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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. |