157 - The Lizard : Summary and Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity

Summary

The Lizard peninsula forms the southern-most point of mainland Britain. The area is dominated by a gently undulating exposed heathland plateau cut by narrow river valleys. The surrounding coastline is rugged and geologically complex with caves, enclosed bays and small rocky islands. To the north flows the Helford River which in the summer carries a ferry linking the north and south banks at Helford Passage. There are long uninterrupted views over the plateau, out to sea and along the coast. These factors lead to a strong sense of place and sense of tranquillity.

Ninety-eight per cent of the National Character Area (NCA) is within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Lizard National Nature Reserve covers 13 per cent of the area, across the centre of the plateau. There are 12 Sites of Special Scientific Interest across 21 per cent of the area and 28 per cent of the area is identified as priority habitat. Twenty per cent of the NCA falls within the Fal and Helford Special Area of Conservation. The NCA also contains 60 km of the South West Coast Path National Trail – popular with both long-distance walkers and day visitors.

Farming has long been an important use of the Lizard’s landscape. Dairy farming is predominant, as well as beef and lamb production, but over the past few years arable farming has increased in popularity on the larger and more fertile fields. The field pattern is one of irregular, ancient fields bounded by wildflower-rich Cornish hedgebanks with patches of reorganised enclosure. There are scattered farms and hamlets, mainly on the upper valley heads, linked by deep and narrow winding lanes enclosed by high stonefaced hedgebanks. Patches of rough ground dominated by gorse and heather occur within a patchwork of rough pasture with some areas of arable.

The dispersed settlement pattern, scattered archaeological remains and varied nature of the landscape are all factors which help to make the Lizard a unique place. More recent heritage assets such as the 18th-century lighthouse at Lizard Point also provide points of character and interest in the landscape. Much of this uniqueness stems from the Lizard’s unusual and varied geology which includes its famous serpentinite rock as well as, gabbro, schist, gneiss and slate. The area also benefits from its exceptionally rich biodiversity and is recognised as being of great conservation importance. All of these features as well as the sense of tranquillity and remoteness that can so easily be experienced when visiting the Lizard make it a popular visitor destination. In the summer the small villages such as Lizard village become thriving hubs of activity as tourists provide a welcome boost to the local economy.

Unfortunately, this very popularity, alongside changes in farming practice, could threaten the Lizard’s special tranquillity. Changes in rainfall period and intensity are likely to have an effect on the species dominance of each semi-natural habitat and thus some of the unique species might be lost with time.

Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity (SEO)

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

SEO 1

Protect and manage the Lizard’s strong sense of history, tranquillity and remoteness, protecting its rich archaeological heritage and retaining the pattern of dispersed settlements, farmsteads and associated field patterns, and open moorland.

SEO 2

Manage, restore and enhance the area’s rich mosaic of rare and endangered wildlife habitats, extending their range where appropriate, while encouraging sustainable agricultural practices which contribute to the soil quality, water quality and habitat condition, as well as to the local economy.

SEO 3

Conserve the wealth of geology and geomorphology, the distinctive landscape and settlement character, strong sense of history, high tranquillity levels and views, especially the long coastal views towards the West Penwith area and Dodman Point.

SEO 4

Sustainably manage the visitor pressure associated with this distinctive landscape to ensure that the numerous recreation opportunities such as the South West Coast Path and high-quality beaches continue to be enjoyed by the local community and visitors.