With the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust has launched a rewilding project at Helman Tor. The aim is to create a thriving landscape rich in wildlife, from the large granite boulders and heights of Helman Tor in central Cornwall, through the Par River and surrounding farmland, to Cornwall’s south coast. The project will also protect and restore marine habitats in St Austell Bay, including maerl beds that have potentially existed for more than 4,000 years.

While Helman Tor sits near the top of the Par River, areas downstream are surrounded by farmland, where the project will partner with local farmers to tackle agricultural pollution and create ‘wildlife corridors’ – areas of habitat that span from Helman Tor and connect with other nature-rich sites, allowing wildlife to thrive beyond the reserve’s boundaries.

Image from Cornwall Wildlife Trust

The Par River discharges into St Austell Bay where, in 2023, Cornwall Wildlife Trust research confirmed the presence of one of the UK’s largest subtidal seagrass beds. It was also found to have extensive maerl beds, which, like seagrass, not only supports an abundance of wildlife but is an important habitat for carbon capture.

“Locally known as ‘Cornish coral’, maerl beds are spectacular. Rich pink and purple in colour, they provide a home for marine wildlife, including bull huss (a small member of the shark family), urchins, and various fish. We’re lucky to have it in St Austell Bay but cannot take it for granted.” Ruth Williams, Head of Marine at Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Protecting these maerl beds are now a priority for Cornwall Wildlife Trust – particularly following its recent classification by Natural England as ‘irreplaceable’, largely due to the extremely long time it takes to develop (growing as little as 0.5mm per year).

To read about the Tor to Shore project click here