2013
Everything you need to know about the Lizard Peninsula
1
BUS SERVICES Bus Services around Helston and The Lizard are mainly operated by First Group
WEATHER Average Temperature Graph for The Lizard
Buses 34/37 Redruth – Helston/Helston – The Lizard Every hour Monday to Saturday except public holidays Runs via Mullion
Temperature (˚c)
Service 35 Helston – Falmouth Via Gweek, Constantine and Mawnan Smith Seven a day Reduced service public on bank holidays Service 36 Helston – Coverack (Via Mawgan and St Keverne) Monday to Saturday except public holidays Runs every two hours Service 38 Helston town service One an hour For more details go the First Group website at www.firstgroup.com JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Lizard Taxis .............................................................. 07813 913980 Meneage Taxis ......................................................... 01326 560530 Telstar .................................................................... 0800 999 2477 Darrens Taxis ........................................................... 07879 770445
Key - Average High Temp Average Low Temp
Average hours of sunshine each month Jan.................... 60 Feb ................... 85 Mar ................. 131 Apr ................. 190
May ................ 220 Jun.................. 217 Jul................... 204 Aug ................. 194
TAXIS
Sep ................. 158 Oct ................. 111 Nov ................... 73 Dec ................... 55
CASH MACHINES Breage Post Office and Stores Higher Road, Breage TR13 9PJ Gweek Post Office Gweek Village, TR12 6TU
CORNISH LANGUAGE When you visit any country it’s always good to learn a few words of the language, and while Cornwall isn’t strictly a country (although many Cornish think it is) it does have its own language. So if you do bump into a Cornish speaker impress them by dropping in some of the words below into the conversation.
ENGLISH
CORNISH
Hello Goodbye Please Thankyou Cornish Holiday Happy Sad Man Woman
Dydh da (‘dith da’) Duw genes (‘do gen-ess’ hard g as in get) Mar pleg (as written) Meur ras (Pronounced as in the French ‘fleur’) Kernewek (as written) De’gol (‘dih-gol’ hard g as in get’) Lowen (‘low-en’ ‘low’ as in the English) Trist (‘tree-st’) Den (as in the dog breed Great ’Dane’) Benyn (‘ben-in’)
Helston Post Office and Londis Store 28-30 Coineagehall Street, Helston Mawgan Post Office (in store) Higher Lane, Mawgan TR12 6AN Mullion Post Office Nansmelyon Road, Mullion TR12 7DQ Porthleven Post Office and Premier Stores: Chapel View, Fore Street, Porthleven TR13 9HQ Praa Sands Post Office and Shop Pengersick Lane, Praa Sands, Penzance TR20 9SQ Ruan Minor Post Office and Spar Store Ruan Minor, TR12 7JL St Keverne Post Office The Square TR12 6NA The Lizard Post Office The Lizard Village TR12 7NQ There are also cash points at both Tesco and Sainsbury supermarkets in Helston as well as a number of banks in Helston town centre itself.
RISKING THEIR LIVES TO SAVE YOURS
Discovery Quay, Falmouth 01326 313388 nmmc.co.uk
2
www.visitlizardcornwall.co.uk
26 events
4-10
walks
12
gardens
16-17
beaches
18-20
food
22-26
arts
28-29
sports
30-31
wildlife
32-33
landscape
34
W
elcome to the 2013 edition of the Lizard and Meneage Guide, bringing you the best of what this special area has to offer.
The Lizard is a land apart; an almost-island surrounded to east, west and south by the sea. Visitors leave Helston and go “on” to the Lizard – not to and certainly not through; it’s not on the road to anywhere, so a trip here is a special effort. And it’s worth it. When you come on to the Lizard you’re entering a landscape defined by its rocks and its minerals, the largest lump of serpentine rock south of Uist and a bewildering complexity of geology and the countryside that has risen from these rocks, altered by centuries of farming has given rise to an amazing assemblage of plants and wildlife that cannot be seen elsewhere. To the west you’ll find towering cliffs and a wild, windswept landscape where trees are bent to the wind and Atlantic storms crash against the rocky shore. Look closer however and you’ll find amongst the cattle grazed cliffs a display of flora that is unique. Here, amongst carpets of spring squill and tufts of sea pinks, you can find plants that grow nowhere else in Britain, which have been bringing botanists to their knees in delight for hundreds of years. To the south lies Lizard Point, a must-see for travellers to the extremes of this country
and the first place in Cornwall to welcome back the Cornish chough after an absence of many decades. Alongside the towers of the most southerly lighthouse you might hear their distinctive call – one that is increasingly being heard around the county’s coast. To the east coast, from here to the mouth of the Helford River, lie sheltered coves and wooded valleys, an escape from the wind and a lusher, different world where rivers tumble down to the sea and small coastal villages. From here tiny fishing fleets supply local shops and restaurants with the finest of fresh fish, crabs and lobsters. In summer, Cornish heath, the Lizard’s very own variety of heather, lights the wild heathland of Goonhilly Downs across the middle of the Lizard with a blaze of colour, this landscape marked by the giant dishes of the Satellite Earth Station and the tall towers of the wind turbines bringing a modern detail to an ancient landscape rich in wildlife. Special thanks must go to contributors Sandy Pulfrey at Hen House B&B in Manaccan, Jayne and Philip Hayes at the Atlantic B&B on The Lizard and Alistair Cameron of the National Trust, for their input into this guide.
- The Lizard Guide Team
3
events
T
here is plenty to see and do in and around the thriving communities of The Lizard Peninsula. Whether it’s lifeboat days, carnivals, fetes, garden shows, food festivals, tours or nature trails, the Lizard has it all. With so much to see there is sure to be something for everyone. On the following five pages we have put together a month on month guide to what’s happening on the Lizard. Even in the colder months there are still things to see and do and, whatever the weather, enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
APRIL 2013 Easter Monday Table Top and Craft Fair
1st April
Lambeage Hall, Coverack
The biggest day of the year, Helston Flora Day, come and see what the fuss is about - May 8th
Starting at 10am, there will be a variety of stalls selling general bric-a-brac and crafts produced in the local area.
Family bush craft days
Porthleven Food and Music Festival
Poltesco, The Lizard 01326 291174
20th April
2nd - 5th April
Learn how to light a fire without matches, make rope from plants and build a shelter in the woods. An event for families and accompanied children at Poltesco. 10am-2pm. £3 per child, accompanying adults go free.
Oliver!
9th April onwards
Epworth Hall, Helston 01326 568936 Helston Theatre Company’s production of the popular Lionel Bart musical featuring orphan boy Oliver, who falls into the clutches of Fagin’s gang of pickpockets and befriends the kind-hearted Nancy. Running daily until 14th April with performances at 7.30pm and additional matinees on the 13th and 14th at 2pm. Tickets from Heathercraft in Coinagehall Street, Helston or from the number above.
Memory walk to Helman Tor
13th April
Gunwen Chapel, Lowertown www.cornishstories.com/ forthcoming-events A short walk between 2pm and 5pm will allow people to explore the area around Helman Tor. An officer from the Cornwall Wildlife Trust will share his knowledge of local plant and wildlife. Back at Gunwen Chapel locals will reminisce over tea and cake. Material collected during the afternoon will be brought together in a short community film.
4
Porthleven Harbour Head www.porthlevenfoodfestival.com A day celebrating the best of Cornish food, accompanied by a soundtrack of local music. This year’s theme is ‘Sourced from the Sea’, celebrating the role the sea plays in Porthleven’s heritage and present day. The port’s fishermen will be bringing in their usual fresh catch of lobster and crab, with which chefs will create dishes in front of an audience. A young festival is included, with additional small stage near the Salt Cellar for acoustic performances.
MAY 2013 Barefoot walk
11th May
01326 554715 Try the new craze of barefoot walking, a must have sensory experience. Leave your shoes at home and find out why walking barefoot is good for you. Meet at Penrose Hill car park. 11am. £2 per person.
Coverack Art Club Spring Exhibition
18th May
Lambeage Hall, Coverack 01326 281448
Open between 10am and 6pm, the exhibition will show off the work of the art club from the previous few months. The exhibition runs until 2nd June.
Helston Flora Day
8th May
Helston town centre www.helstonfloraday.org.uk A day of music and colour, with dancing through the streets and a pageant. The day starts at 7am outside the town’s Guildhall, with the first of four dances led by Helston Town Band. The Hal-an-Tow pageant begins on St John’s Bridge at 8.30am and is then performed at various locations in the town, telling the story of St George slaying the dragon, St Michael killing the devil and St Piran arriving on a millstone. Children dressed in white dance from Wendron Street at 9.40am, the main Furry Dance leaves the Guildhall at noon and the evening dance wraps up the festivities, leaving once again from the Guildhall at 5pm.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
28th May onwards
Epworth Hall, Helston 01326 568936 A production by youth theatre company ACT1 of the famous Disney story of the beautiful Belle who becomes trapped in castle by a brooding beast. Running daily until 1st June with performances at 7.30pm. Tickets from Heathercraft in Coinagehall Street, Helston or from the number above.
www.visitlizardcornwall.co.uk
5
events Gunwalloe Beach Day
RNAS Culdrose Air Day
31st May
24th July
Gunwalloe Church Cove 01326 554715
RNAS Culdrose, Helston www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/AirStations/RNAS-Culdrose/Air-Day-2013
Join us for a day on the beach as we celebrate the wonderful marine wildlife at Gunwalloe. Come and discover the secrets of the sea and get creative with beach art at Gunwalloe Church Cove.
JUNE 2013 Helston Celebrates... Coronation Tea Party
2nd June
Meneage Street, Helston 01326 568936 A tea party in the street to mark the anniversary of the Queen’s coronation, inspired by last year’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Children’s Tea and Sports Afternoon
11th June
Mawgan Recreation Hall Part of Mawgan Feast Week, this is an afternoon of children’s sports, with running to sack races, followed by a tea in the hall. The afternoon runs from approximately 3.15pm until 6pm (TBC).
Mawgan Feast Saturday
15th June
Mawgan Recreation Ground An afternoon for the whole family, with a car boot sale, games, fancy dress competition, vintage cars and stalls, plus tea and cakes in the hall. The official opening is usually at 1.30pm and the day wraps up around 4pm (TBC).
Visit thepacket.co.uk to find out what the weather is going to be like before setting off to your event of choice.
One of the main attractions is the dazzling afternoon flying display, in which aeroplanes zoom overhead and helicopters give breathtaking displays of daring. Visitors can also meeting the aircrew who fly around the world taking part in military operations, before having a go themselves at piloting a helicopter in a flight simulator.
Mullion School Summer Medley
Mermaid and Pirate Beach Party
30th June
25th July
Mullion Secondary School, Meaver Road, Mullion A day of activities and performances from students at the school, with stalls.
JULY 2013
Coverack Beach 01326 281448 A themed fundraising event for Coverack Primary School, organised by the parent, teacher and friends association on the beach. There will be fancy dress and activities for children during the afternoon.
Gunwalloe - Time Travellers
Local Foods and Crafts Fair
Gunwalloe Church Cove 01326 554715
25th July
Experience the artefacts of a real archaeological dig dig and let experts guide you through the fascinating history of Winniananton. Get hands on cleaning the finds, make and decorate your own clay pot by hand and test your knowledge of history. 11am - 5pm.
St Peter’s Hall, Coverack 01326 281448
21st July
A celebration of the range of foods and crafts produced in the local area. Held between noon and 4pm, the event will be supporting Coverack Primary School.
Mullion Harbour Day
22nd June Mullion Harbour
Fun filled family day including harbour games, greasy pole, craft stalls, free kayak tasters, hog roast, singers and a bar. Races throughout the day. Free event
West Cornwall Motor Show
30th June
Wendron Cricket and Football Club westcornwallmotorshow.com Visitors can expect to see classic and vintage cars, motorcycles, car dealerships, trade stands and craft stalls along with a wide variety of entertainment and displays suitable for the whole family. Refreshments will provided on-site by local businesses. The club can be found just off the A39 between Helston and Falmouth.
6
A day of spectacular flying displays for RNAS Culdrose Air Day - July 24th
www.visitlizardcornwall.co.uk
5
7
events
Fantastic day of fundraising for Porthleven Lifeboat Day - August 18th
Lizard Lifeboat Annual Fete
28th July
Lizard Village Green Between noon and 4pm www.thelizardlifeboat.org.uk/events Spend a few hours learning about the essential lifesaving work of the Lizard Lifeboat and help support its fundraising efforts. There will be a variety of stalls, activities and games.
surrounding area. The top three entries in each class will get certificates, while the best will win the growers trophies.
Coverack Open Gardens
4th August
Coverack Village 01326 281448 Beautiful gardens that are private for the rest of the year are opened up for one day only, between noon and 5pm. Entry costs £3, which
goes as a donation to Cornwall Hospice Care; children enter for free. Tickets and map from the bus stop green, covering all open gardens. Cream teas will be served in St Peters Hall.
Grade Ruan Minor Vintage Rally
4th August
Trevedden Farm, Ruan Minor 01326 290664
AUGUST 2013
Featuring a range of vintage cars and tractors, as well as other entertainments, all gathered together in one venue from 11am.
Coverack RNLI Lifeboat Day
Batty about Bats
3rd August
7th August
Coverack Harbour 01326 281448
01326 554715
One of the main fundraising events for Coverack RNLI, supporting the lifesaving work of the lifeboats in the area. There will be a variety of stalls and activities from noon, with a demonstration in the water (subject to weather and emergencies). See posters in the village for full details.
St Keverne Gardeners’ Society Summer Show
3rd August
St Keverne Methodist Church hall www.stkevernechurch.org.uk A display of flowers and vegetables produced by gardeners in the village and the
8
Spend a summer’s evening with the rangersin the woodswatching the bats emerge at dusk to feed. Help us to investigate the species we see with the use of a bat detector. 8pm - 10pm.
Try a pint of one of the many local speciality ales. The most popular with the locals is called “Spingo”. Not for the faint hearted!
Sandcastle and Sculpture Competition
8th August
Coverack Beach 01326 281448 Indulge your creative side by making a sandcastle fit for a king or a sculpture made from materials found from the beach. Entertainment for the whole family. Registration is from 1pm; beach shoes are advisable.
www.visitlizardcornwall.co.uk
Lizard Lifeboat Station Lifeboat Day
The streets of Helston will be lined with people trying to catch a glimpse of this year’s carnival - September 7th
11th August The boathouse, Kilcobben Cove Find out about the lifesaving work of the Lizard RNLI and take a tour of the lifeboat Rose, while raising money to keep the lifeboat running.
Coverack Regatta
18th August Coverack Harbour 01326 281448 A celebration of the sea and the activities that are associated with it, from swimming to sailing. There will also be stalls and games throughout the afternoon.
Porthleven Lifeboat Day
18th August Harbour Head, Porthleven The main fundraising event for Porthleven RNLI, this is a day of activities starting at around 10.30am. There will be displays, stalls, music and demonstrations, including from one of the area’s lifeboats (subject to weather and emergencies).
Rock Pool Safari
20th August Coverack Beach 01326 281448 Explore what is hiding in the rock pools under the direction of Peter Wood. Take along buckets and spaces and wear non-slip beach shoes – fun for all the family from 1pm.
Tide Challenge
22nd August Coverack Beach 01326 281448 Spend the afternoon building a structure out of sand, rocks and other materials found on the beach, then wait for the tide to come in. The team standing on the last remaining structure battling the water will be crowned the winners.
Coverack Summer Fete
26th August Lambeage Hall and The Battery, Coverack 01326 281448 Stalls, games and family activities will take place in this celebration of summer from 2pm.
Tallys an Tir – Traditions and Stories of the Land
31st August
Kestle Barton, Manaccan www.cornishstories.com The culmination of a year-long project that looks at the history of farming and the land in the area, including stories, photographs and video footage. Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and FEAST Cornwall, it has been working with people in the community and primary schools within five areas around Cornwall. Continues into 1st September.
Furry friends will be on display at the annual pet show at 10am followed by the dog show at 1pm.
Helston Carnival
7th September Helston town centre 01326 568936
All manner of costumes will be on display as Helston community groups and individuals parade through the town at 5.30pm.
Heroes of hand plane
7th September
SEPTEMBER 2013 Chyvarloe Farm open day
Poldhu 01326 558424 Join us at Poldhu for the local legends of hand planing challenge, the new craze in body surfing. Prizes for various categories on offer. £2 to enter.
1st September
Helston Harvest Fair Horticultural Show
Join the farm for its 3rd annual open day. Meet the animals, visit the market, walk the trails and have a go at ploughing. barbecue and refreshments. 12pm - 5pm. Free event.
8th September
07979 196569
Helston Harvest Fair Pet and Dog Shows
7th September
Epworth Hall, Helston 01326 568936
Old Cattle Market, Helston 01326 568936 The best fruit and vegetables, flowers, crafts and photography will be on display from 1pm, with the top three exhibits in each class receiving a certificate and the best taking home a trophy. At Coronation Park next door there will be community stalls and the Camborne Pond Hoppers club sailing model boats in the lake.
9
events OCTOBER 2013 Whistle Down The Wind
30th October onwards Epworth Hall, Helston 01326 568936
Helston Methodist Church Drama Group’s production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical featuring well known songs such as A Kiss is a Terrible Thing to Waste, No Matter What and the title track. Running daily until 2nd November with performances at 7.30pm and an additional matinees on the 2nd November at 2.30pm. Tickets from Heathercraft in Coinagehall Street, Helston or from the number above.
NOVEMBER 2013 Bonfire night at Chyvarloe Farm
See the award-winning Helston Christmas Lights switch-on - November 29th
5th November
Chyvarloe Farm 07979 196569 A small family friendly bonfore with fireworks, BBQ, jacket potatoes and children’s entertainment. Advanced booking only, £10 family ticket.
Christmas Lights Switch On
29th November
Coinagehall Street, Helston See the award-winning Helston Christmas lights switched on in all their glory. The countdown takes place at 7.30pm during an evening of music and stalls, and is followed by a breathtaking fireworks display.
Coverack RNLI Christmas Fayre
30th November
St Peter’s Hall, Coverack. 01326 281448 Festive stalls and games raising money towards the work of the RNLI in this area.
JANUARY 2014 Pantomime (title TBC)
21st January onwards Epworth Hall 01326 568936
Helston Theatre Company’s annual pantomime – the exact story to be confirmed. Daily performances until 25th January, at 7.30pm. Tickets from Heathercraft in Coinagehall Street, Helston or by calling the above number.
10
A passion for performing T
here are a large number of community groups on and around the Lizard with a passion for singing and performing. Here are just a few.
• The Cadgwith Singers started many years ago in the pub at Cadgwith with Buller and Hartley. Every Friday night they gather to sing anything and everything but always in the same unrehearsed and unique style. These days they are to be found singing in clubs, pubs, theatres and rugby matches all over Cornwall. Further afield there have been tours to various south west counties, London, Ireland, France and the Czech Republic. • Established in 1896, St Keverne Band is the most southerly band in the UK. It consists of three bands – junior, youth and senior. All the instruments, music and tuition are provided for players free of charge. It is a self-funding organisation raising money by performing concerts and organising events. The main fundraising event of the year is the
annual Ox roast which has been taking place on the first Wednesday in August for over 50 years. This year (2013) the Ox roast will be on August 7 from noon until dark. The day will include live music, stalls, games, refreshments, spit roasted ox and a torchlight procession around the village to conclude. The bands perform at many local events during the summer including Coverack Carnival and Constantine Band Sunday. St Keverne band has performed in some very impressive venues in the past including The Royal Albert Hall and Buckingham Palace for The Queens Golden Jubilee. They have also been National Champions on the contest stage. • Gweek Players draw members from a wide area. They usually perform two plays each year in April and November. This year’s November production is The Wind in the Willows by Alan Bennett. The show takes place from Wednesday, 14th November to Friday, 16th November at 7.30 pm. Box Office 0845 0948874. Tickets £8 and £6 (u16)
www.visitlizardcornwall.co.uk
11
walks
T
he Lizard is world renowned for its spectacular scenery and unique wildlife. What better way to explore this fascinating terrain than by foot.
Get your walking boots on and get close-up with nature. See at first
easy
hand the area’s unique geology and what else it has to offer. To get you started we’ve selected just three of our favourites walks divided into easy, medium and hard. But don’t stop there, there are so many other areas you can get out to and explore.
medium
hard
Penrose Estate
Lizard Point
Cadgwith
This walk takes in the beautiful views of Loe Pool and the Penrose Estate, and ends in the picturesque harbour of Porthleven.
With moderate terrain, this walk will let you explore the most southerly tip of Great Britain and follows a five mile route.
Around five miles in length, this walk through National Trust parkland can be enjoyed by all the family and is not too strenuous.
Start in the car park of the beautifully Kynance Cove (SW689132), which has colourfully named features such as Lady’s Bathing Pool and Devil’s Letter Box.
This walk takes in some stunning views of the coast but be aware that the path does stray close to the cliff edge at times and there are some fairly strenuous climbs.
Why not begin the walk in the morning and enjoy lunch when you reach your destination, at one of Porthleven’s many cafes and restaurants, before catching the bus back to your starting point? Begin at the far end of the Penrose Amenity Area car park opposite Coronation Lake in Helston (SW 656272), where there is plenty of free parking. Continue walking away from the town and cross the small footbridge over to the treelined path on the right hand side. Follow the path along the side of the river, passing the bird watching hut from where you can view a range of wildfowl, with widgeon, teal, mallard, shoveler, pochard, tufted duck and coot appearing in greatest numbers. Reaching the Victorian Helston Lodge, with its quaint boathouse, go through a gate and follow the drive to where it forks. Take the left fork, where is a fine view of the grand Penrose House, which remains a private dwelling. The terrain steepens slightly as you begin to move away from the pool, the largest freshwater lake in Cornwall. Continue past the old stable block. The old carriageway that you are following leads through Bar Walk Plantation to Bar Lodge above Loe Bar. Do not be tempted to swim from the sandy shore or the long stretch of beach – the ground shelves steeply close to shore and there are dangerous tidal currents. Follow the cliff path until you see Porthleven below you and head down the hill into the village.
Leaving the car park, join the cliff path signposted to Lizard Point and follow this above the beach, continuing along the path to Polpeor Cove. This is the home of a disused Victorian lifeboat station, from where rescuers saved the lives of 167 people when the liner SS Suevic sunk in 1907. Cross the road and continue on the coast path, turning left at the signpost for Lizard Lighthouse and following the path around the boundary wall.
At the bottom of the path turn right and walk along the village road until it bears to the right. Carry straight on onto the coast path and continue up the hill bearing left past the Cliffside homes until you get to the top. There you will find a courtyard of cottages owned by the National Trust. Go across the courtyard and make for the right hand corner and back onto the coast path.
Keep this wall on your right before rejoining the coast path. Look out for Lion’s Den, an unfenced 40ft hole in the cliff, created by the collapse of a cave. Pass above Housel Bay, below the hotel, and onto the headland path with the Lizard Wireless Station on your left. Housed in two wooden huts, this is actually the oldest surviving, purpose-built wireless station in the world, used by Marconi for pioneering experiments. After heading round Bass Point Old Signal Station leave the coast path and take the track ahead through the gate for Churchtown Farm. Passing through farm building, turn left onto the road and then left again at the next junction, passing the school on your right. In Lizard village go straight across the road, signposted ‘coastal footpath’, and straight across the next road signposted ‘Kynance Cove’. Bearing right onto the signposted track, the footpath takes you along the top of a bank from where you should bear right again at the footpath junction, into a thicket. The path heads slightly uphill and is welldefined across fields, ending with a stile at the bend of a road.
12
Arriving at the car park on the outskirts of Cadgwith (SW721146) walk down to the sea following the path between the thatched cottages, taking in the pretty church of St Mary’s made of corrugated iron.
Carry on along the coast path with magnificent cliff side views and very close to the edge at times past the crater of Hugga Drigee, probably formed by a crater collapse and better known as the Devil’s Frying Pan until you get to Church Cove. Here turn right off the coast path and up towards Landewednack Church, the most southerly parish in the country, along the lane past delightful thatched cottages.
Walking straight ahead, in the direction signposted to the car park, turn right back onto the footpath running parallel with the road.
Once at the church turn right over a stile and a gate in the hedge heading towards Grade Chuch and either turn right along the lane or walk through Grade Church. Continue on this path until you get to a lane with Grade Church in front of you.
This will join the track at the edge of the Kynance Cove car park, bring you back to your starting point.
Go into the grounds and follow the path to the far right hand corner come out the other side and follow the road back to the car park.
www.visitlizardcornwall.co.uk
13
Top: Roland, Lindsey, staff and helpers get together with Mr Cool Magic and Mr Smiley to launch this year’s charity. Bottom: Seven year olds Marissa and Libby get the smiley faces ready for people to write on.
Takeaway does its bit W
hen the chips are down there is one takeaway in Porthleven that is doing its bit for charity fundraising.
Roland’s Happy Plaice fish and chip shop, in Shute Lane, is hard to miss after owners Roland and Lindsey Lowery painted the outside of their business as part of its fundraising efforts for Cancer Research UK. They raised £2,500 and, spurred on by their success, have this year turned their attention to boosting the funds of Little Harbour children’s hospice. Based at St Austell, it is one of three sites run by Children’s Hospice South West and the only children’s hospice in Cornwall. Roland and Lindsey are encouraging customers to write messages on pieces of card in the shape of round smiley faces – the charity’s logo – in return for a £2 donation. These messages can then be hung from the
14
ceiling of the shop for the rest of the year, in the hope that by December whole ceiling will be covered. The shop is also selling bears and badges on behalf of the charity. Business owner Roland was joined by the charity’s giant pink mascot Mr Smiley for the launch, as well as Mr Cool Magic, aka Paul Snowball, who performed magic tricks and has promised to hold some shows at the hospice in the coming months. Of course, fundraising aside, the business is popular both in the port and with customers further afield for its menu, featuring the firm favourite cod and chips as well as other options. At the start of the year the business received a spot hygiene inspection from Cornwall Council and passed with flying colours, received the top rating of a full five stars.
www.visitlizardcornwall.co.uk
local life in your
More journalists in the area than any other local newspaper Reaching 9 out of 10 local residents every week.
Visit us online at thePacket.co.uk
gardens
Above: Glendurgan Garden Below: Godolphin House & Estate
Top: Trebah Garden Bottom: Bonython Estate Gardens
16
www.visitlizardcornwall.co.uk
G
arden lovers rejoice: the Lizard Peninsula is home to some of Cornwall’s best kept secrets when it comes to green and pleasant land. From secluded gardens full of romance to sub-tropical landscapes filled with exotic flora, the peninsular and immediate surrounding area represents a little slice of paradise for green-fingered visitors.
Here we round up six of the best... BOSAHAN GARDEN Close to the Helford River, Bosahan servesup horticultural bliss with a breathtaking view to the estuary and sea. Bosahan, near Manaccan, has its own microclimate, enabling a fusion of tender plants from both hemispheres to flourish in the moist shelter. Radiant rows of rhododendrons and azaleas are mixed with the likes of magnolias and southern hemisphere tree and shrub species. The exotic palm groves and mature Maidenhair trees have made a lush canopy under which to explore the ‘sub-tropical’ environment. Bosahan is blessed with a meandering stream trickling through the centre, creating a wonderful garden for walkers to follow a trail along the fern-edged banks and palm-fringed pond. • Open March 18 to July 26. Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 4.30pm. Closed weekends and Bank Holidays. • Adults £5, children aged six to 16 £2.50, children under five free. Disabled visitors £2.50, senior citizens £3.50. Groups by appointment – call 01326 231351.
BONYTHON ESTATE GARDENS Discover a unique blend of tropical and traditional horticulture planted in these stunning estate gardens including a classic pottager garden, that lie at the gateway to the Lizard Peninsula. Entering the driveway your sights and senses will immediately be hijacked by the beautiful hydrangeas, but it’s the estate’s South African owners, who took over in 1999, that have made Bonython, near Cury Cross Lanes, the intriguing horticultural hotspot it is today, through a modern and exotic horticultural twist. Explore the South
African roots beneath the scorching display of ornamental grasses, cannas and proteas that bring one of the three lakes into a froth of colour throughout August and September. The herbaceous borders of the walled garden are lined with alliums, catmint and carefully selected varieties that enhance the blue, purple, yellow and white colour themes. Even the herb garden has been sprinkled with “picking flowers” to infuse it with vibrant pink and burgundy hues. The array of species is enough to whet any garden-lovers appetite, especially when it’s served up with a jaw-dropping view that stretches over the orchard of Cornish apple trees towards the swan-scattered Lake Joy. Wander back through the woodland walk, or a meander through the tree fern and rhododendron dell. • Open March 1 to September 30. Mon - Fri 10.00am - 4.30pm excluding bank holidays • Adults £6.00 Children(u16) £2 Family(2+2) £14 01326 240550 www.bonythonmanor.co.uk
TREBAH GARDEN No garden lover can visit the south west of Cornwall without a visit to Trebah – a uniquely beautiful, wooded, 25-acre subtropical ravine garden that descends to its own beach on the beautiful Helford River. It is the wild and magical result of 160 years of inspired and dedicated creation. Mediterranean and southern hemisphere plants intermingle with Trebah’s groves of huge Australian tree ferns and palms. A giant plantation of gunnera and clumps of huge bamboos give this garden a unique and exotic wildness matched by no other garden in the British Isles. The garden near Mawnan Smith has been rated as one of the best 80 gardens in the world. In early spring, Trebah comes alive with a colourful array of 100-year-old rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias; in summer, the giant gunnera is a must see for young and old. In autumn, Hydrangea Valley casts clouds of china blue and soft white across Mallard Pond and in winter, spectacular champion trees dominate the landscape and plants from the southern hemisphere can be seen flowering. • Open all year, seven days a week, 10am to 17.30pm. • Adults £8.50, senior citizens £7.50, children aged five to 15 £2.50, children under five free. 01326 252200 www.trebahgarden.co.uk
GLENDURGAN GARDEN
Check out National Garden Scheme open days at www.ngs.org.uk Denotes National Trust property
Also near Mawnan Smith, one of the most exciting features of Glendurgan is its cherry laurel maze dating back to 1833. This thriving sub-tropical valley garden runs down to the Helford River at the fishing village of Durgan and boasts beautiful blooms in every season thanks to its
sheltered ravine position. Visitors can explore under lush canopies and wind through the exotic gardens to meet the water’s edge. Discover giant rhubarb plants in the jungle-like lower valley and spiky arid plants basking in the sunny upper slopes, wander through the garden down to the beautiful hamlet of Durgan on the Helford River and find gigantic tulip trees and ponds teeming with wildlife. Assistance dogs only. • Open until November 31 2013. Tuesday to Sunday, 10.30am to 5.30pm (last admission 5pm). 01326 252020 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ glendurgan-garden
CARWINION GARDEN Fourteen acres of wild Victorian gardens nestled in the Helford Valley, Carwinion is home to one of the most spectacular national collections of bamboo in the country, with 140-plus varieties. The Rogers family collaborated with the Fox family of Glendurgan to bring in rare plants, including the Dicksonia Antartica and Cryptomaria Japonica that are growing here today. Carwinion is a wild and untamed spring garden, prolific with wild flowers such as primroses and blue bells as well as camellias, hydrangeas and ferns, while in the summer visitors can explore the banks of the ponds, streams and enormous groves of gunnera. There are tree ferns native of Australia and New Zealand, with concentrate fern and hellebore garden sprouting from an old quarry. Veer over to the west side and you’ll discover the beautifully manicured Japanese Garden and you might even find the ‘secret’ garden to unwind in. Dog friendly. • Open all year. 10.00am - 5.30pm • Adults £5.00, children and disabled free 01326 250258 www.carwinion.co.uk
GODOLPHIN HOUSE AND ESTATE A beautiful and romantic historic house and garden, where time has stood still. The garden is largely unchanged since the 16th century, with archaeologically rich estate walks. Godolphin Estate is situated between Helston, at the gateway to the Lizard Peninsula, and Penzance. With over 700 years of Cornish history, the privately-owned Tudor and Stuart mansion, complete with its Elizabethan stables, is surrounded by its formal gardens and spectacular bluebell woods. Dogs welcome in the garden on short leads. • Gardens open every day, 10am to 5pm. Adult £5.50, children £2.75, family £14, family one adult, £8.25 – garden only 01736 763194 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/godolphin
17
beaches
Watch the sunset from Pollurian Bay (pictured)
Above: Sunset over Polurrian Bay Below: Cadgwith Cove
T
hey may not be as well known as the beaches on the north coast but their very remoteness means that the beaches on The Lizard don’t get the tourist hordes and there are some real hidden gems away from the tourist trail. From tiny tree lined coves to world class surf spots, we have selected just a few of our favourites on The Lizard for you to visit.
CADGWITH Cadgwith is actually two small beaches separated by a small narrow headland known as the Todden. The southwestern most beach is the ‘pleasure’ beach and is also known as Little Cove. The slightly larger northeastern beach is the working beach and is normally full of at least ten or so fishing boats and other assorted small craft. Both beaches are quite rocky but are quite sheltered and are safe for families. Behind the beaches many of the old cottages have thatched roofs and are quite picturesque.
18
www.visitlizardcornwall.co.uk
Best for: Family Day Out Surfing Quiet day for two History Nearby walks
Kennack Sands/Coverack Poldhu Gillian Church Cove, Gunwalloe Kynance Cove
CHURCH COVE LIZARD
Key:
Family Friendly Car Park Surf Lifeguard Quiet National Trust National Trust car park
A short walk from the Lizard Village after St Wynwallow Church. A lovely stroll down into Church Cove, past lovely postcard cottages and its small stream. Above right is a private road to the new RNLI Lifeboat Station. (walking permitted). The cove is very small and nested between the cliffs and there is access to the cliff walk. The crabbing boats are still pulled up the beach by wire rope and winch.
COVERACK Relax on the golden sand and swim in the azure sea or learn to wind surf or kayak with the local school based in the harbour Greatly restricted beach area at high tide.
POLDHU COVE Poldhu Cove is a large popular sandy cove with dunes and is well known surfing spot. Poldhu Cove is around seven miles from Helston. Head for Cury village by heading along the A3083 to Lizard. After three miles turn right onto a minor road to Cury. Drive through the village and follow the road to Poldhu Cove. There is a popular surf school where the whole family can get lessons on how to enjoy the waves. Next door the family run Poldhu Beach Cafe sells light lunches, ice creams and drinks, as well as the usual beaching paraphernalia. Dogs are banned from Easter Day to October 1 (7am to 7pm)
GILLAN Gillan Harbour lies about half mile south of the Helford River on the southern bank of a small creek opposite St Anthony in Meneage. The beach is a mixture of sand and shingle and there is a small area of grass suitable for picnics. Gillan Harbour beach is rarely crowded. There are good walks west
Kynance Cove along the river bank towards Manaccan or northwest to Helford Village. About half a mile east of Gillan lies the rocky Menaver Beach with walks available east to Lestowder Cliff leading to Nare Point.
GUNWALLOE CHURCH COVE The name of the quiet peaceful church at the edge of the sand derives from the Breton missionary saint “St Winwaloe” and is an unusual beach in that there is a church set below the low cliffs of Castle Mound at its northern end. What is even more unusual, is that the bell tower is detached from the main body of the small church standing about three metres away cut into the cliffside. Quite popular due to its proximity to Helston, fine NT car park and its good sandy beach. Overlooked by a golf course on its eastern edge.
KENNACK SANDS
KYNANCE COVE
Kennack Sands, just outside the village of Kuggar (TR12 7LZ) on the Lizard Peninsula, is well known amongst the surfing fraternity. This beach has a big tidal range due to its shallow angle. As is usual for beaches on the Lizard Peninsula, Kennack Sands also has its own shipwreck story. In 1914 the 100 ton Normand of Nantes. The french ship ran aground here. The remains of this and other vessels can be seen from Kennack Sands on especially low tides. The beach here is comprised of two beaches which are split in the middle by Carn Kennack (a small hill) and a shore side rock feature called Caerverracks. The more easterly beach is designated as a nature reserve, it can be reached via the footpath that runs along the back of the beach and over Carn Kennack.
Popular since Victorian times the unexpected views are still a powerful draw today. Located less than two miles from The Lizard and once remote and difficult to get to, The National Trust built a new toll road to a large car park on the downs above the cove The beach’s defining features are the serpentine rock formations with a distinctive pinnacle to the north of the beach. All in all Kynance is one of the prettiest coves in Cornwall and as a result one of the most painted and photographed.
POLURRIAN COVE Polurrian Cove lies just seaward of the village of Mullion. It is a southwest-facing beach with golden sand and patches of fine shingle.
19
beaches
Gunwallloe Fishing Cove
Taking the dog? Everyone knows about the wonderful unspoilt beaches of The Lizard but did you know that your dog is welcome YEAR ROUND at the following beaches.
PORTHLEVEN Porthleven beach is next to the harbour and near Porthleven village centre. Porthleven Beach is separated from the harbour by the granite pier which lies in front of the Porthleven institute and clock tower. When the tide is out it is possible to walk in an easterly direction along Porthleven beach for three miles, past Loe Bar and Penrose Estate. Alternatively, you can walk along the coast path the coast path out of the village with the Porthleven beach below you. Greatly restricted beach area at high tide
ST ANTHONY Quiet and secluded, St Anthony is the perfect place if you want to escape the hustle and bustle. A miniscule village a few miles
20
from Manaccan, it comprises little more than a small church and a couple of houses – the world goes by at a slower pace here. Actually a creek, the beach is the perfect place to go hunting in rockpools for seaweed, limpets and sea anemones. On Good Friday each year locals take to the sand for the traditional practice of “trigging” – the hand harvesting of cockles using rakes and buckets, which is only allowed on this one day of the year.
POLPEOR Polpeor Beach is a tiny beach situated just to the right of Lizard Point near to the Old Lizard Lifeboat Station. The sand is dark grey and coarse and it is not advisable to go swimming there although walks in area offer spectacular views. Dog friendly. No lifeguard cover.
PORTHALLOW A pebbly beach directly in front of the once thriving fishing village of Porthallow near St Keverne. Once a busy fishing village with a thriving pilchard fleet there are only a few working boats left here. There’s no lifeguard cover but dogs are allowed all year round. The car park is practically on the beach while there is the Five Pilchards pub, a café and other facilities nearby.
GUNWALLOE DOLLAR COVE The cove is named after the silver dollars that have occasionally been found from the wreck of a 17th century ship. The rock formations here are of special interest with the contorted strata of the cliffs representing 1,000s of years of tectonic movement.
1. Polgwidden 2. Gillan Harbour 3. Porthallow 4. Porthoustock 5. Coverack 6. Kennack Sands (East) 7. Cadgwith (East) 8. Polpeor Cove 9. Pentreath 10. Mullion Cove 11. Gunwalloe Fishing Cove 12. Loe Bar 13. Porthleven (East Beach - from Blue Buoys steps to Loe Bar) Dogs are allowed on the following beaches up until Easter and then again on 1st October. 1. Kennack Sands (West - near carpark) 2. Cadgwith Cove (South) 3. Housel Bay, The Lizard 4. Kynance Cove 5. Polurrian Cove 6. Poldhu 7. Gunwalloe Church Cove 8. Porthleven West (from the slipway to Blue Buoys steps) 9. Portreath Guide dogs are exempted from dog bans
www.visitlizardcornwall.co.uk
More than ingredients in a jar
F
lourishing in the green and uncontaminated land of southern Cornwall, expertly hand made from AtoZ at Roskilly’s Farm, Inlight organic skincare is much more than just ingredients in a jar.
Completely plant-based and totally organic, with nothing synthetic, no alcohol, not even water, Inlight is formulated and hand produced by an Italian medical doctor and herbalist who transplanted his whole family on the Lizard peninsula 15 years ago struck by its beauty. Everything smells so heavenly when you walk in the spotless lab (once the farm fudge workshop). No sophisticated machinery, just lovingly tended demi-johns full of colourful herbs and flowers gently steeping in the Cornish sunshine. Come and find out all about steeping rosemary and marigold in luscious oils used to make these skincare products really good enough to eat and have a “taste” of a freshly produced there and then batch. Come and see us at Roskilly’s Farm in St Keverne or visit www.inlight-online.co.uk
21
food
T
Famous for its superb local produce, the New Yard Restaurant at Trelowarren, Morgan.
he Cornish are justifiably proud of their home grown and raised produce and this is just as true on The Lizard peninsula as it is in the rest of the county. From cosy ‘gastro pubs” to top class restaurants you are spoiled for choice when you enjoy a trip to The Lizard. Don’t forget the fantastic fish and chip shops, the home-made ice cream at Roskilly’s, the monthly farmers markets and even a food festival.
Seadrift, Porthleven Seadrift offers diner-style decor with a gourmet food selection. It serves high quality food, with plenty of fresh fish, in a relaxed, seaside atmosphere. Being a work fishing port the menu understandably includes plenty of seafood specials such as grilled tiger prawns with garlic butter, fillet of sea bass with creamed confit cabbage and wild mushrooms, and sauteed squid, chorizo and rocket. For those looking for something less fishy, however, there are plenty of other options like pan-roasted duck breast with sweet potato mash and onion gravy, warm salad of chorizo, fig and parmesan, and oven-baked ratatouille with grilled goats cheese bake. · Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 10pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. 01326 558733 www.seadriftporthleven.co.uk
Ship Inn, Mawgan Something of a closely-guarded secret by locals, this pub-come-restaurant is slowly building a strong reputation by worth of mouth recommendations. Offering more unusual fare such as pheasant suet pastry pudding, twice-baked cheese soufflé with roasted pine kernels and smoked haddock with bubble and squeak, the chef uses in-season ingredients leading to an everchanging menu. Not the easiest to find, it’s worth the hunt. Pass through the village as if heading out towards St Martin and at the pink thatched
cottage fork right, down a hill – if you reach the church you’ve gone too far. · Open Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm - 11pm (food served until 9pm). Closed Sunday and Monday. 01326 221240 www.shipinnmawgan.co.uk
New Yard Restaurant, Trelowarren, Mawgan Just about everything is made on site using seasonal Cornish ingredients – even the game is caught on the estate in which it is based – making it a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. Hidden at the heart of the picturesque Trelowarren Estate, the restaurant has been described as a “romantics’ hideaway” by customers. Menu choices include Trelowarren honey and chestnut soup, poached skate wing with tomato and red peppers, and pan-roasted chicken breast with split pea, smoked pancetta and café crème. · Open April to May, Tuesday - Friday 10am - 2pm, 7pm - 9pm, Saturday 8.30am - 10am, noon - 2pm, 7pm - 9pm, Sunday noon - 2pm; June to September all day; October to March, Wednesday to Saturday, 10.30am - 2pm, 7pm - 9pm, Sunday 10.30am - 2pm. 01326 221595 www.newyardrestaurant.co.uk
A warm welcome awaits at Seadrift Porthleven
22
Giuseppes, Helston An authentic Italian restaurant in Wendron Street that is building an increasing reputation for itself in the area. Serving all the usual pastas and pizzas, together with some more specialist dishes, owner and chef Giuseppe has brought the taste of his native Italy to Cornwall. · Open Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm - 9pm, additionally Friday and Saturday 10am - 2pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. 01326 569300
Glenbervie Bar, Mullion Cove Hotel Newly refurbished in April 2012, the Glenbervie is an Art Deco inspired bar offering less formal dining than the hotel’s Atlantic View Restaurant. Offering delights such as twice-cooked crispy duck accompanied by wok fried noodles with a dark soya and honey dressing, and hot oak smoked mackerel and horseradish bruchetta, the menu is prepared with produce sourced from the chef’s favourite local fishermen, farmers and growers. · Open from 11am onwards. 01326 240328 www.mullion-cove.co.uk
The Top House Inn, The Lizard This can boast to being mainland Britain’s most southerly inn and many would argue it is worth the trek. Offering a deliberately eclectic menu to cater for a wide variety of choices, the majority of dishes are homemade, including handmade burgers and fishcakes, curries and pies. Portions are hearty and fresh local fish is a speciality. Wherever possible staff will let you know the boat name and number and for local line caught fish staff you can even get the fisherman’s name. Dine in the bar or restaurant areas, or if the weather is fine take advantage of the patio garden for dining alfresco. · Open daily Easter to October, food from 11.30am; November onwards 11.30am - 2pm, 5.30pm - 9pm. 01326 290974 www.thetophouselizard.co.uk
www.visitlizardcornwall.co.uk
Saintly Cheeses
T
reveador Farm Dairy was born out of two outbuildings attached to Treveador Farmhouse where Alastair Rogers & Bernadette Newman live.
Situated on farmland that runs down to the banks of the Helford River and the famous Frenchman’s Creek, Alastair & Bernadette converted the buildings into a dairy just over a year ago. The milk used for their cheeses, Blue Horizon and Helford White, is provided by the Holstein Friesian cow herd established by Alastair’s
father in the 1950’s which was then passed on to Alastair in the 1970’s and is now run by Alastair’s eldest son, Jonathan. It was in the year 2000 that Alastair first considered cheese making, but not until 2006 when he met Bernadette that they began to establish the idea. Production began in a small way with the help of their local outlets and friends who kindly became their guinea pigs! Thanks to their encouragement and demand production has grown and is now established throughout Cornwall and into Devon.
Cornish pasty - a symbol of Cornwall
T
he Cornish pasty: an emblem for Cornwall and possibly the county’s most popular – and tastiest – export.
A ‘proper’ Cornish pasty consists of shortcrust pastry filled with just four ingredients: chunks of beef steak, potatoes, turnip (or swede, to anyone outside of The Duchy) and onions. What makes it different to a pie is its unique shape - a kind of semi circle, with distinctive crimping along the rounded edge. The crimped edge is a key element of a pasty, giving it its identity and also a practical purpose when it became popular with Cornish miners during the 17th and 18th centuries. The benefits were that it formed a full meal that could be carried easily and eaten without cutlery. The thick edge of crimped pastry gave something for a miner to hold onto, ensuring his dirty fingers
(possibly including traces of arsenic) did not touch the food or his mouth. Often a miner’s initials were added to the top in pastry, to distinguish it from another. This practice was started because some miners used to eat part of their pasty for breakfast and leave the remainder for lunch. The story goes that any excess pastry was left for the ‘knockers’ - spirits in the mines who might otherwise lead miners into danger unless they were treated. It is sometimes believed that the pasties contained two different fillings, with around two thirds containing the standard meat, potato and turnip and the remaining third filled with something sweet, such as chopped apples or mincemeat, a kind of ‘dessert’ at the end. However, this is generally accepted as just a story, with little evidence to back it up. Well known pasty makers include Ann’s Famous Pasties at The Lizard.
A family affair
R
oskilly’s is a small, working Cornish Organic Farm, perched on the beautiful southern tip of Cornwall.
Joe & Rachel Roskilly inherited the farm from Joe’s fairy godmother in 1950. The business has developed over 60 years and started with the sale of their delicious clotted cream, followed by the cottages which were developed during the sixties. Joe started building ponds during the seventies then in the late eighties, when all of the kids were grown up they started making ice cream. This was followed by the new milking parlour and the viewing gallery in 1992. The Croust House restaurant opened in 1993, and the fudge making began the following year. At the same time they started putting Rachel’s jams, chutneys and mustards into jars and selling them. They finally got all the production bits under one roof in 2006. They added bottled milk in 2009 which meant that they
achieved a long held ambition to only use their own milk and cream to make all the ice cream (no brought in cream or skimmed milk powder). Their creamery now uses about 450,000 litres of milk from the farm. In a bid to produce all the energy used by the farm on the farm they have installed 100kw of solar panels. It’s completely free to come and visit us at the farm down on the Lizard... Go for a stroll around the meadows and enjoy the tranquillity by the ponds, or take one of their trails to guide you and learn a little about what they do. And of course, sample some of their delicious ice cream! The farm is suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. The Roskilly’s ice cream parlour cabinet is always full of their refreshing frozen yogurts, succulent sorbets and indulgent ice creams. They make all the sticky, chewy, cakey, crunchy, nutty and saucy bits in the ice cream too. Visit the website at roskillys.co.uk
Natures miracle
I
t’s packed with omega 3’s and vitamin C, and at one time was so popular that it was over-picked to the point of dying out and being forgotten.
Now it’s known to only a few coastal foragers and experimental chefs. Rock Samphire grows
high up on the rocks above the tide line in Cornwall and is an unusual, extremely healthy and versatile vegetable. You need to cook Rock Samphire. If you eat it raw, it’s pretty horrible! Simmered for 8 mins it’s delicious. It’s not salty and it’s not just for fish.”
23
food Monthly farmers market
M
ullion Farmers Market is held on the third Saturday of every month, except January, running from 9.30am to 1pm.
It is held in Mullion Comprehensive School (Meavor Road, Mullion, Nr. Helston TR12 7EB), on the outskirts of the village as you head out towards the main Helston to Lizard Road. There is plenty of parking available in the school car park. The market gives local people and visitors the chance to buy fresh local produce directly from small local producers, farmers, fishmongers and bakers. At the market you will find staples such as bread, vegetables, meat, fish, cheese and eggs, through pasties, pies, cakes and quiches, chutneys and jams, to treats like chocolate and delicious curry. Many producers have won awards at both county and national level for their products. For example, the award winning butcher sells not just meat, but their own bacon, sausages and pies. The award winning baker sells a wonderful range from tasty wholemeal to the more exotic honey and lavender loaves and roasted vegetable foccacia. Everyone involved in the market is committed to producing the best tasting and quality food they can, using the best ingredients, the best standards of animal welfare, the greatest levels of sustainability and the least environmental impact. Most of the producers are based within
T a few miles of Mullion, and sell their own goods - so can answer any questions about the produce in person. While the market is primarily a food market, other goods such as plants, cut flowers, locally brewed ales and some local crafts are often available. The market also has a pleasant café area, where you can eat anything you have bought on the market. The café serves origin coffee, tea, cold drinks and homemade cakes. So, for provisions for your holiday, to pick up a lovely picnic on your way to the beach, or just something different and delicious to take home, visit Mullion Farmers’ Market to find the best that Cornwall has to offer To find out more about the market, including information on all the producers, visit www.mullionfarmersmarket.co.uk. You can also find them on Facebook, or phone Barry or Kate on 01326 241216.
Little village BIG festival
T
he little fishing village of Porthleven is home to a big festival! Started only five years ago to help the port’s economy and support local food producers, this family event is held in April each year (April 20 for 2013) and attracts between 8,000 and 15,000 people.
Renowned Cornish chefs lead the entertainment with superb cooking demos, then there are 80 local food stalls with enough variety to make your mouth water all day. There’s also a fish barbecue on the quay, a hog roast and two separate beer tents so no-one goes hungry or thirsty! Add to the mix three separate music stages, all-day buskers, craft stalls, a parallel young person’s festival with workshops and an art-trail ,and an evening dance, all set around this historic harbour, and all entirely free. Patron and TV Chef Antony Worrall Thompson returns every year to enjoy this great day out, and happily promotes the food wealth that this part of South West Cornwall is rightly famous for.
24
Celebrate local food produce he Lizard is not only a designated area of outstanding natural beauty, abounding in natural flora and fauna but it is also known for its outstanding number of local food producers.
From Helston, known as the ‘Gateway to the Lizard’, to the end of the Lizard peninsula, there are more than 40 food producers, many of whom sell their produce in local shops, to local restaurants and also attend local food markets. ‘There has been a huge increase in the last five years with greater numbers of producers attending markets and supplying local shops to help meet the increasing demand from people wanting to buy local food,’ says Joanne Schofield, Market Controller for Helston Farmers’ Market. ‘In comparison to the overrated ‘fresh food’ such as meat, bread, eggs, veg and fruit in supermarkets, local food is better quality, easier to trace, competitively priced and provides a more social shopping experience than supermarkets can provide. Many people want to know what they are buying and eating. Those who shop locally begin to appreciate what fresh food should taste like.’ Related websites:• www.visitlizard.co.uk • www.wcfm.org.uk • www.westcornwallfood.org.uk Or visit your nearest local markets on the Lizard:Constantine Market: second Saturday of every month. 9am to 12pm. Constantine Church Hall, Constantine. 07803 933588 Helston Farmers Market: Monthly every first Saturday 9.30am to 1.30pm. The Old Cattle Market, Coronation Park, Porthleven Road, Helston TR13 OSF. 01326 231146. facebook/ helstonfarmers’ market Helston Country Market: Every Friday 7.45am to 12.30pm. The Guildhall, Helston TR13 8SG. 01209 861475 Mullion Farmers’ Market: Monthly every 3rd Saturday 9.30am to 1.30pm. Mullion School, Meavor Street Mullion TR12 7EB. 01326 241216 Ruan Minor: 1st Thursday of every month. Ruan Minor Village Hall, Ruan Minor
www.visitlizardcornwall.co.uk
25
food
Foraging and feasting on the Lizard Justin Whitehouse; National Trust Head Ranger looks at what food can be gathered and eaten on The Lizard.
A
s a passionate environmentalist working for one of the leading conservation organisations in Europe, my interest in foraging for wild food may seem contradictory.
From a conservation point of view, so long as the countryside isn’t being pillaged of plants, animals and fungi for commercial gain, then I can’t really see the problem in collecting nature’s bounty for personal use. If it brings people closer to nature, making them appreciate what unspoilt and well managed countryside can offer, then foraging can only help our conservation goals. Wild food is also free, healthy, tasty and enormously satisfying to collect. Springtime brings a wonderful bounty of edible wild plants to the hedgerows, woodlands and cliffs around the Lizard. Succulent young herbs, shoots, flowers and leaves abound, with some of the commonest and unwelcome ‘weeds’ being the most sought after. Nettles, Alexanders, chickweed and fat hen, when collected young and fresh, are some of the most delicious greens growing along our verges and more than likely in your back garden, and certainly taste better than their supermarket equivalents. Other plants, such as Three Cornered Leek, is an extremely common white bluebell like flower and a delicious substitute for chives,
26
leeks and onion dominating verges during early spring, are very invasive and unwelcome weeds. From a conservation point of view, take as much as you like! A walk through many Lizard woods in spring can often bring the heady and unmistakable smell of Wild garlic or Ransomes. Lightly steamed, ransomes make a delicious substitute for garlicky spinach. The coast and cliffs bring a whole new bounty of produce. Aside from shellfish foraged from the shore at low tide (try mussels or winkles steamed over ransomes), most seaweed is edible and extremely healthy. Along the rocky cliffs, look out for sea beet (the precursor of all domesticated beets and in my opinion the tastiest) and rock samphire with a flavour curiously reminiscent of Bombay mix. Late summer and autumn offers the best time for fruit, nuts and of course fungi. Whilst everyone has no doubt picked brambles from the hedgerows, many other hedgerow fruits are edible and tasty. Sloes, hawberries, rosehips and crab apples all produce delicious preserves and beverages (try some Sloe gin!), whilst hazlenuts (pesto), sweet chestnuts (roasted on a campfire) and even beechnuts (a delicious and morish beer snack) are easy to recognise and plentiful. Wild mushrooms understandably fill people
with dread. Whilst there are many species of delicious wild mushroom growing in the woods and pasture, a mis-identification could easily land you in hospital or worse! With all foraging, make sure you refer to a good guide book or book onto a course or guided walk. It’s not just mushrooms which might land you in intensive care. Some of the most benign looking plants, with an uncanny similarity to some of most delicious and common edible plants, are deadly poisonous. It’s amazing how similar Cow Parsley and Alexanders resemble Hemlock and Hemlock Water Dropwort and how Sorrel can be a dead ringer for Lords and Ladies! Please also be aware that it is illegal to uproot plants from the wild and only take enough for your personal use. Happy foraging, but please be careful! You can join the National Trust on some foraging guided walks. In Spring there are a number of walks planned from Predannack Wollas and in October fungi walks are planned for Tremayne woods. Last year’s walks we munched on wild water mint, water cress, pennywort, rock samphire and various other tasty, and not so tasty, herbs, leaves and flowers. Occasional stops were rewarded with other morsels prepared earlier such as Water Cress Omelette, Ransom pesto, seaweeds and a wee dram of bramble whiskey!
www.visitlizardcornwall.co.uk
Souvenir success for local company
A
new Cornish business set up create a range of handmade “piskies,” each with their own unique personality, has been celebrating a year of souvenir success recently.
Cornish Pisky Pals started trading in April 2012 and all their handmade gifts and souvenirs are lovingly crafted in the coastal village and fishing port of Coverack, on the Lizard Peninsula. Company founder Caroline Beadle said: “We have now developed a range of very Cornish gifts and souvenirs that are ‘as Cornish as can be’ or ‘Mar gernewek dell yllir’ if you would prefer it in Cornish. “Our main characters Perran, Izzy, Sam, Katie and Yasmin, whose initials spell out the word PISKY, have a range of interests from Perran our proper Cornish
pisky liking pasties and saffron buns, to Yasmin who goes fishing in Coverack Harbour! “We have kept everything as Cornish as can be and we now have our own pisky design printed on bags from The Cornish Jute Bag Company at Portreath, mugs with our pisky design from Chown China of Hayle and our home produced notebooks and magnets and photo cards.” The Cornish pisky has been part of the county’s folklore for generations - it is not as common as its better known English relatives such as elves, fairies and sprites, but a Cornish Pisky is different - It is Cornish and proud of it! To give the piskies a chance to run free in the Cornish countryside, Caroline and her sister run regular “Pisky Trails”. For more on Cornish Pisky Pals visit www.cornishpisky.co.uk or email info@cornishpisky.co.uk
27
arts
Community art
T
he Stable Yard Gallery is situated within the courtyard of the beautiful Trelowarren Estate. It is also home to the Lizard Art Co-Operative where the 15 exhibiting members will be contributing to three new and exciting exhibitions during 2013. The season will close with a two week open Value Art Fair which will support a local charity.
All the members live and work on the Lizard, and their exhibitions reflect their joy and inspiration from where they live. Each artist’s space will differ to the next – abstract, traditional, watercolour, oil, print, photography. No matter what your taste in art, or medium. A good range of artist’s greetings cards and limited edition prints also give very good value. The season starts with the first exhibition opening on Friday, March 29 and the gallery will then be open daily from 11am – 4pm until its closure on Friday, November 1. As the gallery stewards are the members themselves, they hope that visitors will find it is easy to just chat, or to discuss the various techniques needed to produce a painting in
28
the differing mediums. As this is something that the gallery is wanting to expand, “Meet the Artist” events have been established to take place the first Sunday of each new exhibition, when visitors can come and not only watch the artists at work but roll up their sleeves and have a try themselves. Also watch out for the group as they will be out and about through the summer months at popular venues on the Lizard, painting on location. More details and a calendar of events will be available at the Gallery and on their website www.lizardart.com or follow them on facebook The Trelowarren Courtyard is a lovely place to spend time, not just to visit LizardArt, but it is the starting point of four miles of the wonderful woodland walks through the Trelowarren Estate. The New Yard Restaurant will start visitors off with delicious coffee and cake and then feed them in style for lunch or dinner when they return tired and hungry. If that wasn’t enough wander through the splendid Cornwall Crafts Gallery and garden before heading home.
Top: The drive to Trelowarren Below: Olive trees at The Stable Yard Gallery
www.visitlizardcornwall.co.uk
Hub of creative energy
Lizard Art Members 2013
W
ith its stunning coastline views and rural settings the Lizard Peninusla is a hub of creative energy and artistic endeavours.
The Lizard Art Co-Operative is a group of 15 artists based at the Stable Yard Gallery, set within the courtyard of the Trelowarren Estate near Mawgan. They will be contributing to three exhibitions during 2013, with the season starting on March 29 and then running until November 1, closing with a two-week open Value Art Fair in support of a local charity. During this time the gallery is open daily between 11am and 4pm.
All the members live and work on the Lizard and each space will differ to the next – abstract, traditional, watercolour, oil, print, photography. As the gallery stewards are the members themselves, the aim is for visitors to feel able to chat to them or discuss the various techniques. As this is something that the gallery wants to expand, ‘Meet the Artist’ events take place the first Sunday of each new exhibition, when visitors can go and not only watch the artists at work but roll up their sleeves and have a try themselves. For more information on Lizard Art CoOperative visit www.lizardart.co.uk
Celebrating 40 years
C
overack Art Club celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, and continues to bring together artists from all over The Lizard and beyond.
Weekly meetings are on Mondays from 10.30am onwards at Lambeage Hall, from September through to mid-May. In the warmer months members meet for outings to gardens and beauty spots for some plein air painting. Coverack Art Club prides itself on being a friendly and informal group that welcomes complete beginners as well as accomplished artists. For those who have always wanted to paint
but haven’t been sure how to get started, the club offers the perfect introduction to a hobby that can become very addictive. A good introduction to the club is the Meet the Artists day on Saturday, May 18, which is the first day of the spring exhibition. Many of the artists with work on show will be at Lambeage Hall from 11am to 3pm to meet visitors and discuss their work. The hall is a short walk from the Paris Hotel, and there will be signs directing visitors to the venue. Membership of the club costs £30 a year, and anyone interested in joining can do so at the exhibition, or contact club chairman Dee May on 01326 572119.
29
sports
M
uster your spirit for adventure and experience the rugged landscape of the Lizard from the cliffs and the sea. With Lizard Adventure you can scale sea cliffs, explore the coastline by paddle power, and scramble and swim around swell-lashed territory where wildlife abounds.
Kayaking, coasteering and climbing expeditions are tailored to families, groups and individuals; and if you prefer to keep your feet on terra firma try a bush-craft course or guided walk. Whatever sort of Lizard Adventure you choose to embark on, prepare to witness the scenery of the Lizard from a new perspective and encounter all sorts of wildlife from sea birds to seals. Look out for kittiwakes on Mullion Island, catch fish from your kayak and learn all about the local area from your expert guides. The team at Lizard Adventure are passionate about the environment they are lucky enough to call their office, and are partnered with the National Trust to best preserve and celebrate the natural landscape in which they operate their trips.
CLIMBING Get to grips (literally) with the stunning sea cliffs of the Lizard Peninsula and climb towering rock stacks where the sea licks your heels. Opt for a full-day, half-day or two-day introduction to climbing, and work on abseiling, bouldering and confidence building, before climbing adrenalin-inducing routes. All guides are SPA assessed, and no prior climbing experience is needed.
BUSH CRAFT Even if you prefer less of a heart-racing adventure, surviving in the wild isn’t for softies. And that’s exactly what bush craft courses are all about. Encouraging families and friends to make the most of the natural environment, you can learn to forage for foods, light a fire without matches, skin and cook rabbits, and build a den.
GUIDED WALKS
COASTEERING Take the plunge and explore where the land meets the sea: ride whirlpools, explore sea caves, scramble up cliff faces and leap from rocky ledges. Lizard Adventure has pioneered the most southerly coasteering trips in Britain and its trips will take you deep into the creases of this wild peninsula while bringing you face-to-face with marine life. For individuals, groups and families with an adventurous streak, there’s no better way to get under the salty skin of the Lizard.
Don’t want to don a wetsuit or get your feet wet? Being home to such varied and beautiful terrain, the Lizard offers activities for all types of adventure seekers. Weekly guided walks introduce you to the history and wildlife of the Lizard while you listen to tales about pirates, fishermen and soap stone traders. With over 20 years of experience, the guides at Lizard Adventure are geared to fulfil your quest for adventure. So what are you waiting for? Prepare to see the Lizard from a different angle. For more information please go to www.lizardadventure.co.uk or call 07845 204040.
KAYAKING Once you’ve launched your sturdy sit-on-top kayak from Mullion Cove or Porthoustock, you’ll hear very little but the ‘plip-plip’ of your paddle breaking the surface of the ocean as you float seaward. See the coastline inside-out and keep your eyes peeled for seals and birdlife as you manoeuvre through narrow gulleys, enter sea caves and paddle to uninhabited islands. No previous experience is necessary and your expert guides will teach you basic techniques or work on developing your kayaking skills according to your ability.
30
www.visitlizardcornwall.co.uk
Riding the waves
S
urfing is a waiting game, waiting for the right tide, for the right waves, and even just waiting for your buddies to turn up, but for those down on a holiday break the key is just jumping in and getting on with it.
There are few thrills as exciting as rushing along carried by a wild Atlantic wave, and Cornwall certainly has a reputation as the surf capital of England. The golden sands of Newquay that face into the brunt of the open ocean swells are the jewels in the crown for visiting surfers and the storms that pound the craggy north Cornish coast year round make it the mecca for wave riders. But what do you do if you find yourself on the Lizard Peninsula and in the mood for a little dip. Well while it may not have the size and
quality of other parts of Cornwall, this can be a blessing as beginners can find plenty of space to learn in peace. Poldhu is a sandy cove near Mullion which gives an average quality wave when small, while at Gunwalloe you will find Church Cove, an average quality beach break that can have a heavy shore dump. Kynance Cove is owned by the National Trust and if you arrive at low tide there can be a good wave. It is very popular with families and locals alike and is well worth a trip to take in the breathtaking scenery. If you are unlucky enough, or lucky if you enjoy the blustery drama, to arrive when a gale is blowing in from the SW, all is not lost, Kennack Sands is an excellent south coast surf spot which needs plenty of swell to wrap around the Lizard peninsula before it switches on.
There are also some secret spots tucked away, but these are best left to the experts. So now you know where to go, what do you do when you get there. First up, safety. The sea is a cruel, changeable mistress, and regardless of how strong a swimmer you are, always take care and listen to lifeguards. If you are a complete novice, think about finding a surf school. They are experts and you will come on leaps and bounds after a few little tips. They also offer the complete package of board, wetsuit and lessons, leaving you to focus on wobbling to your feet. Why not try the guys at Dan Joel surf school, based at Poldhu. With years of surfing experience, the team offer safe, relaxed and friendly surf tuition for adults and children alike.
31
wildlife
Goonhilly nature reserve has a wealth of interesting flora and fauna.
The Lizard: Home of the chough A fter a long decline because of habitat loss and persecution, the last chough disappeared from Cornwall (and England) in 1973. They had last successfully bred in 1947.
In 2001, there was a small influx of wild choughs to southern England and three birds stayed on The Lizard in Cornwall. Since 2002, the now famous pioneering pair has nested every year at Southerly Point raising a total of 32 young so far. Many survive and some have raised their own young. Choughs are vulnerable to disturbance and egg collectors. RSPB staff and volunteers protect nests night and day, and closely monitor the expanding population. Historically, the southwest of the UK,
32
especially Cornwall, was a stronghold for choughs. Their return is a milestone in terms of UK range recovery for this captivating crow. The Cornwall Chough Project ensures the future for the birds by working with landowners to restore grassland and heathland habitats along the coastal fringe. Grazing by suitable stock provides a choughfriendly mosaic of open, short grasslands where they can forage for invertebrates. Choughs are quite confiding birds. If you see choughs on your walk, do not deliberately approach them, just stand or sit quietly and they may even come closer giving you the best chance to enjoy these captivating crows. If you have a dog or dogs with you, please
remember that wildlife, including choughs are vulnerable to disturbance and your dog could even surprise and kill a chough, especially a juvenile chough. Please keep your dog on a lead where there are choughs around. If you are taking photographs, please don’t try to approach too closely and disturb them, the coastal footpath is a busy place and they should be allowed to feed undisturbed wherever possible. The Lizard chough watchpoint at the most southerly point on The Lizard will be open from March 29 to early June 11am -4pm weather permitting. That’s the best place to see them. Send in their sightings to cornishchoughs@rspb.org.uk or to go the blog at www.cornishchoughs.org and follow the link.
www.visitlizardcornwall.co.uk
Return of the red squirrel
H
ave you seen any red squirrels on the Lizard? No? In fact, the last sighting of a red squirrel anywhere in Cornwall was nearly 30 years ago. Sadly, although they are one of the most loved and iconic of British mammals, the long-term survival of our native squirrel remains under severe threat.
Yet there is hope, and that is where the Lizard comes in. Due to its special peninsula geography, this area has been selected as a key site for an exciting new approach which hopes to enable red squirrels to thrive in the area once again. Led by the Cornwall Red Squirrel Project (CRSP), which commenced activities in 2009, the aim is to release captive-bred red squirrels back onto The Lizard. If successful, this ground-breaking project will mark the first mainland re-introduction scheme in England. But in order to work, the team first needs to address the problems that led to the decline of red
squirrels in the first place. The biggest threat to our native red squirrels are the invasive American grey squirrels and the devastating squirrel pox virus they spread (the grey carriers are immune). Helpfully, grey squirrels are already the subject of significant control operations on the Lizard, because of the damage they cause to woodland, eating bark and ultimately killing the trees they attack. The CRSP is busy joining up the existing efforts, and getting other land owners on the peninsula to fill in the gaps, to rid the peninsula of invasive greys once and for all. Once grey-free, the native reds can at long last be released back into the Lizard. They will be protected from future invasions by a “buffer zone” across the narrow top of the peninsula, which greys will not be allowed to cross. If you would like to help to bring back the bushy red-tails, you can become a member of the Cornwall Red Squirrel Project by visiting their website at www.cornwallredsquirrels.co.uk.
Where can I watch wild choughs in Cornwall? July and August is a fantastic time of year to see choughs in Cornwall as there are several family groups roaming the cliffs of the Lizard peninsulas. Here are some top tips of where to go chough spotting. · A walk between Southerly Point at the tip of the Lizard peninsula to Kynance Cove is a good start. If you don’t feel like walking, you can always drive to Kynance along the toll road (parking fee at the car park for non National Trust members). · If you want a longer walk and to make a day of it why not go all the way to Mullion, keep to the coastal fringe and listen out for the choughs as you walk past Soap Cove, Vellan Head and Predannack cliffs. If you then walk up into Mullion village you can get a bus back to Lizard village. · There are lots of short circular walks that you can make, leaving from Lizard village, that take you past good chough watching spots.
33
landscape The Lizards spectacular rare wildflowers with Rachel Holder - National Trust Ranger
T
he rocks beneath your feet on The Lizard tell of a great cataclysm, when great forces built mountains here 350-270 million years ago, when the collision of Gondwanaland with North America made giant folds in the crust. In the south of the peninsula this brought twisted fractured rocks from deep beneath the earth’s surface.
Feel the weight of a pebble of the reddish “snakeskin” serpentine at Kennack Sands to get a feeling of how unusual these rocks are, as heavy rocks rarely reach the surface. See these and other serpentines in the Lizard Village where craftsmen polish this rock into handsome ornaments. The mild oceanic climate, unusual geology and patterns of different land use created the distinctive landscape of the Lizard Peninsula. Maritime cliffs, coastal grasslands and heathland support a unique collection of plants, insects and animals. Over 250 species of national or international importance can be found amongst the heath,
34
rocks and grasslands of the Lizard and provide a mecca for botanists and wildlife lovers from all over the world. But you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy the cliffs in springtime when the colours of pink thrift, yellow vetch and the blue spring squill carpet the ground. Or later in the summer, when heathland species of every conceivable shade of pink and purple contrast vividly with the yellow of blossoming gorse. Cornish Heath is the predominant species here, it grows only on the Lizard in Britain and can best be seen at Goonhilly, Kynance and Predannack. But it doesn’t look after itself, to conserve this unique habitat, animals need to graze back the coarser species of grass and gorse to allow the finer plants to thrive, or occasional managed winter heathland burns help orchids appear in following years. Farmers and conservation organisations like the National Trust, Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Natural England use traditional breeds of sheep, cattle and ponies to graze the cliffs keeping encroaching scrub at bay.
I first arrived on the Lizard 15 years ago, as a volunteer student helping out with a survey of rare plants for the National Trust. I have worked locally ever since, and as a botanist I feel incredibly lucky to be involved with the monitoring and protection of the Lizard’s rare plants. Although perhaps not as showy as the carpets of thrift and bluebell, there are a whole host of rare wildflowers growing in these few square miles of Cornwall, meaning the Lizard can lay claim to the title of the best place to find rare plants in the UK. Botanists have been flocking to the Lizard to find and record many of the rare and unusual species with equally unusual names such as fringed rupturewort, hairy greenweed, longheaded clover and the better known Cornish Heath. Many, such as the tiny grass-like fern land quillwort, are Mediterranean plants that find our mild (if sometimes foggy) climate to their liking, whereas others, like the pretty little white flowered spring sandwort, are arctic plants at the southern limit of their distribution. Although a few, like wild asparagus, do make themselves obvious, many are inconspicuous, meaning if you want to hunt out the famous Lizard rarities you do need patience and a good eye for detail! The Lizard’s list of celebrity plants includes three rare annual clovers, the diminutive dwarf rush which stands just 1cm tall, prostrate broom, wild chives, parasitic thyme broomrape and pillwort, an aquatic fern.
www.visitlizardcornwall.co.uk
Published by Newsquest Media (Southern) Ltd – a Gannett company – from its offices at Falmouth Business Park, Bickland Water Road, Falmouth (01326 213333), and printed at Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9XD (01305 830881).