Volunteers are being recruited to help protect five of Cornwall’s most important marine wildlife conservation areas, thanks to a grant of £103,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), with match funding from South West Water and GE Money Volunteer Foundation. Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s ‘Your Shore’ project is an exciting three-year activity programme which will be centred on the Voluntary Marine Conservation Areas of St Agnes and Polzeath on the north coast, and Helford, Fowey and Looe on the south.
Commenting for the Heritage Lottery Fund, Head of HLF South West, Nerys Watts says, “Cornwall’s marine heritage will benefit through people’s increased understanding of the local environment, with children and adults encouraged to ‘look, learn and leave’ so as to conserve this special environment for future generations.”
The Your Shore project follows the successfully completed work Discovering the Wonders of Looe’s Marine Heritage, undertaken by the Trust a year ago. Building on that experience, volunteer conservation groups will be either strengthened or re-established in each of the target areas. Their task will be to focus on Cornwall’s diverse natural marine heritage, which is recognised as being of both regional and international importance. It contributes to the county’s appeal as a tourist destination, attracting more than 5.5 million visitors each year, but also requires protection for the same reason.
“We live in a beautiful part of the world, and initiatives like this go a long way to helping us make the most of it" says Mark Thomas of South West Water, who also match sponsored the Heritage Lottery funded development phase of the project in 2009, “We are delighted to support Your Shore, as enhancing the quality of our coastline is central to our business and this project reflects those values.”
Local volunteers of all ages will be recruited to take part in a range of activities, involving some 150 events over the three-year period, which will raise awareness of the fragility of various ecosystems. Events such as; rockpool rambles, snorkel surveys, guided walks and river cruises will be launched in March, and will combine fun with learning opportunities.
Victoria Whitehouse, Conservation Manager for Cornwall Wildlife Trust, says “We are thrilled to have received the grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with support from South West Water and GE Money Volunteer Foundation. These funds will enable us to use our local community engagement expertise and involve literally hundreds of people in exciting activities in their local marine environment.”
What is happening in your area?
1) St Agnes Voluntary Marine Conservation Area (VMCA)
St Agnes has a combination of sandy beach and exposed rocky shore. A volunteer group will be re-established and an education and events programme developed with local schools.
2) Polzeath VMCA
Polzeath is one of the largest inter-tidal rocky areas in North Cornwall. The new project will build local interest and support through a volunteer and management group whilst working to enhance facilities provided by the current information centre.
3) Helford VMCA
Helford is a very active VMCA in Cornwall. Further enhancement will include an improved education programme with a more scientific emphasis. Key training courses to be held will include sedimentary shores, shore fish, rocky shore ecology and bird identification.
4) Fowey VMCA
The Friends of Fowey Estuary Group will be given added assistance to deliver a wide range of events and establish a steering group. Training will be provided on delivering events and carrying out surveys. Events will include boat and river trips, wildlife watching, salt marsh walks and activities for children during school holidays.
5) Looe VMCA
There is a very active group in existence in Looe. Further training will be provided to volunteers and community divers have expressed an interest in becoming more involved in surveying the local marine environment.
For more information about specific events in these areas, please visit our What’s on section.
