Friends of the Fal, a Cornwall Wildlife Trust Associated Group, has transformed a neglected woodland on the banks of the River Fal into a thriving space for wildlife, heritage, education, and wellbeing.

Founded in 2020 during the first COVID lockdown by Fran Swanson and Sarah Roberson, Friends of the Fal started caring for a three-acre woodland and river site near Grampound with support from Trewithen Estate. Their original aim was to provide a place where local people, especially children, could connect with nature during a difficult time. 

Since then, the group has worked tirelessly to restore the site, guided by its '3 Cs': Conservation, Community, and Children.

Restoring a woodland for nature 

The woodland was once heavily overgrown with invasive species, including rhododendron ponticum and Himalayan balsam. Through careful management, volunteers have reduced these pressures, allowing native species such as oak, hawthorn, hazel, and woodland wildflowers to return. 

The group is continuing to enhance biodiversity by planting native trees, sowing woodland wildflowers, and creating new habitats for wildlife. With support from partners including Westcountry Rivers Trust and Cornwall Bat Group, bird and bat boxes have also been installed across the site. 

Their long-term vision is to create a thriving mosaic woodland that supports a rich variety of plants, insects, birds, and mammals. 

Protecting Cornwall's heritage 

Alongside habitat restoration, Friends of the Fal is helping preserve important local heritage features, including a medieval leat and historic clapper bridges identified as significant by Cornwall Council. 

The group is also fundraising to restore a section of traditional Cornish hedging in partnership with Cornwall Rural Education and Skills Trust (CREST). The project will provide accredited training opportunities, helping to keep traditional rural skills alive while delivering benefits for wildlife and natural flood management.

Building community through conservation 

Volunteers are at the heart of the project's success. Through practical conservation work, people have the opportunity to learn skills such as coppicing, scything, tree planting, woodland seed sowing, habitat surveys, and biological recording. 

Partnership working has also been key. Friends of the Fal has worked closely with Cornwall Wildlife Trust, CREST, Cornwall Council, Westcountry Rivers Trust, Cornwall Bat Group, Butterfly Conservation Cornwall Branch, and many other organisations, benefiting from expert advice and support along the way.

The project's impact extends far beyond wildlife. The woodland has become a valued part of village life, supporting wellbeing, learning, and community connection. 

One volunteer, Lindsay, joined the project while struggling with severe depression. Through spending time in nature and becoming part of the volunteer community, she found renewed purpose and connection. Although she sadly passed away in 2024, her contribution remains an important part of the woodland's story and a powerful reminder of the positive impact nature can have on people's lives. 

Inspiring others to take action for nature 

Friends of the Fal's achievements have been recognised in Cornwall Council's Local Nature Recovery Strategy, where the group is featured as an inspiring example of community-led action for nature. 

Their story shows that you do not need specialist qualifications to make a difference. With the right support, local communities can restore habitats, protect heritage, and create lasting benefits for both wildlife and people. 

There are plenty of ways to support Friends of the Fal, including volunteering, donating, or simply visiting the site to learn more about their work. 

Find out more at: https://www.friendsofthefal.org/ 

Join a network of people taking action for nature 

Friends of the Fal is one of many fantastic Cornwall Wildlife Trust Associated Groups helping wildlife recover across Cornwall. 

If you'd like to connect with like-minded people and make a positive difference for nature in your area, find out more about our Association network and how to get involved. 

Join an Associated Group near you