Wild Penwith A major new project in West - Cornwall Wildlife Trust

Voluntary Marine
Conservation Areas
The incredible diversity of marine life in Looe was
recognized in 1995 by the establishment of a Voluntary
Marine Conservation Area (VMCA). This is an area
of coastline of specific wildlife interest that enjoys a
level of voluntary protection. There are opportunities
to enhance marine conservation and perception of the
environment, and to promote sustainable use of what
is also a vital economic resource. In October 2007, the
Trust successfully received Heritage Lottery Funding for
the ‘Discovering the Wonders of Looe’s Marine Heritage’
project focusing on the VMCA.
Over 12 months, this project successfully inspired and
educated people of all backgrounds and ages about their
marine environment and the pressures it faces. People
living in and visiting Looe had the chance to explore its
beautiful and varied natural world through a successful
events programme that continues to be coordinated
into next year, thanks to further funding from South
West Water. This included creating easier opportunities
for people to explore Looe Island, our marine nature
reserve. Over 30 events reached an audience of over
1,000 people. Fifteen schools were contacted, resulting
in 37 school trips and over 900 schoolchildren visiting
the VMCA in the space of six months. A volunteer group
was established and is still active, with 25 members who
run various marine conservation projects within the
VMCA. Local community members now have the chance
to gain a sense of ownership of their marine environment
and get involved in the management and planning of the
area through the Looe Working Group.
Rocky shore survey work. Photo: Dan Ransom
In December 2008, Cornwall Wildlife Trust completed the ‘Discovering the Wonders of Looe’s
Marine Heritage’ project, based around the Voluntary Marine Conservation Area in Looe. After a
successful 12 months, the Trust is now looking to the future.
We are currently developing a three-year project, thanks
to a development fund from Heritage Lottery. We aim to
increase access to all these VMCAs by establishing, for
example, trained volunteer survey groups and VMCA
steering groups. Our experience from the ‘Discovering
the Wonders of Looe’s Marine Heritage’ project is that
a number of Cornish children have never explored
their local marine environment. This project will create
opportunities for coastal and inland schoolchildren and
groups such as brownies and scouts to take part.
If this project is successful it will mean marine education
and awareness opportunities across Cornwall, from
Helford to Polzeath, St Agnes to Fowey. Somewhere near
you, a marine event will be running, so I look forward to
some of our readers popping along to a rockpool ramble,
guided walk or estuary cruise. See you there!
Abigail Crosby, Marine Education Officer
To find out more about the VMCA South West Water
funded events this summer please check out the events
pages and our website, www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.
uk/conservationprojects/living_seas/
The future
Having seen the successful outcomes of the Looe Project,
Cornwall Wildlife Trust hopes to develop our marine
education and awareness work by looking towards the
other VMCAs in the county – yes, there are more! In
total Cornwall has five VMCAs: St Agnes and Polzeath
on the north coast and Helford, Fowey and Looe on the
south coast.
A rockpool discovery. Photo: Dan Ransom
Page 10 Issue 109 Summer 2009