees by getting up early and waiting for creatures to appear among hedgehogs and fields, or on sandy beaches and near cliffs.
Learn about brown hares in spring grass and otter cubs in winter wetlands, for this joyous celebration of native wildlife.
The chiffchaff and the cuckoo are the first to announce the spring season as they welcome it in with their song. And the grey seal pupping season (coupled with the arrival of redwings) signify the return of the autumn and winter months.
Pentire Drinks (coastal botanical drinks from Cornwall)
Pentire Drinks makes lovely no-booze botanical drinks, on the Cornish coast (there’s even a Cornish Margarita!) All sold in sustainable packaging.
Always pop ring-pulls back over cans before recycling, to avoid wildlife getting trapped. Bin citrus peel, as acids could harm compost creatures.
Made with unique coastal plants and Cornish sea salt, the range includes:
- Pentire Adrift (serve with lemon peel or rosemary)
- Pentire Seaward (serve with a slice of grapefruit – check medication)
- Pentire Coastal Spritz (a nice alternative to Italian negroni)
- Pentire Margarita (garnish with lime wedge and a slice of chilli)
