Restoration project sees meadows 'come to life'

There are plans for another 247 acres over the next five years

A major nature recovery initiative is transforming south-east Cornwall's landscape, the National Trust has said.

More than 70 acres (28.5 hectares) of species-rich meadow has been restored since 2020 and there are plans for another 247 acres (100 hectares) over the next five years.

The restored meadows at Lansallos and Coombe Farm near Fowey and Ethy near Lerryn have become donor sites, supplying wildflower seed to enhance grasslands at other National Trust locations across Cornwall, including Cotehele, Godrevy, the Roseland and west Cornwall.

Nearly one tonne of wildflower seeds has been harvested over three summers, after which the seeds are dried and sown across the county.

The seeds are dried and sown across the county

Andrew Simmons, National Trust ranger for south-east Cornwall, said: "It's been incredible to watch these meadows come to life.

"We're seeing more wildflowers each year, and with them come bees, butterflies, crickets, skylarks and even barn owls returning to hunt. It's a real sign that nature is bouncing back.

"This success belongs to the whole team, especially our amazing volunteers and tenant farmers.

"Their commitment, turning up week after week to help harvest and sow seed, is what makes this work possible. It shows what can be achieved when people and nature work together."

The project is part of the trust's Cornish Coastal Meadows Project, aiming to create 618 acres (250 hectares) of new grassland by 2026.