The results of engagement with the community regarding the future use of Edward Hain community hospital were presented to a virtual meeting of local representatives today.

The Citizen Advisory Panel (CAP) is seeking new members from across the county.

Have your say on GP and pharmacy services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Information on NHS Kernow's August 2020 Governing Body meeting.

The Prince of Wales thanked NHS general practice and primary care staff for their heroic efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, during a visit to St Austell Healthcare.

A newly developed app being used by GPs in Cornwall is helping to connect socially isolated patients with online workshops and support groups.

Patient Participation Groups work to improve GP surgeries and local healthcare in a number of ways and many have gone the extra mile during the coronavirus pandemic to support their local practices and patients.

The next meeting will take place on Thursday 16 July 2020, 10am to 12 noon.

Joan Heaton, member of Launceston Medical Centre Patient Participation Group/Citizen Advisory Panel, reflects on the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on her community.

There is a new way of accessing urgent care in Cornwall, to make sure everyone stays as safe as possible during the covid pandemic. Go online to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Have fun, stay safe and if you need health care, please use the most appropriate service as it gears up for a very busy ‘bank holiday-style’ weekend.

Find out more about how to identify the symptoms in children and how to get them tested.

The UK Government has set out a roadmap for the clinically extremely vulnerable on the future of the shielding programme.

The next meeting will take place on Thursday 18 June 2020 – 10am to 12.30pm at NHS Kernow, Trevithick room, Sedgemoor, Priory Road, St Austell PL25 5AS.

Four free online parenting courses are being launched for families across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Release date:  Fri, 08/09/2017 (All day) Main image:  Summary:  On a recent Cornwall Wildlife Trust survey of marine life on their Looe Island Nature Reserve, marine experts were thrilled to discover a rare species lurking within the island’s rockpools.

The giant goby is the largest species of goby to be found in UK waters growing to a whopping 27cm maximum length. Few people have heard of this elusive species which dwarfs all other gobies, but its UK stronghold is in Cornwall and South Devon, with increasing numbers of records being made each year. This discovery, the first for Looe Island, further highlights the amazing marine life found in Cornwall’s only Marine Nature Reserve.

Giant gobies are warm water marine fish which range from the Mediterranean, along the Atlantic coasts of Spain and France and north as far as the South West of England. It is possible that we may witness an extension north of this species’ range due to climate change in coming years so it is particularly important to survey them.

Giant gobies are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside act 1981 so it is illegal to disturb them without a Natural England Licence. Matt Slater, Marine Awareness Officer for Cornwall Wildlife is the proud holder of a licence to humanely capture and study this species.

Matt Slater said,

“We have carried out surveys in lot of locations around Cornwall and I am starting to be pretty good at thinking like a goby and predicting where they are likely to be, but it is still a real thrill to discover a new population of them in a new site!”

Giant gobies have never been recorded before on Looe Island as far as we are aware. In one pool two small giant gobies were found and in another pool, one giant was discovered measuring 23cm (9 inches) in length.

Giant gobies are chunky, robust fish and are members of a large family of rockpool fishes all having distinctive, fat rubbery lips, tiny scales and two dorsal fins. Gobies are well adapted to life on the shore and the giant goby can be distinguished by its size and it's fleshy, lobed pelvic fin which is used as a suction pad.

The annual Looe Island survey, which is carried out in August, was well attended this year by a range of local naturalists, Cornwall Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers from Looe Marine Conservation Group. As well as carrying out a fish survey of rockpools other surveys were completed by Cornwall Seal Group. This included surveys of seals, birds, and butterflies as well as monitoring of the rocky shore. The records collected all help to understand, manage and protect the island’s wildlife.

Looe Island Nature Reserve is a truly special place home to an amazing array of wildlife, all thriving in this secluded and unspoiled corner of Cornwall.

To arrange a visit to the island please visit www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/looeisland
If you would like to get involved in helping out on shore surveys please email shoresearch@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk
 

Release date:  Wed, 06/09/2017 (All day) Main image:  Summary:  An ambitious new sustainable holiday development business has joined Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Business Supporter Scheme. Hall Wood are planning unique new tree top level accommodation in a valley near Pelynt and have worked closely with the Trust from the start to ensure the scheme is as wildlife friendly as possible.

Hall Wood is the brain child of Alex King who studied mining at Camborne School of Mines and toured the world through his work as an exploration geologist before deciding to return to his roots in Cornwall. He searched for a special site surrounded by nature where he could incorporate a series of high-end self-catering lodges, without compromising on his strong beliefs that it should also be sustainable and not impact negatively on the local wildlife.

Finding the perfect site set in a beautiful wooded valley near the village of Pelynt, Alex turned to Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s consultancy arm, Cornwall Environmental Consultants (CEC) for advice. They carried out various wildlife surveys of the site confirming the presence of ancient woodland, otters, dormice, and deer. They were also able to advise on how best to manage the site for nature and mitigate against any negative impacts from its development. The site was formerly planted with conifers on its upper slopes whilst the valley bottom has patches of ancient woodland. Hall Wood plans to protect the ancient trees, and with a renowned local architect has designed timber framed units on stilts which will be sympathetically integrated into the landscape to give the impression of living in the tree canopy.

The woodland in which the lodges are set will be managed as a nature reserve, and the site has been designed to ensure these habitats are enhanced and preserved throughout its life. Hall Wood guests will be encouraged to support local businesses and producers whilst on site. Low-emission transport links into local places of interest will be provided as the owners are keen for the local communities to benefit from the income generated by guests staying at the site. They have estimated that this could amount to over £300,000 annually.

Hall Wood has recently joined Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Business Supporter scheme at the top level as a Wildlife Partner, which not only provides the charity with much needed funding it also creates a relationship whereby it can advise the owners and help towards their goal to build a site which is beneficial to the local ecosystem and environment. There are also has plans to create the Hall Wood Forest School, for guests and invited groups to take part in activities ranging from nature trails, animal spotting, shelter building, outdoor cooking courses and more.

Alex King, Director of Hall Wood said,

“We are an extremely proud supporter of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and their work in safeguarding Cornwall’s wildlife rich habitats. It became clear very early on that there was a strong ethical synergy between our two entities, so a working relationship was the logical next step. We are very excited to see where this partnership takes us, and we look forward to sharing the fruits of this with our guests in the future.”

Antonia Mullaly, Business Support Manager, Cornwall Wildlife Trust added,

“It is refreshing to see a developer take the lead and seek wildlife advice and support early on in the planning stages in order to enhance the site’s natural assets. Clearly, Hall Wood’s plans to improve the natural environment and support surrounding communities, whilst providing high quality accommodation will bring many positive benefits to this beautiful area of south east Cornwall.”
 

Release date:  Mon, 04/09/2017 (All day) Main image:  Summary:  Cornwall Wildlife Trust has been shortlisted for the M & S Energy Fund and voting is now open for a chance for them to win funding to install Solar PV which will reduce carbon and running costs to maximise funds for their important work protecting Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places.

The Trust has been helping people to enjoy nature for over 50 years and are passionate about nature conservation. The M & S Energy Fund is available to support renewable energy projects and technologies across the UK and you can help Cornwall Wildlife Trust to receive £12,000 by simply casting a vote, and spreading the word about their project.

Voting is now open here: https://www.mandsenergyfund.com/projects/cornwall-wildlife-trust-power-f...

The Trust have identified solar PV as a major opportunity to reduce running costs at their headquarters which will enable them to be able to spend more on their conservation work. The advantages are:

1. Reduces carbon footprint – good for the planet and for the neighbourhood.
2. Reduces energy costs and provides an income stream so that funding is maximised for local conservation work.
3. Living their values – demonstrating best practice to their members, the local community and businesses

Trevor Dee, Head of Finance at Cornwall Wildlife Trust says,

“We love Cornwall and my team supports the work of our conservation staff protecting Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places. By delivering this project we will make a real and ongoing saving to our operating costs. The reduced carbon footprint is an environmental win – but we will double down on that and invest the savings into our vital conservation work!”

There would be a minimal visual impact if the Trust were to install solar PV as the plan is for rooftop panels and the buildings are not overlooked by neighbours. It would make the site more attractive to other community groups to use and will strengthen the Trust’s position to influence others.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust is excited for the opportunity to embrace renewable energy and reinvest savings made on running costs into their wildlife conservation work. They encourage all who love Cornwall’s stunning and unique nature to cast their vote and share the project with their friends and colleagues.

Please vote and share here:
https://www.mandsenergyfund.com/projects/cornwall-wildlife-trust-power-f...
Voting closes on the 20th October 2017
 

Release date:  Fri, 25/08/2017 (All day) Main image:  Summary:  A treat awaits visitors for the grand finale of Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s popular Open Gardens scheme as they visit the truly unique Tanglewood Wild Garden on Sunday 10th September and finish off another brilliant season.

Event details:
• Full title of event: Open Gardens event
• Date and time of event: Sunday 10th 11.00am to 4.00pm
• Where to meet: Tanglewood Wild Garden, Newbridge, Penzance TR20 8PL
• Cost of event: £5 under-16s free

A treat awaits visitors for the grand finale of Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s popular Open Gardens scheme as they visit the truly unique Tanglewood Wild Garden on Sunday 10th September and finish off another brilliant season.

Tanglewood is wonderful back to nature wild garden with winding uneven paths through the woodland, deep water ponds, unique sculptures, and natural surroundings. There is plenty of room for children to play and an enchanting setting for wild family adventures! A campfire will be used for hot drinks and there will, of course, be cake!

For more information and pictures of this wonderful garden please visit www.tanglewoodmaycontainnuts.co.uk

The Trust hopes to surpass last year’s record breaking fundraising total of £12,600 for Open Gardens. All money raised goes towards protecting Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places.

Admission is £5 under 16s free. Pasties, cream teas, and beverages will be provided by Crantock Bakery, Roddas and Cornish Coffee. The event has an overall sponsor with Cornwall tourism company Stayincornwall.co.uk. Dogs are allowed on leads. Disabled access is unfortunately limited.

Chris Betty, Communications Officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust says,

“Tanglewood Wild Garden is a wonderful location to hold our final garden of the 2017 season and will give visitors an inspiring back to nature experience.”

 

Release date:  Wed, 23/08/2017 (All day) Main image:  Summary:  Nestling in deep oak woodland, the Carminowe Valley Garden is an abundant wildlife garden, overlooking the beautiful Carminowe Valley towards Loe Pool, and is the latest to open as part of Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Open Gardens scheme.

Event details:
• Full title of event: Open Gardens event
• Date and time of event: Sunday, September 3rd 2.00pm to 5.00pm
• Where to meet: Carminowe Valley Garden, Mazey Cottage, Tangies, Helston, TR12 7PU.
• Cost of event: £5 under-16s free

Nestling in deep oak woodland, the Carminowe Valley Garden is an abundant wildlife garden, overlooking the beautiful Carminowe Valley towards Loe Pool, and is the latest to open as part of Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Open Gardens scheme.

The garden is abuzz with butterflies and insects, particularly bumble bees. Many different birds have been seen here and signs of otters have been spotted in the streams. The River Carminowe cuts through the garden adding to its beauty and uniqueness and visitors can experience this for themselves when the garden, at Mazey Cottage, Tangies, near Helston, opens on Sunday 3rd September from 2.00pm to 5.00pm.

This flourishing garden was first created by Marion and Peter Stanley from a mown arboretum in 2007, and now combines native oak woodland with a more formal area. A natural woodland walk can be followed through hazel, holly, oak and ash trees and a large pond, fern hollow and a rhododendron walk leads through the wooded area opening onto the rest of the cultivated garden.

A diverse garden, double rose beds which will be in their second flush of blooms at this time of the year; includes a wild flower meadow, mown pathways, shrubberies, an orchard, nectar beds, cutting garden, and a kitchen garden.

Admission is £5 under 16s free. Pasties, cream teas, and beverages will be provided by Crantock Bakery, Roddas and Cornish Coffee. The event has an overall sponsor with Cornwall tourism company Stayincornwall.co.uk. The main part of the garden has disabled access. Dogs are allowed on leads.

Chris Betty, Communications Officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust says,

“A mix of formal and woodland, plus water features and an abundance of wildlife make this a wonderful Cornish garden which will appeal to all gardeners wherever their particular interest lies.”

More details of the Mazey Cottage event and the final garden to open for the Trust this year, which is on September 10th at Tanglewood Wild Garden, Newbridge, can be found on our Open Gardens page.