National Trust acquires new farm in Cornwall

The National Trust has announced the acquisition of the 124 acre (50 hectare) Teneriffe farm, near Mullion on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall.

This purchase not only breathes new life into the farming landscape of this area but also ensures the future of a campsite, now under National Trust management, on this beautiful stretch of Cornish coast.

The arable farm has been acquired using funds from Enterprise Neptune, the Trust’s fund for protecting coastline as well as using the Lee Bequest, funds given specifically for the benefit of nature in Cornwall.

The new Trust land will be linked with the neighbouring Predannack farm (already in Trust ownership) and farmed as a mixed farm with a strong focus on wildlife conservation.

Together they will ensure a viable farm which will be managed for the benefit of the unique wildlife of the Lizard peninsula.  Many of the rare species of the Lizard, including unusual clovers, rushes and the Cornish choughs amongst many others, depend on farming and particularly the grazing of marginal land to ensure their survival and to allow them to prosper.

Alastair Cameron, NT Property Manager for the Lizard said: “It’s really exciting to be taking on this land which not only gives us the ability to make a viable farm out of two small holdings which have not been farmed independently for many years, but also gives us a campsite to allow lots of other people to come and enjoy this special place with us.  We know how important it is to connect people with nature and camping out under the stars with beautiful, wildlife rich land and scenery close by will make for memorable holidays and great experiences for young and old.”

There is work to do to the farmhouse and buildings which the Trust will be carrying out this winter.  In the meantime the farm will be let on a short term basis before a longer term tenant is sought next year. 

• The National Trust was founded in 1895 with the specific aim of acting as a guardian for the nation in the acquisition and protection of threatened coastline, countryside and buildings.  Access to the countryside has remained one of the key principles that guide the work of the National Trust.  Octavia Hill, co-founder of the Trust, believed that access to nature and the countryside belonged by right ‘to you all; to every landless man, woman and child.’
• National Trust ownership of coastline ensures that, wherever possible, public access is allowed and in many cases increased – not always easy to achieve when balanced against the needs of fragile environments.  The Trust has a continuing programme of footpath creation, repair and improvement, which includes provision for disabled visitors, the very young and for those interested in all aspects of the coast and its attractions.
• The National Trust is independent of government, relying for income on membership fees, donations and legacies, and revenue raised from its commercial operations such as restaurants, shops and holiday cottages.
• The Trust is the largest non-governmental landowner in Britain