Conservation grazing
Rough land grazing is the most sustainable form of scrubland management and essential for nature conservation. The current herd of Ruby Red Devons break down dominant species of scrub allowing new growth. The removal of the tougher scrub and reduction of the bracken growth also creates new wind patterns around the hill, which is especially beneficial for butterflies.
Conservation for butterflies
The hill is home to a growing population of small pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies, a red data species. As scrub is removed, important food sources, such as the dog violet, are allowed to grow with more ease. Furthermore the wind patterns around the hill change allowing the butterflies to thrive. The butterfly is therefore a key indicator species for good conservation management.
50 things activities on the estate
- Climb a huge hill
- Have fun with sticks
- Go barefoot
- Dam a stream
- Create some wild art
- Go stargazing
- Watch a bird
- Make a mud creation
- Go welly wandering
- Find your way with a map
- Get to know a tree
- Go cloud watching
Mining on the estate
Godolphin was quite literally built on top of the minerals that funded the estate. Around the edges of the hill lie the remains of many mine workings dating from the late 16th century onwards.
A giant argument
Local folklore suggests that the rock-strewn hilltops of Godolphin and Tregonning were the work of warring giants that stood on top of the hills and threw rocks at each other.
Archaeology
The archaeology on the estate is wide and varied and some features date back to the Bronze Age. Landscape changes started around the Iron Age and medieval field systems are still evident on the hill.
