Habitat type: Grassland, heathland, wetland and open water
Size of Reserve: 83ha (205 acres)
OS Map No. 103
Grid reference: SW693152
Best time to visit: All year
Cornwall
Wildlife Trust encourages the use of environmentally friendly
forms of transport wherever
possible. Click
on the locator map above to go to the National
Cycle Network website and view an Ordnance Survey map of this
reserve highlighting nearby cycle routes.
The reserve is about 1 mile (1.6km) north of Lizard village, with
access from the A3083. Turn right going towards Lizard village at
the "Wild Camping" (not us!) sign, and follow the lane
till you see the windmill.
Access:
The site is fairly flat, with some gentle slopes and, in summer,
should be generally dry. Wheelchair access will be restricted to
the level pasture but even this is likely to be very bumpy. In wet
weather, particularly during the winter, the ground becomes waterlogged
very quickly, so wheelchair access is not feasible and visitors
should wear wellies. Cattle or ponies may graze at certain times
of the year, so all gates should be kept shut, unless indicated
otherwise.
Classification
Description:
Windmill Farm comprises grassland and heathland, with the remainder
being scrub, bog, swamp and hedgerow. Habitat creation includes
the construction of two ponds and a scrape, together with arable
crops for birds.
Characteristic wildlife of this reserve:
The adult marsh fritillary may be seen on the wing from mid-April
to July. The colony on the reserve is one of the few extant colonies
on the Lizard. The name derives from the Latin word fritillus (dice-box)
because of the butterfly’s spotted markings.
The barn owl, with its heart-shaped face, is often described as
‘ghostly’ as it quietly swoops and glides in its quest
for prey. Its wingspan is more than twice as long as its height.
This owl normally hunts at dusk, but when chicks are demanding food,
or in winter months, you may see the adults during the daytime.
The barn owl does not hoot, it hisses, and fossils show that it
appeared on earth around 2 million years ago.
