Natural England

Natural England, Cornwall County Council and the Sensory Trust are joining forces on the 12 March to map out a new sensory experience at one of the most visited and atmospheric sites in Cornwall, Golitha Falls National Nature Reserve (NNR).

The existing easy access path was installed by Watt Disney’s film crew to enable them to take their cameras deep into the reserve to record ‘the Four Muskeerteers’. Natural England’s Site Manager, Martin Davey said, ‘It should be relatively straight forward to extend the easy access path right down to the waterfall if required. Here the sounds, smells, sights and very special feel of the area can delight visitors of all abilities. Working with the Sensory Trust will help ensure we open the reserve to visitors with as wide a range of disabilities as possible.’

Jane Stoneham from the Sensory Trust said, ‘Guests with a wide range of expertise have been invited to attend the event such as Disability Cornwall, SW Coast Path, Cornwall County Council Access Officers, the Wildlife Trusts, National Trust and Natural England NNR Managers. They will be accompanied by a team of people with a variety of disabilities on a walk around the site. They will explore opportunities to exploit the unique sensory qualities of the site and to improve the quality of experience for a wider range of people. These experiences and observations will form the basis of the sensory mapping exercise.’

Natural England’s Naomi Wright said, ‘Enabling and encouraging people from all abilities and backgrounds to explore and enjoy Britain’s beautiful countryside is one of Natural England’s main aims. Golitha Falls is already a much loved and visited reserve, we hope that a new sensory trail or experience will open its appeal to a wider audience.’

The sensory mapping exercise will be used to inform the design of the new sensory experience and provide an accurate costing for its development.

Golitha Falls National Nature Reserve (NNR) follows the line of the river Fowey as it runs off Bodmin Moor. It offers visitors an unique mix of woods, water and stone with rare mosses and liverworts. In the spring, bluebells and wood anemone carpet the woodland floor and in the summer the cooling green canopy of trees offers shelter from the heat of the Cornish coast.

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Notes for Editor

1. How to get to Golitha Falls NNR The reserve is 5 km north west of Liskeard and 2 km west of the village of St Cleer.

By car, access to the reserve is via minor roads from the A38, A30 and B3254. There is a car park 0.5 km north east of the reserve near Draynes Bridge.

The nearest train station is in Liskeard served by First Great Western. Bus services from Liskeard to St Cleer are provided by Western Greyhound on the company's Looe to Callington route.

The reserve is near the route of the Two Valleys Walk, a circular trail that starts in the village of St Neot (4 km to the west) and takes in the valleys of the River Loveny and River Fowey, and the heights of Berry Down.

To obtain a leaflet describing on the site email Natural England's South West regional office at Truro, or telephone 01872 265710.

2. National Nature Reserves (NNRs) were established to protect the most important areas of wildlife habitat and geological formations in Britain, and as places for scientific research. Nearly all NNRs encourage visitors and many have a programme of guided walks and events.

Every NNR is "nationally important" and they are all among the best examples of a particular habitat. NNRs are carefully managed on behalf of the nation. They are either owned or controlled by Natural England or held by approved bodies such as Wildlife Trusts.

There are 215 NNRs in England covering over 87,900 hectares. The Reserves are scattered through England, from Lindisfarne in Northumberland to The Lizard in Cornwall. Nearly every rural county has at least one. To find one near you go to the www.naturalengland.org.uk

3. 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. To find out more visit www.naturalengland.org.uk.

4. The Sensory Trust advises on issues, influences policy, assists professional practice, showcases good practice, organises user-testing by disabled people, To find out more visit www.sensorytrust.org.uk

5. For more information about this release please contact Dot Isgrove on 07880 784757