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Trevigue has been described as a wildlife
haven on many occasions by different eminent
naturalists who frequently visit the farm.
The vast range of plants and animals to be
found on the farm is largely
a result of the contrasting environments of
which Trevigue consists.
A large part of the farm is made up of
coastal heathland, situated on the
rugged and exposed cliffs, which rise to
almost 750 feet at
"High Cliff" (the highest in Cornwall).
Wild moorland ponies from Bodmin Moor and
Dartmoor and traditional breeds of cattle
together with feral goats are being used to
graze the "undercliff" to create a more
diverse habitat. Wild Thyme and Betony grow
on the cliffs in abundance during the summer
months - all helped by the reintroduction of
stock grazing.
However the inland farm falls steeply to a
sheltered, wooded valley inhabited by Roe
Deer, Badgers, and Dormice. Many different
species
of butterfly (including Silver Washed
Fritillary, Ringlet, Orange Tip
and Speckled Wood) are also to be found.
The distinctive call/song of small birds
such as Stone Chats, Linnets
and Skylarks are often heard from the cliffs
where food is available
in abundance in the form of heathland
insects.
Much of the farm is owned by the National
Trust, and is managed in
a highly sensitive manner in order to
encourage the greatest biodiversity
possible. Two private Nature Reserves are
found containing many species of rare and
common flora and fauna.
Three hundred and fifty acres of the 800
acre farm is designated as a Site of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the high
wildlife value and unique geology (known as
the Crackington Formation) and a
number of spectacular faults - none more
significant than the Rusey fault.
Heritage on the farm includes the 16th
Century farmstead, the site of a Roman
Signal Station, historical slate quarries
and Bronze Age Barrows. |
