Penwith Landscape Recovery
Added on 23/01/2026
Overview
Description
In the far South-West of Cornwall lies West Penwith. It’s a special and ancient place; rich in wildlife and ancient sites, yet still a living, working landscape. A mainly farmed landscape with heritage features in abundance. The heathlands need to see widespread cattle grazing return. The fens need plentiful clean water flowing in through the farmland if they are to become resilient and thrive once again. This project will enable the many small family farms to rise to this challenge, for the benefit of everyone. The Cornwall Wildlife Trust Penwith Landscape Recovery project has buy-in from 40+ tenant farmers and landowners including small holders, beef and dairy farms and large landowners who lease several tenanted farms and total area includes over 4,000 hectares. All participants are ready, willing and knowledgeable to make changes that count and that will affect the long-term success of this rich and varied landscape. All recognise the uniqueness of this ancient landscape; its soils, climate, small Cornish-hedge lined fields and the nuances of local farming systems. We have an excellent opportunity to create new wildlife habitats and enhance existing habitats across the area. This will all help to improve the condition of the 3000ha SSSI in the far west of Cornwall across the moors and downs of Penwith. Species recovery will be a key objective of this and is not possible without the habitat restoration. All habitats included in the SSSI need active management to maintain their features. The proposed management of the area aims to maximise the diversity of habitats and therefore species. The overarching project objectives are as follows: 847ha heathland created or restored, 158ha wetland/peatland created or restored, 586ha grassland created or restored, 60ha woodland and scrub established,100 new ponds. Support from inward investment along with multiple local small firms and investors is critical to making this change happen in a timely way before it is too late.
Local Planning Authority
Cornwall
National Character Area
West Penwith
Total Units
35 units
Unit Price
£25,000 - £55,000
Area Units
| Broad Habitat | Habitat | Distinctiveness | Available Units | Unit Price (£) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grassland | Other neutral grassland | Medium | 10 | £25,000 | |
| Heathland and shrub | Mixed scrub | Medium | 10 | £27,500 | |
| Woodland and forest | Other woodland; broadleaved | Medium | 10 | £36,000 | |
| Lakes | Ponds (non-priority habitat) | Medium | 5 | £55,000 |
Penwith Landscape Recovery
Available – Surveyed
Units available:
35
35
Unit price:
£25,000 - £55,000
