About Cornwall Wildlife Trust

About Cornwall Wildlife Trust

Cornwall Wildlife Trust believes in a wilder future for Cornwall. A future in which wildlife thrives on land and at sea, Cornwall’s beautiful and unique wild places are protected, and people take action to benefit nature.

We’re working towards this by protecting and managing over 5,500 acres of wildlife-rich and important habitats across 59 nature reserves and through the implementation of projects that promote nature’s recovery and engage communities with the ecological and climate emergencies Cornwall faces.

Some of our current work includes: trialling badger vaccinations as an effective alternative to culling in the fight against Bovine TB; promoting sustainable fishing practices to consumers and fishers; empowering local communities to take action for Cornwall’s seas; and carrying various habitat improvement work across their reserves.

CURRENT PROJECTS

Badger vaccinations

The future of Cornwall’s badger population is far from clear, with badgers facing many threats. How land managers choose to control bovine tuberculous (bTB) in cattle is crucial. Research suggests that while the majority of disease transmission is from cattle to other cattle, a modest level of bTB is spread to cattle by badgers. Farmers can choose to tackle the risk associated with badgers, through either culling badgers or by vaccinating them.

We believe vaccination can be an effective alternative to culling in the battle against bTB, with evidence suggesting that vaccination reduces the rate of new infections in badgers by 76%.

To develop further evidence, Cornwall Wildlife Trust in partnership with the Zoological Society of London and a group of local farmers, is vaccinating badgers in an area of mid-Cornwall. We also vaccinate badgers on several of our nature reserves including in West Penwith as part of a wider ZSL vaccine research project.

Marine conservation research

Cornwall’s marine life is rich and varied, but risks, including pollution, marine disturbance and intensive and unsustainable fishing practices, threaten our remarkable ocean habitats and wildlife.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust runs numerous research projects, including Shoresearch, Seasearch Diving and the Marine Strandings Network, to better understand the health and threats to our seas so we can influence for their long-term protection. This important work has already contributed to the creation Marine Protected Areas and other conservation measures vital for the health of our oceans.

Sustainable farming

With more than 70% of Cornwall’s land farmed in some way, partnering with farmers to increase sustainable practices is vital if we are to ensure a wilder future, where Cornwall’s wildlife can thrive and the risks of climate change are mitigated.

We are working with farmers across west Cornwall, advising on reducing the routine use of harmful pesticides, more targeted use of artificial fertilisers and careful management of farmyard manures and slurries to reduce water pollution. We help farmers to access grants, and support them in the development of long-term plans that are tailored to fit their business whilst enhancing wildlife and pollinators, storing carbon and improving soil condition.

A proportion of every sale from the British Wildlife by British Artists Exhibition will be paid as a donation to Cornwall Wildlife Trust (registered charity no: 214929) - full details can be found on the FAQ page.