Cornwall National Landscape – AONB
Cornwall is a beautiful part of the world, with a world-renowned coastline, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, and many natural and heritage features that make it unique. National Landscapes are protected landscapes whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so outstanding that it is in the nation’s interest to safeguard them. Cornwall National Landscape is the new name for the protected landscapes in Cornwall, endorsed by Natural England and are designated areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). Cornwall National Landscape is 12 separate sections making up one third of Cornwall. Some of these sections which are relatively close to Helsbury include:
Bodmin Moor – AONB (Section 12)
Bodmin Moor is home to many prehistoric settlements such as hut circles and standing stones which populate the moors as well as small farmsteads, many medieval, which support livestock grazing. Natural rock formations such as The Cheesewring and man-made formations like The Hurlers stone circles add to the mysterious nature of the moor. There are beautiful tors like Rough Tor and Brown Willy where you can go on lovely walks and if you are lucky, spot rare and protected wildlife such as otters, Marsh Fritillary butterflies, bats and songbirds such as the Stonechat and Wheatear. Bodmin Moor boasts many amazing plant species, for example, it is the only place in the world where a rare moss, the Cornish Path Moss, grows. Bodmin Moor is a great place to explore and Rough Tor, a key spot to visit when staying with us, is only 15 minutes from Helsbury.
Pentire Point to Widemouth (Section 2)
Pentire Point and Widemouth book-end a wonderful coastline, which includes the highest cliffs in Cornwall. Areas that we love such as Boscastle, Crackington Haven, Rocky Valley and Tintagel Castle are all part of this National Landscape. These areas are all between 15 to 30 minutes away from Helsbury. The area includes a range of small towns, cliff walks and beaches where you can explore the Cornish landscape.
St Agnes (Section 5)
This AONB Section encompasses the rocky coast from Porthtowan to Cligga Head, and includes St. Agnes Beacon. The St. Agnes mining district is a Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, with the Wheal Coates Engine House on the edge of the coastal slope above the cove at Chapel Porth. Penhale Sands is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) of international importance. It is about an hour away from Helsbury, however it would make a fantastic day out with walks, beaches and great places to eat.