A historic site in Newquay, thought to have been inhabited since prehistoric times, has been protected for future generations by our small, independent charity.
Cornwall Heritage Trust has taken ownership of East Pentire Headland – a historic clifftop site situated on the southern edge of Newquay between the famous surfing beaches of Fistral and Crantock. The site has evidence of human activity dating back over 8000 years and contains a number of archaeological remains, including Bronze Age barrows.
The site has been transferred to the charity from Cornwall Council.
The headland is a popular spot for marine wildlife watching, with whales, seals and dolphins often visiting the nearby shoreline, and is designated a “County Wildlife Site” renowned for its wide variety of mosses and bird life.
It is home to a large number of skylarks, which are a Red List species of conservation concern due to significant population decline. Kestrels, stonechat, ravens and peregrine falcons are also routinely observed on the site.
Cathy Woolcock, Cornwall Heritage Trust CEO said: “East Pentire Headland is an incredibly special place. It has huge archaeological and ecological significance, as well as being an important space for the local community to come together, so it’s such an honour for our charity to now be its custodian and ensure everyone can continue to enjoy it.”
Founded in 1985, Cornwall Heritage Trust is a small, independent charity which protects historic places across Cornwall, hosts a wide-reaching programme of wellbeing, education and community workshops, activities and events at these heritage sites and provides grants enabling visits to museums and historic monuments across Cornwall.
The headland adjoins a car park, which will now support this charitable work. The car park will be managed by the external parking management company, NPC.
If you have any questions relating to the car park at this site, please head to https://www.nationalparkingcontrol.co.uk
Three further transfers of historic sites to the charity from Cornwall Council are planned to take place over the next 12 months. They are Minions Heritage Centre, the Prince of Wales Engine House and Castle an Dinas (Penwith).
