Gunwalloe Project

What we’ve achieved so far 

 

The Farmhouse was restored in 2021 and now welcomes guests as a Holiday Cottage. Every booking helps fund our conservation work. 

Redundant farm buildings and structures, vulnerable to coastal change, were removed in 2021, opening new views across the landscape. 

Whilst longer-term plans to improve visitor facilities are developed, our specialist crafts team have completed re-pointing and roof repairs on the traditional stone buildings to preserve their character. 

For seven years, we’ve managed the grasslands to reduce soil nutrients and left hedgerows uncut to support insects and birds. Wildlife-friendly margins around fields are now regularly visited by birds of prey, a sign of a healthier ecosystem. 

Each year, we plant winter bird seed crops across five hectares of arable land behind Halzephron Head, helping farmland birds through the colder months. 

Looking ahead 

 

We’ve set out a bold vision for Gunwalloe by 2050, one that puts nature, climate and people at its heart.  

In 2024–25, we planted new woodland corridors and reinstated an orchard that had been removed over a century ago. A new footpath has created a circular loop with the coast path, with over 650 metres of hedgerow planted beside it. 

We’ve re-seeded species-rich grasslands across half the site, with more to come. Eighteen ‘tree crates’—small clusters of trees within fields—are growing into valuable wildlife havens. We’re also upgrading fencing and water supplies to welcome back grazing cattle by 2030. 

Thank you 

 

We’re grateful to all our partners and supporters. Tree planting and habitat creation have been made possible thanks to funding from Forest for Cornwall, DEFRA, the England Trees Action Plan and the Nature for Climate Fund. 

Thanks also to the Cornwall National Landscape team for their help with grassland restoration, and to Hingey Farm, Burnow Farm and Burnuick Farm for their ongoing support with land management. 

Volunteers have played a major role in every aspect of this work at Gunwalloe, their contribution and continued support is much appreciated.  

Be part of the story at Gunwalloe 

 

Gunwalloe is a place where nature, heritage and people come together, and you can help make that happen. 

• Join us: Become a National Trust member and directly support our conservation work at Gunwalloe. Join online or speak to a member of our team on site. 

• Already a member? Thank you. Each time you swipe your card at the Pay and Display machine, we receive a member credit that helps fund our work here. 

• Not a member, no worries: Paying at the Pay and Display machine supports us too. 

• Grab a coffee: Every purchase at Gunwalloe Café supports the care of this special place. 

• Stay with us: Book a stay in our holiday cottage and help fund nature recovery across this special place. 

• Volunteer your time: Whether it’s a few hours or a regular commitment, your time can make a real difference. Email us at gunwalloe@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01326 222170.