A large amount of our work goes into countryside management, ranging from footpath maintenance to introducing cliff-grazing schemes.
Coastal haven
Much of the dramatic countryside owned by the National Trust in Devon and Cornwall lies near the coast and includes important natural habitats like Pentire and West Penwith. In recent years our priority has been the protection of estuaries, with acquisitions on the Rivers Fal, Dart and Exe.
Woodland wilds
We protect over 3,000ha of woodland in Devon and Cornwall. The parks of Arlington, Dunsland and Whiddon in Devon are of European importance for lichens and beetles associated with ancient oak and ash trees.
Forestry work at Lanhydrock has enabled wildlife to thrive. The trees in the park and avenue at Lanhydrock are home to more than 100 species of lichen and at least nine of the 17 species of British bat can be found on the estate. The illusive dormouse has also recently been recorded breeding in the woods for the first time.
Farming forward
More than 15,000ha of National Trust land in the region is farmland. We do not farm ourselves but endeavour to meet our landscape, access and nature conservation objectives through partnerships with our tenant farmers - ensuring that agriculture can benefit both local communities and wildlife.
National Parks
Almost 4,000ha of National Trust land lies within Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. These include many sites of special archaeological and nature conservation interest such as Trowlesworthy Warren, Holne and Hembury Woods.
Archaeology galore
Cornwall is also rich in archaeological remains, particularly in West Penwith. The rugged landscape holds a treasure of mining archaeology as well as earlier sites like Lanyon Quoit; one of Cornwall’s most famous chamber tombs dating from the Neolithic period.
Countryside highlights for visitors with disabilities
- Salcombe Hill, Devon - upgraded path from car park gives magnificent views over Sidmouth.
- Plym Bridge Woods, Figsbury Ring and Win Green Hill, Devon - gates fitted with radar locks. Plym Bridge Woods also has a fishing platform suitable for wheelchair access.
- Many coastal properties in Cornwall have accessible viewpoints, such as Bodigga Cliff near Looe, Carn Galver, West Penwith and St Anthony Head.
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