Cornwall Wildlife Trust have had a very busy few months at their largest nature reserve, Helman Tor (near Bodmin). In the summer, the team introduced three pigs to part of the reserve. The pigs – native breed Oxford Sandy and Blacks – were loaned by a local farmer as part of a ‘rewilding’ trial to create germinating opportunities for plants and to knock back the dominant ones, like bracken, to help wildlife flourish.

In addition, last month 15 native breed longhorn cattle were also introduced to the Cornish moor. It is hoped that they will shape the landscape through habitual grazing. The cattle disturb the ground with their hooves and graze in a way that encourages an array of wildflowers.

Following the success of the pig trial, next month Cornwall Wildlife Trust will introduce three further pigs (Tamworths) to the new farmland over which they recently took ownership. This new land – over 97 acres – was previously farmed intensively, so the charity are working hard to bring it back into a more natural state. This involves removing nutrients and reversing the drainage which has taken place over the years.

It is hoped that the pigs’ activities will bring many positive benefits. Andy Collins, Mid Cornwall Reserves Manager, said:

“Pigs are nature’s plough. They rootle around in the ground – turning over sods of earth with their strong necks – as wild boar would have done in Britain hundreds of years ago.”

Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s use of rewilding principles takes inspiration from past landscapes in which wildlife thrived, enabling a wide area to become more biodiverse and more resilient. The activities of the pigs and cattle are an ancient and sustainable alternative to the use of heavy machinery.

This management strategy needs to be carefully controlled and monitored, and public access must be improved so that people can see the project’s progress for themselves. A new phase of the appeal is being launched for Christmas to fund this vital work.

The Bedruthan Community Fund (created from donations gathered by Bedruthan Hotel and Spa and Scarlet Hotel) have very generously offered to match fund this phase of the appeal, up to £30,000.

Emma Stratton, CEO of Scarlet & Bedruthan Hotels, said:

“Cornwall holds such a special place in the hearts of our team and the many visitors who come here each year to enjoy its wild beauty. The stunning scenery and rugged coastline, however, should not mask the uncomfortable reality that nature is in serious trouble in Cornwall. We find that our guests are very glad to contribute to our Bedruthan Community Fund as part of their holiday – and this year we’re delighted that it will be able to support Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Christmas Appeal through this match fund.

“The ambitious rewilding plans for Helman Tor nature reserve are truly inspiring and we hope many other people and businesses will dig deep to support them in Nature's time of need.”

Andy Collins said:

“We’re so grateful to the team at Scarlet & Bedruthan Hotels. Thanks to support from businesses like this, the public, and our members, this landscape-scale nature recovery project is the best gift Cornwall’s wildlife could wish for.

“It is really exciting that we’re making this progress. But there’s still a lot more to do, and any help would be much appreciated.

“Your gift this Christmas can help nature make a comeback.”