Explore Cornwall’s Wildlife | Nature Holidays

Your nature Retreat

EXPLORE THE WILD WONDERS OF CORNWALL

Unveil the natural treasures of Cornwall at Gwel an Mor, your ultimate nature retreat nestled amidst the stunning Cornish landscape. Our resort serves as the perfect base to embark on adventures into the wild, offering unparalleled opportunities to explore the rich biodiversity of the region. From wild foraging expeditions to birdwatching escapades, wildlife tours on both land and sea await eager enthusiasts.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Cornwall’s diverse ecosystems, from rugged coastlines to lush woodlands, and encounter a myriad of fascinating creatures along the way.

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AONB

Areas of Natural Beauty in Cornwall

Just a short drive from our resort, two of the 12 sections of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) await your exploration. Our resort provides the perfect base to immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes, from picturesque coastlines to rolling countryside.

Each section of the AONB is carefully represented in the Management Plan 2022-2027, with local policies and objectives that celebrate the unique character and heritage of Cornwall. Whether you’re interested in biodiversity, culture, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, our resort offers access to a wealth of information and opportunities for adventure.

St. Agnes

Explore the rugged beauty of St. Agnes, one of the sections of Cornwall’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and just a 20-minute drive from our resort. This section of the AONB stretches from Porthtowan to Cligga Head, boasting iconic landmarks such as St. Agnes Beacon and the historic Wheal Coates Engine House overlooking Chapel Porth. Penhale Sands, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), adds to the area’s international significance. With picturesque beaches like Chapel Porth and Trevellas Porth, and dramatic cliffs and headlands, St. Agnes offers a blend of coastal charm and natural splendour. Delve into its rich mining heritage at sites like Wheal Coates and the Blue Hills Tin Mine, or explore the area’s history at the St. Agnes Museum.

Portreath to Godrevy

Experience the stunning coastal landscape from Gwel an Mor’s doorstep and explore Portreath to Godrevy. High cliffs, rocky shores, and secluded coves define this picturesque coastline. Godrevy Island, with its iconic lighthouse and thriving seal colonies, adds to the area’s allure. Panoramic views stretch from the islets and rocky stacks along the coast to the inland plateau and secluded woodlands. While Godrevy boasts the only accessible beach, Portreath’s western end also lies within the AONB. Explore the spectacular cliffs and sandy coves, including the popular Hell’s Mouth. Discover the area’s rich history at Godrevy Towans, featuring prehistoric sites and an important burial ground. The iconic Godrevy lighthouse stands as a beacon, symbolising the beauty of this AONB coastline.

South West Coast Path
Birdwatching
Rockpooling

Just minutes from the coastline of Cornwall, our holiday resort in Portreath boasts a prime location right next to the renowned South West Coast Path.

As one of the most scenic hiking trails in the UK, the South West Coast Path offers breathtaking views of the dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Guests staying at our resort can easily access this iconic trail, perfect for leisurely strolls or more challenging hikes.

Cornwall’s diverse coastline and mild climate make it a haven for migratory and unique bird species.

Witness mesmerising starling murmurations in Autumn/Winter at Marazion marsh and Rough Tor. The Hayle Estuary RSPB reserve teems with wetland birds in winter. Lizard offers sightings of Cornish choughs, razorbills, and puffins, while Looe Island boasts black-backed gulls and oystercatchers. Rame Head and Bodmin Moor are ideal for birdwatching, with opportunities to see birds of prey. Keep an eye out for the colourful kingfisher along rivers and streams. Binoculars are a must for birdwatching adventures in Cornwall!

Rockpooling is a delightful family activity that reconnects you with nature. As the tide recedes, explore the vibrant marine life in the shallow pools along the rocky shore.

Be mindful of tide times and wear appropriate footwear to navigate slippery rocks. Respect marine diversity by observing creatures without disturbing them. Keep an eye out for tiny fish, crabs, starfish, and anemones among the seaweed, but beware of jellyfish and handle mermaid’s purses with care. With just a bucket and keen eyes, embark on a fascinating journey to uncover the sea’s hidden treasures.

Cornish Wildlife

There’s so much to see

Cornwall’s diverse landscape offers a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. From the rugged coastline to the lush countryside, this southwestern corner of England teems with biodiversity.

Birdwatchers flock to the cliffs and marshlands to catch sight of rare seabirds and migratory species, while seals bask on rocky shores. Coastal waters host a rich array of marine life, including dolphins and basking sharks. Inland, ancient woodlands provide habitat for deer, badgers, and elusive otters.

Badgers

The black-and-white striped badger is a prominent species in the UK found throughout Cornwall. As the largest land predator, it preys on small mammals, birds’ eggs, worms, fruit, and plants. Badgers live in large family groups in underground burrows called setts, recognizable by their neat appearance and distinct odour from nearby toilet pits. With strong front paws, they dig for food and give birth to cubs in January or February, who remain underground until spring.

Beavers

Once extinct in Britain, beavers have made a remarkable comeback in Cornwall. These semi-aquatic creatures, about the size of spaniels, are nocturnal and skilled at building dams, which helps control flooding and enhances water quality. Reintroduced in 2017 to a specially fenced 5-acre site at Woodland Valley Farm, beavers have thrived, constructing multiple dams in just 8 weeks. Visitors can join guided walks organized by The Cornwall Beaver Project to observe these industrious animals and their dams, offering a unique wildlife experience.

Birds Of Prey

Cornwall is a haven for birds of prey, including buzzards, owls, goshawks, and peregrine falcons. While buzzards are often spotted circling in the sky, sanctuaries like the Cornish Bird of Prey Centre and the Screech Owl Sanctuary offer up-close encounters and educational experiences. These centers rehabilitate injured birds and offer handling sessions and falconry courses. Cornwall Birding also offers private tours to observe birds of prey and other wildlife in their natural habitats. With diverse options available, you’re sure to spot these majestic creatures during your visit to Cornwall.

Butterflies

Cornwall boasts a variety of butterfly species, including the common blue, gatekeeper, and silver-studded blue. You can spot butterflies in locations like Penrose Estate, Trelissick Gardens, and St. Michael’s Mount.

Cornish Choughs

Choughs, with their distinctively red bills and legs, are easily recognizable members of the crow family and are now a symbol of Cornwall. Once extinct in the southwest, these birds have made a remarkable comeback thanks to conservation efforts. Their disappearance was due to changes in farming practices, but efforts to reintroduce traditional methods have helped them thrive again. Today, choughs can be spotted nesting on cliffs, particularly in areas like the Lizard and Penwith. If you’re a birdwatcher, catching a glimpse of these iconic birds is a must.

Deer

In Cornwall, you can find two main types of deer. Red deer are the largest native land mammal in the UK and they can be spotted in various locations, including Bodmin Moor, Cardinham Woods, and the Tamar Valley. Roe deer are smaller than red deer and are commonly found in woodland areas across Cornwall. Some places where you might spot roe deer include Tehidy Country Park, Lanhydrock Estate, and the Helford River Valley. These deer species can often be seen grazing in fields, woodlands, and moorlands, particularly during the early morning or late evening hours.

Dolphins

In Cornwall, you can spot several species of dolphins, including the common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, and Risso’s dolphin. These dolphins can often be seen along the Cornish coast, particularly in areas with deep waters and strong currents, such as around the Lizard Peninsula, Land’s End, and St. Ives Bay. Dolphin-watching tours departing from various ports along the coast, including Penzance and Falmouth, offer excellent opportunities to observe these playful marine mammals in their natural environment.

Humpback Whales

Humpback whales can be spotted off the coast of Cornwall during their migratory journeys, particularly in areas where the ocean is deep and nutrient-rich. Popular locations for whale watching in Cornwall include the waters off the Lizard Peninsula, Land’s End, and sometimes even closer to shore around St. Ives Bay. Whale-watching tours departing from ports such as Penzance and Newquay offer opportunities to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Jellyfish

Jellyfish are integral to ocean ecosystems, drifting with currents to mix waters and balance marine life. While blooms signal overfishing, the North Atlantic maintains a healthier balance. Common species off Cornwall’s coast include the Compass jellyfish, recognizable by its brown hue and compass pattern; the massive Barrel jellyfish with eight oral arms; the electric Blue jellyfish; and the Moon jellyfish, identifiable by four purple rings. Less frequent are the Giant Portuguese Man-of-War, characterized by their deep blue/purple hue and air-filled sack, which can deliver a painful sting.

Otters

River otters, also known as river dogs, are sleek creatures resembling small dogs, often found in freshwater habitats where they build dens in rocks or tree-root systems. In Cornwall, they enjoy feasting on eels, fish, frogs, and crustaceans. Unfortunately, otters have a relatively short lifespan of around five years. Ideal spots for otter sightings include Butterwell Farm along the River Camel. While mostly solitary, otter parents spend six months teaching their blind and toothless pups survival skills. Occasionally, otters are seen in the sea, moving between river and coastal habitats.

Puffins

Puffins, though rare, can sometimes be spotted along the coastline of Cornwall during their breeding season. Prime locations for sightings include the Isles of Scilly, known for attracting seabirds, and Lundy Island, accessible from the Cornish coast. Offshore islands like St. Ives Island or The Rumps may also offer occasional sightings. While sightings are infrequent, visiting these coastal areas during the late spring to early summer breeding season may increase your chances of encountering these charming seabirds.

Reptiles

Cornwall hosts four of the UK’s six native reptile species: the common lizard, slow worm, grass snake, and adder. They favour habitats with ample vegetation cover and sunlit areas for basking, such as heathland, grassland, and woodland edges. While the common lizard is widespread, others like the grass snake and adder are more specialised in their habitat preferences. The smooth snake and sand lizard, both rare, face habitat challenges, particularly due to destruction. These reptiles hibernate during winter and emerge for mating in spring.

Seals

Cornwall offers abundant opportunities to watch grey seals, but it’s crucial to maintain a respectful distance, especially around seal pups. If you encounter a distressed seal, contact the British Divers Marine Life Rescue. Seal safaris with companies like Padstow Sealife Safaris or Newquay Sea Safaris offer great seal-spotting experiences. Seal colonies can be observed at various points along the coastline, such as Pendennis, the Lizard, and Godrevy Point. Swimming or surfing may attract curious seals, but remain calm and let them observe you; they are gentle unless threatened. For seal rescue and rehabilitation, visit the Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek.

Sharks

In Cornwall, you can spot various species of sharks, including basking sharks, porbeagle sharks, and occasionally blue sharks. Basking sharks are often seen along the coastline during the summer months, particularly in areas such as St. Ives Bay, Mount’s Bay, and around the Isles of Scilly. Porbeagle sharks are known to inhabit deeper offshore waters but can sometimes be seen closer to shore, especially during the warmer months. Blue sharks are less common but can be encountered further offshore and occasionally closer to land, particularly during Summer. Boat tours and wildlife-watching trips departing from ports like Penzance and Newquay offer opportunities to see these sharks in their natural habitat.

Sun Fish (Mola Mola)

The ocean sunfish, or ‘mola mola’, is the world’s largest bony fish, occasionally spotted off the coast of Cornwall. These fascinating creatures can reach up to 11 feet in size and weigh as much as a ton. Despite their size, they are harmless to people and are known for their unique appearance. You might encounter them on guided open-water swims or wildlife explorer cruises. Feeding mainly on jellyfish, they are drawn to Cornish waters, although they are normally found in warmer climates. Unfortunately, they are now considered an endangered species and are not found on restaurant menus. Remember to dispose of plastic bags properly, as they can mistake them for jellyfish.

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