Greena Moor is Cornwall's finest area of culm grassland, an internationally rare grassland type found in only a few places across the UK. Look amongst the rushes and tussocks of purple moor-grass and you will discover an abundance of unique moisture-loving wildlife...

Agricultural intensification has destroyed over 92% of this precious habitat since the mid-20^th century. Despite this, the site at Greena Moor survived thanks to careful management over multiple generations of the Harris family, tenant farmers with a great affection for the moor. In the 1900s, Cornwall Wildlife Trust acquired the land in partnership with Plantlife; focused management combined with further land acquisition have allowed this precious habitat to thrive and expand.

The reserve is home to an array of nationally important flora, including the rare Three-lobed Water Crowfoot whose white flowers can be spotted in shallow pools of water. You may even catch sight of the endangered pale dog-violet, which was rediscovered in 2020 after an absence of over 60 years. Other rare plant species include Wavy St John's wort and wood bitter-vetch. Thanks to its species diversity, in 2013 Greena Moor was declared the ‘Coronation Meadow’ for Cornwall. It then became a seed donor to increase wildlife habitat in nearby ‘receptor’ sites.

As we approach summer, the reserve comes alive with colourful wildflowers. Making your way along the trail, look out for the lilac ‘smocks’ of cuckooflower and the shiny yellow marsh marigold that herald the start of the flowering season ahead. These are later followed by drifts of white ‘lace’ – the rare whorled caraway. You might even stumble upon a small wood of beech, larch and oak that was planted in the 19^th century.

Greena Moor has been identified as an important breeding site for the Marsh Fritillary, one of the UK’s rarest butterflies. This is partly due to the presence of its main food source, Devil’s-bit Scabious, as well as a suitable mosaic of habitats for each of its life stages. Other insects that can be spotted include burnet moths and golden-ringed dragonflies. The reserve also provides habitat for ground-nesting birds such as skylarks and meadow pipits. You might even glimpse Roe deer, often seen feeding out in the fields during dawn and dusk.

Culm grassland has many benefits beyond wildlife. It is not an easy habitat to industrialise and therefore supports the local economy through small scale family farming. The vegetation and peaty soil also act like a sponge, filtering water and playing an important role in flood management.

TOP TIP: You might notice mounds of earth within and beyond the reserve. These are believed to be Bronze Age burial sites, known as barrows - evidence that the site’s rich biodiversity has been supported by use as rough grazing for over 3000 years.

Why not visit Greena Moor and appreciate this incredible habitat for yourself?