Trust hopes to protect Cornish wildlife with reserve purchases

• 15th Jan 2014

The Cornwall Wildlife Trust has claimed that it hopes to protect 84 acres of heathland and wetland habitats with its new reserve purchases, according to bbc.co.uk.

The trust has acquired both Bostraze Bog, near St Just and Bartinney Downs, near Sancreed. These purchases were made possible thanks to a £199,900 lottery grant, as well as generous donations totalling £36,000.

Wildlife found at the sites includes the like of otters, skylarks, butterflies and dragonflies. As well as protecting the site however, the trust claimed that it will look into investigating historical properties of both areas.

Talking about the purchases, the trust's Wild Penwith project manager, Liz Cox, told thisiscornwall.co.uk: "We are delighted with people's interest and generous donations for the purchase of these new reserves. Bostraze is part of one of Penwith's most spectacular wetlands and Bartinney's heathland offers breathtaking views out to sea, you can even see the Isles of Scilly on a clear day."

Ms Cox also added that the trust would be running a series of events for both adults and children throughout 2014 in the areas. These will include storytelling on the health, willow basket making and training in wildflower identification.

Reserves committee chairman, John Gowenlock, also called the additions "fantastic" and said that the organisation would be working with the local community on the projects.