Classic becomes a Reserve Guardian for Cornwall Wildlife Trust

Upton Towans is managed by Cornwall Wildlife Trust, a 97-hectare dune system which provides natural flood and storm protection alongside supporting rare and declining habitats which are among the most threatened in Europe.

 In 1888 the National Explosives Company Limited operated an explosives manufacturing site here, and this was in use until the factory closed in 1920. The factory included 30 – 40 bunkers which were situated across the area. Today, remnants of the site sit amongst the dunes, which have been transformed into one of Cornwall’s most valuable coastal landscapes.  

  After the recent storms and wet weather in Cornwall, we were lucky to have a clear, if not blustery afternoon at Upton Towans (which are located just a short distance from our head office in Hayle) where the marketing team spent time being shown around the site by Nick and Rowan from Cornwall Wildlife Trust. 

Nick is the Reserve Manager for several sites in West Cornwall, and as we wandered around the site he pointed out the areas being managed to protect rare and threatened habitats and discussed the range of species found on the Towans including glow worms, pyramidal orchids, adders and skylarks, whose numbers have declined in Cornwall by 28% in recent years and who rely on active, on-going conservation to survive. Rare silver studded blue butterflies are found here; they lay their eggs near nests of black (Lasius spp.) ants who in turn protect the larvae in return for a sugary substance.  

Petalwort also thrives here, a tiny and internationally rare liverwort which enjoys areas of short vegetation in moist dune stacks and path edges – whilst it is very pretty, it is very tiny and difficult to spot.  

Dunes can quickly become overgrown with thick vegetation which includes invasive plants, and it is now acknowledged that healthy dune systems need a variety of habitats including open sand and short grassy areas to protect many species including burrowing insects. Invasive species are being removed to allow native plants to flourish and grazing animals introduced to increase dune health. The target is for 15% of the land on Upton Towans to be kept as scrub; the remainder is managed and cleared with the help of volunteer action to support long-term habitat management of the dunes. 

Reserve Guardians contribute to a Reserve Fund where every reserve receives essential support for the protection and management of Cornwall’s most important wild places. We also hope to support Cornwall Wildlife Trust with a volunteer day for our staff to experience hands-on conservation later in the year and plan a visit to Woodland Valley Farm where the trust is supporting the return of beavers into the wild. 

It has never been more important to protect our planet, and Cornwall Wildlife Trust is committed to delivering steady, practical progress for wildlife across Cornwall. If you would like to become a member, donate, or volunteer, they would love to hear from you.