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Destination Cornwall - Uniquely Daily

Polzeath Voluntary Marine Wildlife Area & Camel Estuary

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Polzeath Voluntary Marine Wildlife Area.

Where?

The Wildlife Area includes the 'inter-tidal areas' (those exposed at low tide) between Pentire Point and Trebetherick Point. It also takes in the 'splash zone' - where the salty influence of the sea extends up the cliffs - from north of Baby Bay to Pentire Point.

The rocks exposed either side of Polzeath beach at low tide combine to form one of the largest inter-tidal areas in North Cornwall. It is an oasis of rock, sheltering a wealth of beautiful, delicate and important marine wildlife. The area also includes stretches of sand and gravel with their own particular wildlife communities providing a contrast to the more stable rocks.

The Wildlife Area contains 10 species of seaweeds and 5 species of animal which are recognised as being of special conservation importance within the South West of England including the unusual Celtic sea slug and the Polysiphonia seaweeds. These together with the myriad of other species help provide the area with a unique identity.

Why?

Polzeath offers an opportunity, unrivalled elsewhere in North Cornwall, to explore at close quarters the quality and variety of life in the sea. By establishing a Voluntary Wildlife Area the aim is to:

"Increase people's awareness and enjoyment of marine wildlife and encourage their interest in marine environmental issue". This is the primary aim. Many of the activities centred upon the area are geared to fulfilling it.

"Develop people's understanding for the need to look after the area and its wildlife". There is a need to gather information from both scientific research and people's opinions on the site in order to identify the means of maintaining it for future generations.

How?

To achieve these aims a number of initiatives are being undertaken.

Between April and September a Marine Wildlife Warden is based at Polzeath to provide information about the Voluntary Marine Wildlife Area and its many varied interests.

A caravan Visitor Centre is based adjacent to the TIC each spring and summer. This provides information which is presented in an attractive, colourful way.

A programme of events has been developed for the summer which will encourage people to become more involved with the marine environment.

A marine wildlife identification guide has been prepared top assist people to explore the wealth of interests in the area.

Local schools are being helped to use the Area as an educational resource.

What?

The rocks and sand stretching on either side of the beach shelter a wealth of colourful and interesting marine wildlife. This offers a marvellous opportunity to explore and discover an unspoilt natural environment. The large numbers of visitors to Polzeath combined with valuable and vulnerable wildlife makes marine conservation important in this area. Please get involved with the Summer activities, and by understanding and using the seashore code you will be contributing to marine conservation. Whilst the project is an initiative of the North Cornwall Heritage Coast & Countryside Service, the word 'voluntary' in the name is critical. Encouraging a greater interest in the marine environment can best be achieved through the agreement, co-operation and participation of the community. It is hoped that a forum will identify the needs and threats of the Area and that it will become an important educational resource.

Camel Estuary.

The Camel Estuary forms part of a beautiful and highly prized seascape. Many people benefit from the opportunities it provides for employment, recreation and enjoyment. However, the marine environment and the wildlife it supports can be highly sensitive to damage and disturbance from human activities. It is necessary to take measures to look after the very qualities that contribute to the popularity of the Camel.

Camel Estuary Initiative.

Established in 1994, this initiative aims to enhance and maintain the natural quality of the Camel and its economic values by co-ordinating effort and promoting wise use of the resource. Padstow Harbour Commissioners have taken the lead role and have published the Camel Estuary Management plan on behalf of the many users of the estuary. Copies of this are available from the Harbour Office.

Wildlife and Landscape.

The Camel Estuary and adjacent coastline has provided inspiration for many people including painters and poets and offers unique opportunities for enjoyment of scenery and natural history. Rich and beautiful habitats such as maritime grassland, sea cliffs, sand dunes and intertidal reefs provide home for wintering birds, rare plants, seaweeds and a myriad of fish and other sea creatures.

Local Geology is of great interest and historic remains give an insight into the Camel Estuary of yesteryear. National landscape and conservation designations, National Trust and Duchy of Cornwall ownership help to preserve the natural quality but it is just as important for individuals, clubs and other organisations to ensure that they act wisely and continue to maintain this quality.

To enhance your knowledge and enjoyment a series of Spotter Guides give information on the local wildlife, geology and seashore. These are available, along with leaflets detailing coastal walks, from North Cornwall Heritage Coast and Countryside Service.

What Can you Do?

Follow published Codes of Conduct to minimise your impact on the environment or draw up guidelines for your own club or activity, advice can be obtained from the Camel Estuary Advisory Group.

Sewage.

Padstow Harbour Commissioners require that vessels do not discharge sea toilets into the Outer or Inner Harbours and their use in the estuary is to be avoided. The Harbour Office can give advice on the disposal of chemical toilet and holding tank contents. Sewage pollution should be reported to the Environment Agency and South West Water.

Recreation and Leisure.

The most popular sports and pastimes are:

Daymer Bay - Windsurfing, swimming, coast path, geology.

Rock - Windsurfing, canoeing, sailing, water-skiing, swimming, sailing instruction, water-ski instruction, dinghy racing, sand dune natural history and geology.

Padstow - Gig rowing, diving, sailing, powerboats, water ski launch, pleasure trips, angling, Camel Trail, coast path, bird watching, natural history, walking, archaeology.

Water Skiers are subject to zoning and must be registered at the harbour office before going afloat. All other vessels including windsurfers and canoes are required to pay Harbour Dues and should contact the Harbour Office.

Bass Nursery Area.

The Camel is a designated Bass Nursery Area. Between 1st May and 30th November in the tidal waters enclosed by a line drawn from Stepper Point to Trebetherick Point the fishing for Bass from any vessel is prohibited. Any Bass caught while fishing for other species during this time must be returned immediately to the water.

Camel Estuary Advisory Group.

To help address issues that may arise the Camel Estuary Advisory Group has been established with representatives from bodies with a legal responsibility for the estuary. The group meets regularly and can be contacted through the Harbour Office at Padstow.

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