152 - Cornish Killas : Summary and Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity

Summary

The Cornish Killas National Character Area (NCA) forms the main body of the Cornish landmass around the granite outcrops of Bodmin Moor, Hensbarrow, Carnmenellis, West Penwith and The Lizard NCAs. The northern half of the NCA, with its open character and general lack of tree cover, affords long views across Cornwall to neighbouring NCAs and out to sea. The gently rolling scenery, sheltered coves, headlands and estuaries of the south coast contrast with the exposed high cliffs and more rugged nature of the north coast. The rocky coastline is characterised by coves and headlands and possesses an impressive number of important geological exposures. On the eastern side of the NCA, the River Tamar separates the counties of Devon and Cornwall, with the Tamar Valley landscape linking the two NCAs of the Cornish Killas and South Devon. On the northern boundary of the NCA, the landscape merges with the western edge of The Culm, which lies in north Cornwall and Devon and shares many characteristics.

The Cornish Killas NCA contains 43,762 ha of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), covering 19 per cent of the NCA, mainly along the coasts. The NCA also includes 8,326 ha of the Tamar Valley AONB and several stretches of Heritage Coast. There are also 7,635 ha of Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and Sites of Special Scientific Interest in the area. These international and national designations reflect the outstanding natural and scenic qualities and the quality of the mosaic of valuable semi-natural habitats within the NCA. Notable species found within the area include seals, otter, cirl bunting, marsh fritillary butterfly and the very rare Plymouth pear and shore dock.

The area is rich in minerals such as copper, tin, lead and zinc and provides access to nationally important and striking geodiversity. There is a long and internationally important history of mining, the remains of which now make up a significant portion of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.

The NCA has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years and retains a rich variety of historical assets, including cairns, barrows, Neolithic to iron-age hill forts and defended systems, field systems, cliff castles and coastal defences, medieval castles, medieval wayside crosses and a wealth of nonconformist chapels and derelict mining buildings. This habitation is also reflected in the medieval field patterns defined by the iconic Cornish hedges.

The area has seen great change, but retains a strong sense of identity, with the distinct Cornish culture attracting many devotees. Artistic activity has focused on St Ives, on the border between the Cornish Killas and West Penwith, which has been a centre for leading British artists for more than 100 years. The landscape of the Cornish Killas is also closely associated with and has been celebrated by the popular literature of Daphne du Maurier and poets as varied as John Betjeman and Charles Causley.

The Cornish Killas is now a popular tourist destination, appreciated for its rugged coastline, with its 317 km of South West Coast Path and many opportunities for water-based sports, as well as for the many inland rights of way, stately homes and parklands, historic features such as Tintagel Castle and opportunities for activities such as horse riding and cycling.

Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity (SEO)

See the Statements of Environmental Opportunity section for more details on the headlines listed below.

SEO 1

Manage, restore, link and enhance the area’s rich mosaic of wildlife habitats, expanding their quality, extent and range where appropriate. This needs to be achieved alongside sustainable agricultural practices, which contribute to soil and water quality as well as providing habitat management. This benefits the local economy, minimises soil erosion and flooding and provides increased recreational opportunities.

SEO 2

Conserve, manage and increase understanding of the area’s rich historic environment and its valuable interlinked geological and cultural heritage – including the mining legacy, the prehistoric and later settlements and ritual remains, and the unique Cornish hedges and field patterns – which combine to bring a unique historical and cultural identity to Cornwall.

SEO 3

Sustainably manage the visitor pressure associated with this distinctive landscape to ensure that the numerous recreational opportunities, such as the South West Coast Path and high-quality beaches, continue to be enjoyed sustainably by the local community and visitors. Develop volunteering opportunities both for local residents and for visitors, and endeavour to better connect people with places and natural assets.