Wildlife in and around Heligan
By Pentewan Sands on the April 04th, 2018 in Camping, Caravan, Cornwall, Activities
The best places to see wildlife in and around Heligan
One of the many joys of being nestled amongst rolling countryside is that we’re close to nature, so close in fact, that we’re a natural home for an abundance of wildlife. Wake to sound of birdsong and spend your day watching life teaming around us. Here’s where to go and what to look out for.
Ropehaven Cliffs – fulmars and housemartins
Designated as a Cornwall Wildlife Trust nature reserve, Ropehaven Cliffs, just along the coast from us, is a haven for wildlife. Take a walk along the South West Coast Path, through the woodland above the steep cliffs, and look out for fulmars who lay their eggs on rocky cliff ledges. You may also be lucky enough to see house martins who feed high above the cliffs and keep an eye out for interesting geological features such as old slate workings and thin bands of limestone, an uncommon rock in Cornwall.
Kings Wood – rare butterflies and moths
There’s lots of love for Kings Wood. Its springtime splashes of vibrant bluebell, along with heather and bilberry, has won it County Wildlife Site status, while butterfly and moth species that are rare to Cornwall have chosen it as their home. You’ll find it on the west-facing side of nearby Pentewan Valley with amazing views across the south Cornish coast. Explore it via the Pentewan Leisure Trail or for something more challenging take the narrower and steeper tracks.
Lost Gardens of Heligan – wildlife galore
Our beloved next-door neighbour, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, isn’t just a garden, it’s a total wildlife experience. Whether you are accompanied on your visit by your own personal robin or you are lucky enough to glimpse a kingfisher or a humming bird hawkmoth, the resident wildlife is as rich as it vast. Visit the wildlife hide in the centre of the 200-acre estate and encounter wild birds feeding right in front of you, watch live footage of Barn Owls and see the daily lives of everything from Badgers to Blue Tits unfold. There’s also an Insect Hotel, farmyard animals, educational activities, animal encounters – what hasn’t this place got?
Mevagissey Bay – marine wildlife
Dolphins, basking sharks, angel fish, sea lions, seabirds; the marine wildlife off the coast of Mevagissey Bay is wonderfully wide and varied. Join a marine wildlife boat watching trip for the chance to experience it and see marine wildlife thrive in its natural habitat. You’ll find boat trips setting off from nearby Mevagissey or hop aboard the 28ft RIB run by Cornwall Watersports based on Pentewan Beach.