An appeal has been launched to raise money to care for a headland that provides spectacular, sweeping views of the rugged north Cornwall coast – and a home to precious flora including wild asparagus.
The National Trust is in the process of acquiring the 220-acre site at Trevose Head, near Padstow, which has been owned by the same family for a more than a century but has been put up for sale with a guide price of £3.5m.
There was a danger that the site, which includes sites of special scientific interest, could have been divided up and sold off in smaller lots.
The National Trust had significant funds towards the purchase thanks to gifts bequeathed to the charity, but it needs to raise £250,000 for work such as bashing scrub, building new fences and opening up access by creating new footpaths. It intends to extend areas of existing wildlife-rich habitat and retain other parts as arable farmland.
Nick Lawrence, assistant director of operations for the trust in the south-west, said: “This is a beautiful place, a true jewel on the north Cornwall coast. We have a great opportunity to ensure this piece of coastline is a fantastic place for both nature and people for ever. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to permanently secure and protect this headland for everyone to enjoy.”
Trevose is a special place for wildlife. About 80 acres of the headland are within the Constantine Bay site of special scientific interest for its sea cliffs, maritime grassland and heath, as well as wet habitats.
The sea cliffs are of particular interest because of the presence of a number of rare and uncommon plants, most notably the globally rare shore dock and GB red list species wild asparagus.
Other interesting plant life include rock sea-lavender, tree mallow and golden samphire. In addition, it is regarded as a fine spot from which to get glimpses of grey seals and peregrine falcons.
There are also sites dating from the bronze and iron ages that may be worth exploration. Artefacts discovered on Trevose Head have included flint arrowheads and stone axes.
Tim Ryland, of the estate agents Lodge & Thomas, which is selling the land, said: “The owner of Trevose is delighted the National Trust has agreed to buy Trevose Head. It’s a place that is held dear and they wanted to ensure its future was secure.
“They are confident that the National Trust will continue to care for it as the vendor has done for many years and will enable the local community and visitors alike to continue to enjoy this magnificent landscape.”
