Cornwall Coast

Cornwall’s coastline is magical - dramatic soaring cliffs and secret coves. It’s a working landscape where agriculture and fishing are still important even though tourism now underpins Cornwall’s economy.

Cornwall's coast is renowned nationally as the place to holiday - and justly so. Where else can you find a mix of turquoise seas, purple heaths, sandy beaches, mysterious estuaries, quaint seaside villages and spectacular wildlife?

To keep Cornwall's wildlife special, government, conservation organisations, farmers, schools, local communities and visitors must work together. 

We want Cornwall's coast to be a thriving wildlife-rich landscape which provides enjoyment and employment for the people who live, work and play there.

Find out what’s going on near this Futurescape, including places to visit, news and local events, plus how you can work or volunteer for us. 

• Cornwall

Reserves and other protected areas are a key part of Futurescapes. They provide core areas for nature to thrive and eventually repopulate the surrounding landscapes. The RSPB reserves within this Futurescape are: 

Hayle Estuary

In cold winters, as many as 18,000 birds have been seen here. This is because the most south-westerly estuary in the UK never freezes. During spring and autumn, it is an ideal place to see migrant wading birds, gulls and terns.

Marazion Marsh

This reserve overlooks the beautiful St Michael's Mount and boasts Cornwall's largest reedbed. More than 250 bird, 500 plant, 500 insect and 18 mammal species have been recorded here and bitterns are now regular winter visitors (although patience is often required to see them). 

We're working to safeguard and improve special places for nature. Each Futurescape contains a range of initiatives in addition to our reserves. The combination of these creates better conditions for wildlife across the countryside.

Cornwall Chough Project

The natural return of wild choughs to Cornwall in 2001 was of great significance for Cornwall. Today, a walk around the spectacular Lizard and Penwith coastline is even more breathtaking because you are now likely to see and hear the elegant Cornish 'chows', back where they belong.

Cirl Bunting Reintroduction

A partnership project between the RSPB, Natural England, the National Trust and Paignton Zoo, with veterinary support from the Zoological Society of London, to help cirl buntings expand their range outside of Devon as recognised in the Government's Biodiversity Action Plan.

Cornwall Corn Bunting Project

Huge declines in Cornwall’s corn bunting population meant that in 2002 there were fewer than 50 singing males left, all confined to a small area of farmland along the north coast between Newquay and Pentire. Immediate action was necessary to protect the remaining birds and promote recovery in the county.

Cornwall Farming and Birds Project

The Cornwall Farming and Birds Project is a partnership between the RSPB and Duchy College. The project aims to help the region’s farmland birds by raising awareness among students and the wider community as to how farming can integrate the needs of farmland wildlife with food production.

Futurescapes is all about collaboration. There are many organisations and people involved in managing land on the Cornwall Coast. Our challenge is working together to find ways of making more space for nature. To achieve this we’re working with:

• Cornwall Council
• English Heritage
• National Trust
• Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Butterfly Conservation
• Plantlife
• Natural England
• Buglife
• Cornwall Wildlife Trust