Cornwall Wildlife Trust have contracted tree surgeons to fell a small number of dangerous trees alongside the main footpath. As a result, Kennall Vale nature reserve will be closed during a short period in November 2022 for the safety of visitors.

When will Kennall Vale be closed to the public?
Kennall Vale Nature Reserve will be closed from 8am on Monday 14th November - 6pm on Friday 18th November 2022. 

What is Ash Dieback?
Ash dieback is a fungal disease, spread by the wind, which is expected to kill the majority of the country’s ash trees. The loss of these trees will result in unavoidable changes to our nature reserves, but the work is being timed to minimise the impact on wildlife such as nesting birds, and protections are in place to safeguard the most sensitive wildlife. To find out more about ash dieback and its impact, please visit The Wildlife Trusts' ash dieback webpage.

Learn more about Ash dieback

What’s happening and why?
Diseased ash trees can become very unstable. Cornwall Wildlife Trust is employing specialist contractors to fell diseased trees close to roads and paths where they pose a risk to public safety. Some of the timber will be left on site as habitat piles. Ash trees away from these areas will be left to die naturally. In time, wooded areas should recover through a combination of natural regeneration and replanting.

Why is it important to carry out these works at Kennall Vale?
Kennall Vale is used by a lot of people and the trees are unstable. This poses a risk of injury to visitors which can be avoided by tree surgery. The site also has scheduled ancient monuments which are at threat of being damaged by the diseased trees.

What provisions have been put in place to allow this work to happen?
These works have been approved and licensed by Natural England and the Forestry Commission.