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Trevigue has been described as a wildlife haven on many occasions by different eminent naturalists who frequently visit the farm. The vast range of plants and animals to be found on the farm is largely
a result of the contrasting environments of which Trevigue consists.
A large part of the farm is made up of coastal heathland, situated
on the rugged and exposed cliffs, which rise to almost 750 feet at
"High Cliff" (the highest in Cornwall). Wild moorland ponies from Bodmin Moor and
Dartmoor and traditional breeds of cattle together with feral goats are being used to graze the "undercliff" to create a more diverse habitat. Wild Thyme and Betony grow on the cliffs in abundance during the
summer months - all helped by the reintroduction of stock grazing. However the inland farm falls steeply to a sheltered, wooded valley inhabited by Roe Deer, Badgers,
and Dormice. Many different species
of butterfly (including Silver Washed Fritillary, Ringlet, Orange Tip
and Speckled Wood) are also to be found. The distinctive call/song of small birds such as Stone Chats, Linnets
and Skylarks are often heard from the cliffs where food is available
in abundance in the form of heathland insects. Much of the farm is owned by the National Trust, and is managed in
a highly sensitive manner in order to encourage the greatest biodiversity possible. Two private Nature Reserves are found containing many species of rare and common flora and fauna. Three
hundred and fifty acres of the 800 acre farm is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the high wildlife value and unique geology (known as the Crackington Formation) and a
number of
spectacular faults - none more significant than the Rusey fault. Heritage on the farm includes the 16th Century farmstead, the site of a Roman Signal
Station, historical slate quarries and Bronze Age Barrows. |
