Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Baedeker’s 1901 edition of ‘Great Britain’ describes the Lizard in the following terms: “The peninsula is an elevated plateau, descending in cliffs to the sea, and its interior is as unattractive as its coast scenery is the reverse.” Today, in contrast to that dismissive account of the peninsula’s inland attractiveness, the whole area is designated in planning law as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ (AONB). These Areas were designated nationally by the Countryside Commission from 1956 onwards, under the provisions of The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949. This was in recognition that their contribution to the wider enjoyment of the countryside is so important that special measures should be taken to preserve their natural beauty and interest. The Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, comprising twelve individual areas totalling 360 square miles, was so designated in 1959.
Approximately 40% of Kerrier District falls within the Cornwall AONB. The north coast AONB extends from the western boundary of the District to the fringes of Portreath village and includes the coastal downs and much of Tehidy Woods. The whole of the southern coastline of Kerrier District lies within the AONB. This includes the coastline of Mounts Bay from the boundary with Penwith in the west to the periphery of Falmouth in the east. It includes the whole of the Lizard Peninsula, with the exception of the area around Culdrose Naval Air Station. It also includes the area around the Helford River as far west as the edge of Gweek.
The designation recognises that the quality of the scenery of much of Kerrier compares favourably with any other part of the country and has landscape that is of outstanding national importance. Government guidance is that the conservation of the natural beauty of the landscape should have priority over development, except where it is in the national interest and there is no alternative site available, although it will also be appropriate to have regard to the economic and social well-being of the area.
Policy ENV3, in the emerging Kerrier District Local Plan, summarises the Council’s commitment to AONBs: “Development that does not preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will not be permitted unless there are no alternative sites and the environmental harm to the character and appearance of the landscape is outweighed by either a proven national interest or the benefits of the economic and social well-being of the area.” The aim of the Policy is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape. This involves guiding development to towns and villages and retaining the undeveloped countryside.
AONBs are under pressure because of increased accessibility to those who visit or want to live there. In the longer term there is likely to be greater emphasis on recreational management within the AONB. Improvements in facilities for interpretation and recreational use should allow for its appreciation and enjoyment without harm to the environment.
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The Basking Shark
Cetorhinus maximus Despite its awesome appearance the basking shark is quite harmless to man, as it feeds exclusively on plankton. It is one of the largest of the true fishes, occasionally reaching a formidable 36 feet in length and a weight in excess of 3 tons. Some 1,500 tons of water an hour can pass through the five very long gill slits covering either side of the throat.
Little is known of basking shark biology, but the female is thought to incubate eggs in its body until they hatch. At birth the pups are about 5 feet long and grow to almost 12 feet in two and a half years. Its gigantic liver – nearly a quarter of the total body weight – can yield as much as 500 gallons of oil which, at one time, was used in oil lamps and in candlemaking. |
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Proprietor: Angela Davy Thomas Unspoilt country pub with a convivial ambience in magnificent coastal setting. Gleaming copper and original paintings decorate the many cosy eating corners. Angela has a wealth of local knowledge and experience in the trade. The Halzephron is famous for excellent traditional and adventurous food complemented by a carefully selected wine list and real ales. Disabled access with assistance. |
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Q. What do you call a wicked old woman who lives at Kennack A. A Sand Witch |
The 'elevated plateau descending in cliffs to the sea', referred to by Baedeker, as seen at Kynance Cove