Let me give you an insight into how things are going at Helman Tor...
At over 700 acres, it’s the biggest (by a long way) of the 23 reserves I manage. And it became a whole lot bigger in May when we added Creney Farm – a further 97 acres. So it’s most definitely been keeping me busy!
In October, with help from funds from the first phase of this appeal, we introduced fifteen longhorn cattle – and we’re looking forward to seeing how they will shape the landscape through habitual grazing, disturbing the ground with their hooves and grazing in a way which encourages an array of beautiful wildflowers.
We’ve also started trialling pigs on parts Helman Tor, including Creney Farm. It has been fascinating to watch them express their natural behaviour on site: the way they rootle the ground creates germinating opportunities for numerous plants and knocks back the dominant ones which challenge us so much.
We’d love to extend their incredible activities for nature onto the whole reserve, so the challenge is putting in place the infrastructure to ensure they’re rootling in the right place!
There’s still so much to do. You’ve already been really generous to Cornwall Wildlife Trust this year, but if you can support this Christmas appeal, you could help pay for fencing, GPS trackers and grazier fees – alongside a number of other costs associated with the rewilding plans for this reserve.
Together, we can help nature make a comeback in Cornwall.
With thanks for all your support,
Andy Collins
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