Cornish moorland Penwith Moors to be SSSI despite objections

The decision came even though there were warnings from the community that it will wreck farming in the region.

Penwith Moors is an extensive area of heathland, wetland and acid grassland, covering 3,152 hectares in total.

They include lowland heathland, fens and lowland dry acid grassland, and feature four species of vascular plants, a variety of invertebrates associated with scrub-heath and moorland, as well as lichens associated with acid non-montane rock and areas that are a breeding ground for Dartford warbler.

Natural England Chair Tony Juniper said: "The designation of West Penwith Moors and Downs as a SSSI reflects how wildlife has flourished under a combination of generations of low-intensity farming activity and the naturally occurring habitats and species.

"We want to work in partnership with farmers to support them in delivering the best possible management to sustain nature in the SSSI and in the surrounding countryside alongside running their farm business."

Reflecting on a fiery board meeting in St Ives and explaining the reason why the decision was reached, Mr Juniper said: "This was a complicated and difficult decision for the Natural England Board, but in the end we decided that the balance of evidence confirmed that these moors and downs should be a Site of Special Scientific Interest. 

"While this inevitably creates uncertainty for farmers and others living and working in the landscape, Natural England will continue to provide advice and support to assist land managers in applying for the Countryside Stewardship scheme, to help secure funds to continue the type of farming that is essential to maintaining the natural heritage of this special part of England.

"The urgency to deliver for people and nature is greater than it has ever been. Nature provides us with clean air, food, water and other essential resources. It regulates our climate and is fundamental to our health and well-being. Nature is at the heart of every successful sustainable economy."

Land owners will now have to apply to Natural England for consent to carry out certain activities, including ploughing, feeding stock, spreading manure and pest control. 

Areas highlighted on the map as now falling within the SSSI include pockets of land from the Zennor area all the way across West Cornwall to the far west, close to St Just.

Many farmers have said that the move could put them out of business. 

The Country Land and Business Association expressed their concern and disappointment at the decision in the face of strong local opposition.

CLBA President Mark Tufnell said: “We are deeply disappointed with the decision to designate all of Penwith Moors as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).  In doing so, Natural England chose to ignore the concerns of the farmers and land managers who know the area best.

“Our members do incredible work to restore nature on their land, with some engaging in pioneering activities for nature’s recovery. Yet this designation has not taken into account the ability of farmers to make land management decisions in a timely fashion.

“Natural England has not published a clear plan for how the site, which covers more than 3,000 hectares, should be managed.  The lack of detail means that businesses do not know what they will be able to do once the designation commences.

“The decision fails to take into account any socio-economic factors. The impact of this SSSI designation will likely be disastrous for many. Not only will land managers now have to apply to Natural England for consent to carry out every day activities, the consent would be temporary, likely take a long time to be considered and may not be granted at all. 

“Many farmers within the boundary will have concerns as to the ongoing viability of their already-stretched businesses.  We call on Natural England to bring forward all management plans and agree sufficient funding arrangements with DEFRA well before designation is implemented.

“We also believe the designation of Penwith Moors as a SSSI lays bare some of the problems with the designation process more widely that need to be addressed. Lessons have clearly not been learnt from previous designations and we feel that the Government needs to undertake an urgent review of its processes for environmental designation and ongoing site management, as in its current format they cause real distress to farmers and landowners.

“Conservation is achieved through collaboration and cooperation, yet there is a feeling that this has been a process of imposition.  The whole process needs to be re-designed, with better evidence, better communication of that evidence and what it means for farmers in practice. Management plans must be consulted on, and a funding plan that rewards new ways of managing the land must be brought forward.  

“Everyone wants to see better environmental outcomes.  But these can only be delivered if those who manage the land stay in business. 

“Whilst we are disappointed with the decision, work must now start urgently to rebuild the relationships and trust that have been damaged during this process.  We at the CLA will continue to support those who farm and manage land across Penwith Moors.”