At first glance, United Downs Banger Raceway might not seem like a place where rare wildlife would thrive. Generations of Cornish families have enjoyed race days here since the 1960s, making it a well-loved local landmark. 

When redevelopment proposals were put forward for the site, questions were raised about the potential impact on wildlife. Ecologist Dr Colin French volunteered to undertake a survey of the raceway's flowering plants and ferns. 

If the planning application was to be successful, banger racing will cease to exist in Cornwall - and if any rare findings and habitats were found on this site, they would be eradicated forever!

Recording wildlife 

With more than 25 years of ecological experience, Colin began recording the species present across the raceway.

His surveys identified a wide range of species, including wild strawberry, common stork's bill, ling, carline thistle, heath speedwell, common eyebright, confused eyebright, and Cornish ramping-fumitory.

In May 2025, United Downs Environment Group (UDEG), Colin, and raceway leaseholder Crispen organised a BioBlitz to record as many species as possible across the site: 285 different plants and animals had been identified

Several spider species were recorded for the first time in this part of Cornwall. Two insects, Cacopsylla affinis and Micromus angulatus, were also recorded in Cornwall for the first time. Of the species identified, 25 carry a Schedule 8, Red Data Book, Nationally Scarce, or Cornish Red Data Book designation.

Working together 

The survey findings have led to ongoing work to raise awareness of the site's wildlife and conservation value.

UDEG is working with Colin and Crispen to share what has been recorded through community events and talks. These activities will provide opportunities for local people to learn more about the species found on the raceway and the habitats they depend on.

Community members are also contributing in different ways. Residents are helping create a banner featuring some of the species recorded on the site, while local schoolchildren are designing posters for upcoming events.

Alongside educational activities, practical conservation work is taking place on the site to make more space for nature. Volunteers are carrying out scrub clearance to remove invasive, non-native vegetation. The aim is to create more space for the plant species already recorded and improve habitat connectivity across the site, supporting a wide range of insects and other wildlife.

Learning from the landscape

The project has encouraged people to reconsider assumptions about the places where wildlife can be found.

As UDEG members Rebecca Ryder and Karen Jeffereys explain:

"Today's discovery was in an area most of us would consider a 'desert, barren and bleak'. In fact, we discovered quite the opposite. United Downs Raceway is an oasis of rare and threatened flowering plants and ferns with a high level of biodiversity. Our exploration of the area led by Colin opened our eyes to a mosaic landscape, hidden jewels to be treasured."

Get involved 

UDEG's volunteer sessions are open to anyone interested in supporting local conservation efforts.

Whether you'd like to take part in practical habitat management, learn more about wildlife in the area, or support community events, there are opportunities to get involved.

Head to their Facebook page or email UDEG to find out more. 

Join a network of people taking action for nature 

United Downs Environmental Group 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