National Character Area 154 - Hensbarrow : Key Characteristics

China clay spoil tips dominate this landscape with both conical and terraced heaps. They are often vegetated but the tops of conical heaps can remain bare of vegetation.

Buildings associated with the china clay industry including chimneys, drying kilns and mica dams.

Active china clay works are obvious as distinctive white terraces in the landscape.

A dispersed settlement pattern of hamlets and farmsteads with many villages being associated with the china clay industry. The local vernacular is granite and slate buildings which form the centre of the towns. Much later development represents a shift in the vernacular towards locally produced concrete blocks and sheet metal associated with industrial sites.

Mineral extraction industry, such as tin mining and china clay extraction, is prominent in the landscape. The china clay deposits are thought to be the largest in the world.

There are many abandoned mine buildings as well as larger structures such as the viaduct at Luxulyan. Many of these are of historical significance and add character to the area.

Pylons and wind turbines are a notable feature of the western landscape and new solar farms near Luxulyan stand out from the green fields that surround them.

Sheltered, wooded valleys with willow scrub and fast-flowing streams cut north to south through the area heading to the sea.

Key habitats associated with the area include lowland heathland, purple moor grass and rush pasture and fens, all of these being of European importance.

The mosaic of habitats is home to many rare and iconic species, for example the spider Araneus triangulus, marsh fritillary, gold-ringed dragonfly, early purple orchids growing on roadside Cornish hedges, and birds such as buzzard and yellowhammer.

The eastern area is dominated by irregular small fields, fringed with Cornish hedges and supporting small farmsteads and hamlets.

The granite geology of the area is showcased by striking tors such as Helman Tor, Roche Rock and huge granite boulders known as moorstone.