The harbour and village
of Polperro are situated in an Area Of Out standing Natural Beauty;
an area of Heritage Coast, and were one of the first designated Conservation
Areas in South East Cornwall.
In March 1998 the coast line to the West, from Polperro to Polruan was
designated a Site Of Special Scientific Interest ( SSSI ). This new area
incorporates the already designated Polperro West Cliffs SSSI. The
citation is extensive and comprehensive, including a listing of the rock
formations and structures, an impressive listing of rare and important
flora and fauna, some of which are listed in the Red Data Book.
European Habitats Directive, Special Areas of Conservation
(SAC’s).
Following consultation with all interested parties by
English Nature, on January 29 th 2001 the Polperro to Polruan
SSSI has been nominated by the government for inclusion on a
list of candidates for Special Areas of Conservation and
sent to the European Commission for their consideration
It has been recommended as a candidate SAC because
it contains habitat types and/or species which are rare or threatened
within a European context. The interest’s submitted to the
European Commission are :-
European Dry Heaths, for which the
area is considered to support a significant presence. They are
dominated by dwarf shrubs of the heather family.
Shore Dock , for which the area
is considered to be one of the best areas in the UK. This is thought
to be the world’s rarest dock and one of the rarest plants
in Europe. In the UK it is found only on a small number of sites
in south west England and Wales.
Vegetated Sea Cliffs of the Atlantic and
Baltic coasts, for which this is considered to be one
of the best areas in the UK. These are sea cliffs that are partially
covered by vegetation, the nature of which varies considerably
depending on cliff geology, erosion, geographical location, and
the degree of exposure to wind and salt spray. Plant species
vary but may include rock sea-spurrey, thrift and rock samphire.
On the 1 st April 2005, this application was approved
and granted SAC status, and was entered in the Register of European
Sites for Great Britain on the 14 th June 2005, reference number
UK0030241.
The citation states that rock crevice and ledge communities
are characterised by a sparse vegetation cover of Thrift, English
Stonecrop, Wild Carrot, Rock Samphire, Sea Campion, Tree Mallow
and Wild Cabbage. The maritime grasslands include Wild Thyme, Common
Restharrow, Sheep’s-bit, Bluebell, Salad Burnet, Slender
Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Hairy Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Autumn
Lady’s Tresses, and Early Purple Orchid. Areas of heath vegetation
are present, characterised by Western Gorse, Bell Heather, and
Shore Dock.
August 2005 |
