Cornwall has a new Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) following confirmation that protected status will be granted for West Penwith Moors and Downs.

The new status will mean that 3,044 hectares of some of the country’s wildest and most dramatic nature-rich habitats are now protected.

Penwith Moors has a long history of agriculture and livestock grazing, with many of the 4,000–year-old field systems still used for their original purpose. Natural England values these deep traditions that have created the nature-rich place that is now being celebrated by designation as an SSSI. NE is committed to continuing to support and reward the nature-friendly farming that is essential to sustain West Penwith Moors and Downs.   

However, not everyone is happy with the move to classify the area as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.  

Many farmers in the area have criticised the move and say it could leave them struggling financially.

Christopher Murley, who runs a dairy farm with his two brothers and parents at Pendeen, said the confirmation was a sad day.

"It's going to mean we're going to lose a certain amount of land that we won't be able to farm,” he said. "Milking cows relies on feeding them good quality grass and basically they're going to stop us doing it.”

He added: "This area is like it is because of the way it's been farmed."

But the chair of Natural England 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 the board meeting and the reason why the decision was reached, Tony 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.”  

Natural England says they will be giving advice to Defra as part of the overall development of Environmental Land Management Schemes to make sure those who manage SSSIs such as West Penwith Moors and Downs are properly rewarded for the results for nature that they deliver     

The area was designated for SSSI status due to its lowland heathland, fens, and dry acid grassland, lichens, wetland valley mires, a breeding population of Dartford warbler, invertebrates, including the rare Perkin's mining bee and tormentil nomad bee and a number of vascular plants, such as coral necklace, a declining plant which grows along wet tracks.     

But it has split opinion in West Penwith.

West Cornwall MP Derek Thomas said: “Some 700 acres of clean farmland is included in the SSSI and most of the debate at the hearing focused on whether the scientific evidence demonstrated that these fields were harmful to the sites of special interests. 

“Natural England officials could not confirm that the fields were harmful but said ‘there was potential for harm’.

“I had hoped that the clean land could be removed until hydrology surveys could confirm whether the fields contributed to pollution or not.

“Despite a day of compelling evidence to question the inclusion of such a large area of clean farmland, the board members accepted Natural England officer's recommendation and designated the site.

“I will continue to work with the farmers impacted by this to ensure they can still make a living from their farms. Farms that are not viable are often broken up and sold which will do nothing to protect and enhance our natural environment.”

Andrew George, Liberal Democrat councilor for Ludgvan, Madron, Gulval & Heamoor, welcomed the designation but felt Natural England could have communicated better with farmers.He said: "I spoke as a supporter. The Conservative MP is an objector. Natural England had not covered itself in glory. Far too much of their communication with farmers and landowners was officious and poorly explained. Farmers wrongly felt they were under attack. They now have five years to prepare and adjust before full implementation.

"Natural England (NE) needs to work in partnership with farmers to help and reassure. Many farmers fear they'll be duped into signing consents which will be to their detriment and that they won't be advised about their rights. NE must work hard now to restore the confidence that has been lost.

"Of course, it would help if the Government had put in place all of its compensatory support measures to assist farmers to adjust. It's not good enough that the government can't get its right and left hands coordinated. I called on all those who like me campaign to combat the ecological emergency to back this designation in our own area and which delivers what we're calling for. Of course, no one's surprised to see Conservative MPs jump on both the eco-emergency bandwagon going one way and the anti-eco-designation bandwagon going the other way, depending on which audience they're attempting to dupe. Most agree we must combat the ecological emergency, and are prepared to decry what's happening to the Amazon or the risks to the Serengeti, etc.

"But I also hope fellow campaigners will equally support important ecological protection work in our own backyard. I experience the same in my profession. Almost everyone agrees in principle that we need more genuinely affordable homes for locals. That is...until it's proposed next to them! It's wrong to will the ends if you're not prepared to support the means."

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