Cornwall Council finally declared Penbeagle Hill a Local Nature Reserve in January 2025, securing the future of the hillside as a natural environment with public access.
Huge thanks go to Rupert Manley, one of the Orchard Directors, who has worked tirelessly for around fifteen years, writing countless emails and letters to achieve this. We are all delighted, as the designation ensures long-term protection for the area and will help prevent further development alongside the land.
In announcing the declaration, Cornwall Council wrote:
“Cornwall Council are thrilled to share that Penbeagle Nature Reserve, a beautiful 28-acre site leased by Cornwall Council to St Ives Community Orchard CIC, has officially been designated as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR)! This designation marks a significant achievement in recognising the site’s ecological value and local significance. Its recognised status secures long-term protection for its rich biodiversity and will ensure that it will remain a thriving space for both wildlife and the community. The dedicated efforts of St Ives Community Orchard CIC and its volunteers have transformed the area into a beacon of active environmental conservation, education and community engagement. The LNR status formed part of the St Ives Town Deal and will strengthen the site’s planning protections, enhance access to funding, and contribute to Cornwall’s 30×30 target—that 30% of land is well-managed for nature by 2030. A huge congratulations to all involved in making this happen! This is a testament to the power of community-led conservation and action.”
St Ives Community Orchard group invited everyone to join them to celebrate the recent official declaration of the Local Nature Reserve on Penbeagle Hill, St Ives, on Friday 9th May.
We had some great speeches from Rupert Manley, one of our orchard directors and chief pusher of this nature reserve and James Ruddick from Cornwall council.
Lilly & Viv Stratton cut the ribbon – a garland of ivy & wildflowers to mark the occasion. Lilly (along with her sisters Jazmin & Poppy) have been one of our longest helping young volunteers to work with us – she started with us when she was about 5 years old. Viv Stratton grew up farming on this land since he was 8 years old, has planted 100’s of trees here and always dreamed of this land becoming a nature reserve.
After the ribbon-cutting, we all walked into the Nature Reserve, up to the top of the hill, before returning to the Core to finish the celebration with more live music, conversation and drinks.
A wonderful day of celebration.
Written by Elise Langley, May 2025
