The search for a missing snorkeler, last seen at a Cornish beauty spot, has been called off.A second search for the snorkeler - believed to be a man - was likely to go ahead this morning but after a consultation the search has been suspended. The reason behind this is that nobody has been officially reported missing and no further concerns raised, following a precautionary search yesterday.In the afternoon of Thursday, July 13, Sennen Cove RNLI received a call reporting that a snorkeler had gone...

A yachting company boss has been found guilty of failing to ensure the safety of the Cheeki Rafiki yacht in which a sailor from Cornwall was among four killed when it capsized mid-Atlantic. A jury at Winchester Crown Court convicted Douglas Innes for failing to operate the yacht in a safe manner.His company, Stormforce Coaching Limited, was also convicted of failing to operate the yacht in a safe manner contrary to section 100 Merchant Shipping Act.The jury are still considering manslaughter...

Residents who fought valiantly in a bid to try to save one their village's last remaining green spaces have been dealt another hammer blow after the Diocese of Truro placed the land on the open market. For months campaigners in Illogan vociferously opposed the diocese's plans to build 33 homes on the Glebe Field in the centre of the village. They argued that that Illogan's infrastructure is already at breaking point with a nearly full school and doctor's surgery and roads unable to cope with...

Hundreds of parents are naming their children after characters from the internationals smash hit Game of Thrones television series. New figures indicate that children in the South West are among the most likely to be called Khaleesi, Tyrion and Theon when it comes to mums and dads taking baby naming inspiration from the show. Ahead of its return for its seventh series on Monday (July 17), figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show it is inspiring some parents in their choice...

A fresh blow has been dealt to a determined team of green-fingered community champions in Cornwall. Members of the St Just in Bloom group have been busy preparing their town for the judging of the South West in Bloom 2017 on July 19 – but have suffered a recent setback due to thieves. One or more of the plants that have been cared for and watered were stolen sometime after Wednesday, July 12. St Just in Bloom volunteers, who will be informing the police, say this has caused upset in...

The ceremony to open then much-anticipated stretch of the A30 at Temple was interrupted this morning by an irate farmer. Dawn Gibson, of Outer Colvannick Farm, which is adjacent to the new A30, said she was angry with the way Cornwall Council and project leaders had treated her family. She took her frustation out during the opening ceremony of the road, interrupting Rob Llewellyn of Highways England as he was giving a speech. Read Next: A30 dual carriageway is officially opened after two...

A developer has angered residents in a Cornish village after putting in a second planning application to build holiday homes in a protected area. In July 2015 a planning application was submitted to extend a 1970s holiday park near the iconic St Agnes Beacon – and people were not happy. More than 3,000 people signed a petition opposing the development of an additional five holiday units at the Mor Cliff site, formerly known as Palmvale. Read more: A total of 650 homes could be built in...

In just one month a total of 59 crimes were reported to police in Launceston, including 26 antisocial behaviour offences. There were a range of offences reported in in April in the area we examined, which stretches from Treburley to St Stephens, according to the latest figures available from Devon and Cornwall Police. Read more: A390 traffic chaos due to milk spillage which left man trapped under crates In just 30 days, 26 antisocial behaviour offences were reported. There were also a...

The A30 dual carriageway will be officially opened today as more than two years of roadworks draw to a close over Bodmin Moor - just in time for the summer holidays. Work started in 2015 to turn the stretch of the A30 at Temple into a dual carriageway and has resulted in long delays for motorists for the past two summers. [SCROLL DOWN FOR OUR LIVE COVERAGE AND UPDATES IN OUR NEWS BLOG] The dualling of the stretch of single carriageway between Truro and London is seen as hugely...

Heartless burglars have broken into two premises in the St Austell area and stolen cash belonging to charities.The first incident took place at Sweets Café, Par, between 3pm on Wednesday, July 12, and 6.30am on Thursday, July 13.Read more: A look back at the evolution of the two-year roadworks scheme on the A30 Temple near BodminThe glass in the front door to the café was smashed, officers said, and two charity boxes for Cornwall Hospice and the local skate park were taken.In...

Tesco has announced a recalls for two of its salad products over over fears they might contain bacteria that causes food poisoning. A supplier found that campylobacter was found in "a small number" of the chain's Chicken, Broccoli, Almond and Cashew Nut Salad as well as in its Tesco Chicken Salad. The bacteria is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in the UK and symptoms include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. Read more: This 76-year-old man chased down...

A lifeboat has been joined by the Search and Rescue helicopter in the search for a missing snorkeler this afternoon. The Sennen Lifeboat received the call at around 2pm following reports that a snorkeler had gone missing around the Porthcurnow/Minack Theatre area. Search for snorkeller in black suit not seen returning from water at Porthcurno beach, Cornwall. Any information call 999 for the Coastguard — Maritime&Coastguard (@MCA_media) July 13, 2017 Read more: Toby, nine,...

Meet the brave pensioner who helped police arrest a solvent-abusing loud-mouth who was shouting and swearing in the city centre in the middle of the day.Former Royal Marine Dirk Kennedy, who is 76 years old, said that he used the training he received during his time in the forces to tackle the man who was "inhaling gas" and and being abusive to members of the public and a police officer on Boscawen Street in Truro.Read more: Cornish parents are being tagged for failing to send kids to...

The start of the kids' summer break means many things for parents – childcare bills, excited children trashing the house and an ugly bill for a new school uniform. However Aldi has the answer. The cut-price store is flogging classroom wear for half the price of rival Tesco and a third of those being sold by Sainsbury's and M&S, reports Mirror Online. Parents heading to the budget chain can snap up a twin pack of polo shirts for £1.65, skirt or trousers for £1.95 and a...

Release date:  Thu, 13/07/2017 (All day) Main image:  Summary:  Cornwall Wildlife Trust is celebrating Cornwall’s extraordinary marine life with two weeks of fun and inspiring marine events as part of National Marine Week, which runs from Saturday 29th July to Sunday 13th August.

Matt Slater, Marine Officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust says,

“Many people don’t appreciate how amazing Cornwall’s marine life is. Our waters are highly productive and support far more animals than are found in more tropical seas! From colour changing cuttlefish to humpback whales, our marine life is truly inspiring and Marine Week events in Cornwall will make people aware not only of how lucky we are but of how we can all work to protect this natural resource.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s event programme includes something for everyone, with a range of exciting activities including snorkelling, rockpooling, clifftop sea watches, beach cleans and sustainable seafood events.

For those who enjoy watching wildlife from beautiful cliff top locations the Trust are also running daily sea-watches around the coast led by experienced volunteers. Everyone is welcome and who knows what you may see; seabirds, seals, dolphins and whales and even giant basking sharks!”

Matt Slater continues,

“Cornwall’s seas are fantastic, but they are also under increasing pressure. Our events not only inspire but also highlight ways in which people can help protect the marine environment. In Cornwall, we are lucky to have a growing network of marine conservation volunteers running local marine groups all around our coast and there are many ways in which the public can get involved and help protect their local patch of coastline!”

The Trust is encouraging the public to think about what the sea means to them and to consider their relationship with the sea. You could take on The Wildlife Trusts’ ‘The Sea and Me’ challenge which asks everyone to make a pledge for the sea, for example, by saying no to single-use plastics like cups, bags and straws which can end up in the oceans.

Nationally renowned street artist ATM is creating a colossal mural of a cuttlefish in Portsmouth to mark the start of Marine Week.

Joan Edwards, Head of Living Seas at The Wildlife Trusts says,

“Cuttlefish remind us that diversity of marine life is precious; although some of our waters are protected, we need a network of ecologically coherent sites creating a ‘blue belt’ around the entire UK to support nationally important habitats and species.”

National Marine Week events in Cornwall

Monday 31st July – Marine Expedition aboard the Hardiesse Sail Training Ship, Falmouth – 10.00am to 4.00pm. An expedition aboard a traditional gaff ketch sail training ship in the Carrick roads, collecting plankton, using a drop-down camera and mackerel fishing. Booking is essential, spaces very limited. No under 8s. £10 adults, children free. Please contact Matt Slater (01872)302251 matt.slater@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

Tuesday 1st August – Newquay Crab Fest with Cornwall Good Seafood Guide – at Newquay Harbour – 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Discover Newquay’s sustainable seafood secret, meet the fishermen, learn how crabs are caught and how to took them, and take the crab taste test. Free event. There is a charge for boat trips.

Wednesday 2nd August – Snorkel Safari – Porthscatho, Roseland - 10.00am to 12.00 noon. A guided snorkel for confident UK sea swimmers off the beautiful Roseland Peninsula. Bring your own mask, snorkel and a well-fitting wetsuit. Children £5 accompanied by adults on land. No under 8s. Booking is essential, contact Matt Slater at matt.slater@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk or (01872) 302251. Sponsored by South West Water.

Thursday 3rd August – Beach Clean Masterpieces – Porthtowan Beach by CWT flag – 10.00am to 12.00 noon. Help our team clean awesome Porthtowan Beach and then use our colourful plastic finds to create pieces of art. Sponsored by South West Water. Booking is required, please contact Abby Crosby at abby.crosby@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk or on (01872)302230.

Friday 4th August – Snorkelling in a Rockpool – near Polzeath – 9.00am to 12.00 noon. A children’s learn to snorkel session in the safety and beauty of a Cornish rockpool. Bring your own mask, snorkel and a well-fitting wetsuit. Children £5, accompanied by adults on land. 6-11 years only. Booking is essential contact Fox Club (07872) 273939 foxclub@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk 

Monday 7th August – Hurray for Honeycomb – Northcott Mouth, Bude – 12.00 noon to 1.30pm.
Discover the regionally rare and specular honeycomb reefs of North Cornwall. Meet at the NT car park. Sponsored by South West Water and with permission of the National Trust.

Tuesday 8th August – Something Fishy – Port Isaac – 10.00am to 1.00pm. Visit the historic fishing village of Port Isaac to find out about the Trust’s Cornwall Good Seafood Guide. After a visit to the fish market, we will have a go at catching our own gobies with the Trust’s fish traps! Booking is required. Contact Fox Club to book your place and for further directions. Call (01872) 273939 or foxclub@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

Wednesday 9th August – St. Piran’s Crab Search – near Penzance – 11.00am to 1.00pm. Join dedicated crab enthusiast Matt Slater to hunt for this exciting and newly discovered little hermit crab and other critters! Meet in the car park The Parade, Mousehole, next to Rock Pool café. Sponsored by South West Water.

Thursday 10th August – Horrible Beasts up the Creek  – Falmouth Harbour – 1.00pm to 3.00pm. An extreme rockpool ramble finding all things slimy and squidgy in Falmouth Harbour. Cost children £3, with adults free. Booking is essential, contact Matt at matt.slater@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk or (01872) 302251. Sponsored by South West Water.

Friday 11th August – Strandline Scramble – Marazion - 1.00pm to 3.00pm. Join Trust marine staff on a guided walk from Marazion to Trenow looking for treasures washed up by the surf. Meet in Folly’s Field car park by the CWT flag. Booking is required, contact Abby Crosby at abby.crosby@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk or on (01872)302230. Sponsored by South West Water.

Friday 11th August – Radical Rockpooling – Hannafore Point, Looe – 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Join the Your Shore Beach Rangers team on a rocky shore adventure, climbing over rocks, wading through gullies and experiencing rockpools in a whole new way. Booking is required. Email nat.gibb@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

Seaquest Public Seawatch Events: Running alongside the Marine events are Seaquest Seawatch Events where from 11.00am to 1.00pm you can join trained volunteers on the clifftops to look for marine wildlife, including dolphins, porpoises and whales. For more information on any of these contact Katie Bellman at seaquest@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk :

Saturday 29th July – Boscastle NCI Station. Sunday 30th July – Rame Head NCI Station. Monday 31st July – Black Head, St Austell. Tuesday 1st August – The Rumps headland, Polzeath. Wednesday 2nd August – Towan Headland, Newquay.Thursday 3rd August – Godrevy headland. Friday 4th August – Hella Point, nr Porthgwarra. Saturday 5th August – NT Lizard Watch Point. Sunday 6th August – Pendennis Point, Falmouth.
 

The roadworks on the A30 that started two years ago will finally be completed on Friday morning. Here we look back at 25 months of works for the dualling of the Temple to Higher Carblake section. The green light was informally given seven years ago, on September 22, 2010, after the A30 Action Group had been campaigning for years for a dual carriageway across Bodmin Moor. Read more: These are the angriest and the funniest tweets about the A30 roadworks at Temple near Bodmin After the dualling...

Release date:  Thu, 13/07/2017 (All day) Main image:  Summary:  Trenarth garden at High Cross near Constantine are opening their gates in aid of Cornwall Wildlife Trust as part of their Open Gardens scheme. Last year it was a spring opening for the garden, this year they move to a summer date in July giving visitors a whole new perspective on the beauty there.

Event details:
• Full title of event: Open Gardens event
• Date and time of event: Sunday, July 23rd 2.00pm to 5.00pm
• Where to meet: Trenarth, High Cross, Constantine, Falmouth. TR11 5JN
• Cost of event: £5 under-16s free
 
Trenarth garden at High Cross near Constantine are opening their gates in aid of Cornwall Wildlife Trust as part of their Open Gardens scheme. Last year it was a spring opening for the garden, this year they move to a summer date in July giving visitors a whole new perspective on the beauty there.

As a garden which encourages wildlife, Trenarth has strong connections with the Trust. It is just one of many throughout the county where special fundraising days to raise funds have been held for the Trust, which are vital for Cornwall’s leading local wildlife charity in protecting the county’s wildlife and wild places.

Trenarth is open on Sunday, July 23rd from 2pm to 5pm. Entrance is £5 for adults under-16s free. Pasties, cream teas, and beverages will be provided by Crantock Bakery, Roddas and Cornish Coffee in the charming Garden Room. The event has an overall sponsor with Cornwall tourism company Stayincornwall.co.uk

The four-acre garden at Trenarth is set around a beautiful 17th-century farmhouse in a lovely pastoral setting, with a 16th-century courtyard, listed garden walls, gravel and palm area. Year round interest comes from unusual plants; a courtyard listed garden, yew rooms, a vegetable garden, an orchard and a new woodland area and gravel garden with some amazing panoramic views.

Visitors can take a walk down an ancient green lane to the old animal pond, and on through bluebell woods to Trenarth Bridge, and then back up along a different woodland footpath.

In fact, there is all sorts to see in this splendid garden, with its diverse variety of plants and planting. And if you need a loo on your way, there is one in an original red telephone box – worth a trip to see in itself!

Dogs are permitted on leads. Sadly the garden is not good for wheelchairs.
The wildlife is of major important interest at Trenarth, and the garden is home to a resident bat colony. A maternity roost of lesser horseshoe bats on the site has in the past been featured on BBC television.

Chris Betty, Communications Officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust says,

“We love going to Trenarth and look forward to seeing it in the summertime. The estate has a real sense of history about it, as well as being home to lots of wildlife.”

More details of the Trenarth event and all the other gardens opening this year can be found at www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/opengardens 

Other gardens opening for the Trust this year are: August 20th Bolts Quarry Farm, at St. Breward near Bodmin, September 3rd Mazey Cottage, Tangies, Helston, and September 10th Tanglewood Wild Garden, Newbridge, Penzance.
 

A campaign is under way to clean-up Newquay and its seas with the aim of making it the first sustainable takeaway town in the UK. For the second-year running, and with support from Seachangers UK, the community-run Newquay Marine Group is speaking directly with business owners and issuing information on the environmental and health effects of their food packaging choices. The group is working hard to persuade businesses to choose packaging which is better for the environment such as paper,...

A selfless young man has shunned the children's birthday party tradition of being spoiled with gifts by instead requesting his friends bring items that can be donated to the local foodbank. Toby Vogelbusch, from St Erth, turned nine recently and held his birthday party at the social club in Rosudgeon. After hearing about food shortages at the Camborne Pool and Redruth Foodbank Toby decided that he wanted to help out and along with his family, came up with the idea of asking for gifts which...

Cornwall's under-fire crime czar Alison Hernandez has abandoned plans to appoint a deputy who once chained himself to railings to protest about the downfall of Margaret Thatcher. Staunch Conservative Mark Kingscote, who is a councillor at Torbay, was rejected by a police and crime panel over concerns about his qualifications for the £30,000-a-year job. The NHS support worker, who was once embroiled in a controversy over a tweet referring to lesbians as "lesbos," was Ms...