Another piece of the jigsaw has been added to the National Trust’s ownership of Devon and Cornwall’s beautiful unspoilt coast.
The Devon Wildlife Trust has gifted its land at Welcombe Mouth (approximately 26 hectares), in North Devon to us as part of a rationalisation of their holdings in the area, allowing them to concentrate on nearby Marsland and other reserves that are now included within their wider management unit.
Welcombe Mouth is one of Devon’s hidden coastal gems, a remote and wild Atlantic coastal valley with spectacular and highly visible geology. The steep-sided valley is particularly unspoilt and has scrubland and natural vegetation that gives an untamed and treasured atmosphere. The property is part of the designated Marsland to Clovelly coast Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The National Trust already cares for the adjacent, remote and beautiful cliff land at South Hole to the north of Welcombe so were seen as the most appropriate new owners to take on the conservation challenges of this wonderful site.
With the wave cut platforms and folded rocks of the beach and cliffs facing the full might of the Atlantic Ocean and a wild, rugged and unspoilt valley behind, it is all too easy to imagine it as the haunt of smugglers and wreckers in years gone by. Located on the Cornish border the coastline at Welcombe is one of the most dramatic, spectacular and yet peaceful stretches of coast.
Steve Mulberry, National Trust Property Manager for North Devon said:
'We are delighted that this spectacular piece of coastline will now come under our care. The Trust’s management will enhance the nature conservation value of the valley, improve access management and thereby enable greater public enjoyment of Welcombe Mouth.'
'In accepting the gift, we look forward to working closely with a new community at Welcombe and sympathetically protecting the much loved quiet, wild atmosphere of the valley and beach. We will bring to the site our long experience of ensuring high quality and appropriate access as well as landscape and wildlife protection.'
The Trust plans to manage the site so it retains its wild nature and will be working with the local community to ensure that the site is cared for and doesn’t lose its magical atmosphere.
Initial work to establish appropriate grazing, minor repairs to the access track and footpaths will be carried out along with the establishment of Trust presence on the property and community liaison. The Trust also plans to organise some archaeological and biological surveys to be undertaken at the site.
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