Discovering More
It is not only those of us who live in and visit the Roseland who think it is special. Its outstanding qualities are recognised and formally protected by a number of national and international designations. Below is a brief description of these.
The Gerrans Bay to Camel’s Cove SSSI was notified in 1986 and comprises 140 hectares, stretching 10km along the east coast of the Roseland peninsula. This section of coastline is particularly important for its rich and diverse plant and bird life, together with features of geological and geomorphological interest.
Coastal vegetation ranges from dune communities behind the beach at Pendower, containing locally rare species, to cliff communities and cliff-top grasslands. A population of the rare Shore Dock occurs at Carne beach. The Nare Headland is nationally important for its lichens, with 180 rare species recorded, and 10 rare bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) also recorded.
SPA
Gerrans Bay from the Nare, part of the SSSI and the proposed SPA (photo: Nick Coppin)
The Falmouth Bay to St Austell Bay, a fully designated SPA, covers the marine environment including Carrick Roads (Fal Ria) and Gerrans Bay. It was recommended for its internationally important populations of overwintering Black-throated Divers, Great Northern Divers and Slavonian Grebe, all of which can be seen around the Roseland’s sea coast during the winter months.
SAC
Carrick Roads towards St Mawes and the entrance to Percuil River; part of the SAC (photo: Nick Coppin)
Coastline
Raised beach and cliffs at Carne Beach (photo: Nick Coppin)
The Fal Ria with steep wooded sides and deep water, at Turnaware Point (photo: Nick Coppin)
The Ruan river at Ruan quay – saltmarsh and woodland (photo: Sarah Vandome)