Sunset at Bartinney nature reserve. Image by Ben Watkins
Together, We've Reached Our Target for Bartinney
The 2026 Bartinney Land Appeal is complete - thanks to the incredible generosity of hundreds of supporters, we are delighted to share that the appeal has now reached its target!
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated, shared the appeal, and championed this project. Your support has made a real difference and demonstrates the power of collective action for nature. This opportunity builds on previous successful efforts to expand Bartinney in 2023, helping us continue our long-term vision for nature recovery across the landscape.
Where is the new land?
Our 2026 appeal presented a rare opportunity to secure 13.6 acres of land at the heart of Bartinney nature reserve on the stunning Penwith peninsula.
Already surrounded by our existing reserve, this new land represented a chance to bring the landscape together, connecting more space for nature and restoring habitats for precious species.
Bartinney already provides an important home for wildlife – including cuckoos, which have declined by 70% in the UK in the last 25 years, and rare pollinators such as the Tormentil nomad bee. This acquisition will strengthen the reserve's resilience for generations to come.
What happens next?
Once the purchase in complete, the next step is to begin building a detailed understanding of its current condition and potential. We will first carry out ecological and habitat surveys across the site to establish a baseline and identify the species, habitats and features already present.
Following this, colleagues from Cornwall Wildlife Trust's Farm Advice, Conservation and Nature Reserves teams will come together for a collaborative site visit. By combining expertise from across the Trust, we will explore how this land can deliver the greatest long-term benefits for wildlife while respecting the unique character of a Penwith hillside landscape.
Together, we will consider a range of opportunities to create sustainable, lasting impacts for nature - from strengthening existing habitats and improving connectivity across the wider reserve, to supporting species recovery and enhancing the resilience of the landscape in the face of climate change.
This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Bartinney, and we look forward to sharing updates as plans develop and work begins on the ground.
Thank you once again for helping us create a Cornwall where nature thrives. Your support has helped protect and expand one of Cornwall's most special places for wildlife.
If you’re interested in supporting more projects like this, please do get in touch. You can make a donation here, or alternatively get in touch with our Supporter Care team by emailing supportercare@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk or phoning 01872 273939 (and selecting option 2).