CWU members from the Somerset, Devon & Cornwall branch have been helping the environment and learning about local wildlife through a National Trust volunteering day on Cornwalls Lizard Peninsula, the most southerly tip of the UK.

The day was organised by Lead ULR Geoff Hodge and involved getting stuck in with conservation work to protect and encourage local wildlife in the area as well as a chance to learn about the areas unique ecology from experts. Geoff said:

The stretch of coast we worked is designated an area of outstanding natural beauty, it truly is absolutely stunning and quite unique.”

A combination of the mild maritime climate and complex and unique geology has produced an area with a distinctive character, well known for its rare and unusual flora and where the famous call of the Cornish chough is never far away. The Cornish chough, is a red-legged, red-billed member of the crow family.

In 2001 the chough returned to the Lizard and after nearly 30 year’s absence, thanks to the hard work of the National Trust, the RSPB and local farmers. The return of this striking bird was of great significance for Cornwall as it features on the county coat of arms, proudly sitting on top of the crest flanked by a tin miner and fisherman.

Branch members passed large outcrops of serpentine, a very rare rock type – on their way to the cliffs tops where they worked under the direction of NT Ranger, Rachel Holder. Whilst they worked Rachel explained techniques to ensure effective management and conservation. 

Geoff explained the day’s tasks: 

CWU members work involved cutting back gorse and bracken, and clear blackthorn which had become out of control and formed a dense and thorny barrier hindering the movement of the Dexter cattle that roam freely in this area.

The National Trust use Dexters to keep the coarse grasses short on the cliff tops for the benefit of wildlife. This is a good spot for watching chough feeding on the short grazed turf. Basking sharks are also a common sight.”

The conservation volunteer day was fully supported by employer, BT, who, through their “Better Futures” programme, encourage staff to volunteer in their local community.

Geoff summed up saying:

The day was hard work, but fun, and proved to be a great success.  It was a beautiful day and the views were quite spectacular. Members rolled up their sleeves and worked hard, clearing large areas of scrub. Their efforts were much appreciated by the National Trust who provided all the necessary tools and kept members going with tea and coffee.

All of the participants enjoyed what turned out to be a really pleasurable and informative day.”