JANUARY UPDATE FROM CORNWALL WILDLIFE TRUST. IT’S GOOD READING

View this email in your browser JANUARY NEWS Happy new year! January has wasted no time reminding us of nature’s power, with wild weather rolling across Cornwall’s coast and countryside. While short days and stormy skies invite us to slow down, remember to take time to pull on a coat, head outdoors, and let nature shake off any hint of the January blues. NATURE NEWS Blown away by Storm Goretti We’ve had lots of messages asking how much impact Storm Goretti had on our reserves, and we’re pleased to say we got away quite lightly compared with some sites in Cornwall. Our teams moved quickly to clear paths and make everything safe. Though we lost a roof at Creney Farm, suffered some gate damage at Devichoys, and lost a number of trees, all our livestock were safe and sound. Our team have done a brilliant job with the clean-up this week, but this has taken them away from their usual conservation work, and specialist work required means costs are increasing. We’re more grateful than ever for your support which makes all of this work possible, so thank you. CALENDARS STILL AVAILABLE There’s just a few copies left of the Wild Cornwall 2026 charity calendar, now available at half price. Filled with beautiful images celebrating Cornwall’s wild places and wildlife, every purchase helps support our work - a small way to keep nature close all year round. Shop 2026 Calendar Sale EVENTS Seeding for Change Seagrass Talks Thu 29 Jan | 7pm - 8.30pm | Par Tue 10 Feb | 7pm - 8.30pm | Falmouth Join us for talks all about seagrass in your local area. Hear from local volunteers, researchers, and the Cornwall Wildlife Trust team. Shoresearch Training Wed 4 Feb | 7pm - 9pm | Online Get a head start and learn how to conduct an intertidal survey for Cornwall Wildlife Trust before attending one of our practical training sessions (check our events page for more dates). See all events JANUARY SPOTTERS GUIDE With the summer crowds gone, January is a wonderful time to connect with Cornwall’s quieter wild places. The colder months bring rich rewards for birdwatchers, with estuaries, wetlands and coastlines alive with activity. Large flocks of waders gather to feed on nutrient-rich mud, while lapwings reach their peak, filling winter skies with their tumbling flight and unmistakable “peewit” calls. Winter also boosts your chances of spotting birds of prey, as Cornwall’s mild climate attracts migrants from across the UK and Europe. Hen harriers, short-eared owls and merlins can all be seen hunting over open landscapes, while rocky shores host turnstones and purple sandpipers busily foraging along the tideline. It’s not just birds to look out for this month. Frogspawn can begin to appear in ponds during mild spells, marking the quiet start of a new life cycle, while foxes become more visible and vocal as breeding season peaks. Out at sea, humpback whales continue their welcome return to Cornish waters. See the full guide OPPOSE THE FINGLETON REVIEW The Fingleton Review, a new policy report commissioned by the UK Government, recommends weakening some nature protections, claiming they create costs for developers. This doesn’t just affect wildlife. Natural spaces near you, or special places you love, could be damaged or lost. Say NO to this now - before it’s too late. We’re writing to Ed Milliband to urge him to reject three key recommendations which put nature at risk. A murmaration against a dusky sky with copy over the top written to detail more about the fingleton review Email Ed Milliband JOIN THE OPEN GARDENS TEAM It’s Open Gardens 15th anniversary year, and we need your help. We’re looking for more people to join our friendly team of volunteers in a variety of roles, from logistics to event support, helping nature thrive in Cornwall. Find out more about our volunteer roles Facebook icon Instagram icon LinkedIn icon YouTube icon Images: Kingfisher (header image) - Martin Yelland Effects of Storm Goretti at Devichoys - Nick Marriott Short-eared owl - Adrian Langdon Fox - Terry Dunstan © 2026 Cornwall Wildlife Trust. All rights reserved. Registered charity number 214929. Privacy Policy and T&Cs Our mailing address is: Cornwall Wildlife Trust Five Acres, Allet, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 9DJ Want to change how you receive these emails? You can unsubscribe from this list.