Oliver Land

Oliver Land is a tranquil 7.3-hectare site on Cornwall’s south coast near Lamorna. Enriched by its literary heritage and dramatic coastal scenery, the reserve is a haven for wildlife and solitude.

Location

Lamorna

Know before you go

Size

7 hectares

Parking information

No reserve parking. Parking available in Lamorna, then 0.6 mile walk along the SWCP to the reserve

Access

The closest public right of way linking the reserve to a public highway is the South West Coast Path (SWCP) from Lamorna. From Lamorna it is a 0.6 mile walk along the SWCP to the reserve. This section of the SWCP is particularly rough, only providing access for the able bodied, and resulting in a 20-25 minute walk to the reserve.

Dogs

Dogs permitted

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

Spring and early summer

About the reserve

Oliver Land is a tranquil 7.3 hectare nature reserve on Cornwall's south coast near Lamorna. Gifted to Cornwall Wildlife Trust by the Derek and Jeannie Tangye Minack Chronicles Nature Trust in 2018, it was beloved by authors Derek and Jeannie Tangye, whose popular Minack Chronicles books captured their journey from city life to rural simplicity. The reserve is named after on of their cats, Oliver.

Enriched by its literary heritage and dramatic coastal scenery, the reserve is a haven for wildlife, solitude, and biodiversity. The reserve supports a mosaic of semi-improved grassland, bracken, scrub, and rare patches of coastal grassland and heath.

Bluebells create a striking spring display, while rare species such as the hornet robberfly, adder, autumn lady’s-tresses, and several notable birds, including linnets and dunnocks, thrive here.

Access is primarily via the South West Coast Path (SWCP) from Lamorna, a scenic 20–25 minute walk. The route is steep and rugged, suitable for able-bodied walkers. The reserve is appreciated for its peace, sweeping sea views, and as a place to quietly connect with nature.