Natural England

The new 7 mile (c.12 km) multi-use trail which winds its way around Goss Moor National Nature Reserve (NNR) will officially be opened on Sunday 11 May at 11.30am. The well surfaced, mostly flat and relatively easy, circular trail, that takes in part of the old realigned A30, allows disabled and novice walkers and cyclists easy and safe access to the wild and little known expanse of Goss Moor NNR - managed by Natural England. The trail surface is suitable for walking, cycling, horse-riding as well as wheelchair / mobility scooter users and buggies.

Creation of the trail is the final outcome of the successful working partnership between the Highways Agency (and their contractors), Cornwall County Council and Natural England which resulted in the new A30 trunk road being re-aligned out of Goss Moor in July 2007. The support and co-operation of National Grid , Tregothnan Estate and other neighbouring landowners have been essential in this trail becoming a reality.

“Walking and cycling are two of the most pleasurable and effective ways of getting and keeping fit. Not only does the body benefit from exercising outdoors but being in the natural environment also reduces stress and creates a sense of purpose and belonging. This, the ‘Natural Health Service’, is a perfect extension to the other NHS.” said Lone Mouritsen, Natural England’s Walk the Way to Health Adviser for Cornwall.

Natural England’s Senior Reserve Manager for Goss Moor, Martin Davey added, “ Whilst this will be an informal family fun day out, we are also keen that the trail opening is celebrated as a health and environment day. We want to show off our new healthy route around Goss Moor to as many walkers and cyclists as possible on the day. A separate permissive horse riding trail launch will take place later in the spring.”

Felicity Owen, Director of Public Health for Cornwall, will be officially opening the trail alongside David Whalley, Leader of Cornwall County Council, and Natural England Board Member Professor Michael Depledge.

Felicity Owen said, “I am delighted to see the opening of this trail and welcome it as an excellent resource for local people and visitors. Adult obesity rates have almost quadrupled over the last 25 years and two thirds of UK adults are now considered overweight or obese. This can have a huge impact on people’s lives, and The Goss Moor trail offers people an excellent opportunity to take exercise in beautiful surroundings.

David Whalley, Leader of Cornwall County Council added, “It is a real pleasure to see the new trail at Goss Moor opened, after all the hard work that has gone into making it an excellent facility for the whole community.”

Natural England Board Member Professor Michael Deplege said, “One of Natural England’s main objectives is to encourage more people to enjoy, understand and act to improve the natural environment, more often. This official opening will reflect these aspirations and be a celebration of health and the environment.”

Dr William Bird, Strategic Health Advisor for Natural England added, “Public accessibility to, and enjoyment of, the natural environment may yet prove to be the most important public health initiative since water and air were tackled in the 19th and 20th centuries. For the people around Goss Moor this new trail is a big step in the right direction.”

This event organised by Natural England, is being promoted by BBC Radio Cornwall to raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West’s Precious Lives Appeal to build a children’s hospice in Cornwall. The venue is being hosted by the Screech Owl Sanctuary.

The day starts from 10am at the Screech Owl Sanctuary with a flying display at 10.30am as part of the Sanctuary’s Open Day. There are three healthy rest stops after 1 ¼ miles, 3 miles and 4 ¼ miles, however lifts are available back to the Owl Sanctuary from the rest stops if needed. Refreshments can be purchased at the Sanctuary and Ken Rickard, author of, ’The Book of St Dennis and Goss Moor’, a local community history, will be signing copies of his recently re-printed book which will be launched on the day.

Ends

Notes for Editor

1. Press Opportunity:- There will be a press/media opportunity at 2pm in the marquee to interview senior staff from most of the organisations involved with this project

2. National Grid, which owns and operates Britain’s gas and electricity transmission networks, were delighted to support this project to open up what was previously an overlooked area. The company worked with Natural England to improve the access to this wildlife rich oasis, during its project to refurbish the overhead electricity lines between Indian Queens and Exeter that cross the moor.

3. NNRs: Every National Nature Reserve (NNR) is nationally important due to its wildlife and geological features. They are among the best examples of a particular habitat and are carefully managed on behalf of the nation by Natural England or held by approved bodies such as Wildlife Trusts.

In the South West we have 49 NNRs – all real gems for experiencing wildlife. Most reserves have their own leaflets containing information about walks and nature trails on site. Some reserves hold a programme of guided walks and events to showpiece some of their exceptional wildlife. School parties and interest/community groups are also encouraged on many reserves. Wildlife conservation and the peaceful enjoyment of nature are the priorities here so please follow the Countryside Code at all times.

4. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings. We increase opportunities to make the natural environment an enriching part of people’s everyday lives, and improve its long term security by contributing to the sustainable management of our natural resources.

5. For more information about this press release please contact Dot Isgrove on 01823 281803, mobile 07880 784757

For more information about Goss Moor NNR please contact Martin Davey on 01726 828186, mob 07971 286594.

For more information about the Walk the Way to Health Initiative in Cornwall please contact Lone Mouritsen on 01872 245049, mob 07917 227947

The Goss Moor Trail Guide

Goss Moor Trail flyer

For directions to venue and map of site.