Penbeagle Nature Reserve

Up above and connected to the St Ives Community Orchard is Penbeagle Nature Reserve, a beautiful wildlife haven with lichen-covered blackthorn groves and new woodland, many pathways,  moorland and magnificent granite tors.

Covering 28 acres, the reserve is a valuable public space and a vital part of St Ives’ green infrastructure. Rich in biodiversity, it supports a range of habitats and species.

It overlooks St Ives town with wide sweeping views of the ocean and is nestled between open access land, green fields, farmland with horses roaming and a protected County wildlife site.  To it’s east it overlooks Carnstabba Hill, the Steeple Woodland Nature Reserve and Knills Monument and to the west it overlooks Bussow Reservoir, Buttermilk Hill and Rosewell Hill.

Most of the land was left to the town of St Ives in 1943 by Ernest Best and is owned by Cornwall Council. The land is leased to and managed by St Ives Community Orchard CIC, supported by a keen group of volunteers.

• A Management plan written by Cornwall Environmental Consultants is followed. See Management plan documents
• Since 2014 volunteers have planted 1000s of native woodland trees up on the hillside, mostly on the lower slopes of the hill. See our tree care plan.
• Many circular footpaths have been created up and around the hill.
• Invasive non-native plants are being removed and small areas of bracken and brambles have been cleared to create open meadows.
• Tree planting is an ongoing activity in winter months and in the summer months there is a lot of work to clear around trees. Volunteers to help with this are always very welcome!

The Penbeagle Nature Reserve was formally declared as a Local Nature Reserve by the Council on 23rd January 2025.
The official opening was on 9th May 2025.

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.”

Find out more here: //designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/penbeagleNR

Much of the nature reserve is a Cornwall Wildlife Trust “County Wildlife Site” in recognition of its value as a wildlife habitat. There are approximately 400 County Wildlife Sites in Cornwall covering around 10% of Cornwall’s land area. In the Spring it displays a profusion of flowers and numerous species of butterfly and birds have been spotted. It is well used by local residents for walking and the quiet enjoyment of nature. The site was previously part of Penbeagle Farm but the fields fell into disuse many years ago and have since largely become “re-wilded”. Green fields surround the reserve on three sides with horses grazing the wildflower rich meadows.

See maps and surveys done of the land.
See more history and photos.

Visiting Penbeagle Nature Reserve

• Most of Penbeagle Nature Reserve is open access land and can be accessed via Palemon Best Recreational Park.
• Please note, there is minimal parking. The closest parking spaces are at St Ives Rugby Club, the Leisure Centre & St John in the Fields.

If you would like to get involved or have any questions, contact us

Management Objectives

The management objectives for the site are:
• To establish areas of native broadleaved woodland on the lower slopes.
• To remove non-native plants.
• To enhance areas of grassland and heath by controlling bracken.
• To manage a section of the site as an edible woodland.
• To manage areas of scrub
• To maintain access routes and existing paths.
• To have the site recognised as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR).
• To encourage the involvement of the community in the management of the site.
• To facilitate use of the site as an environmental educational resource.

Plants and Wildlife

There are wide varieties of species found on this land.
Have a look at our list of animals, insects, trees, bushes, wildflowers, wild grasses and mushrooms that have been spotted in the area.  //www.stivesorchard.co.uk/species/

Useful Documents

Guidance on setting up a Local Nature Reserve

How to declare a Local Nature Reserve