Although not formally identified as ‘Ancient Woodland’, due to the steepness of the land it has probably been wooded on and off for centuries, and contains many Ancient Woodland markers including the English Bluebells seen throughout the woodland each May.

The wetland area in front of you is particularly rich in mosses and lichens, and during the autumn there are many varieties of fungi. This area is also home to another ancient woodland indicator plant – the rich green Opposite Leaved Saxifrage. Wet woodland is a relatively rare type of woodland with its own unique ecosystem, and it is probably the most ecologically interesting aspect of these woods. You will see some dead and dying trees in the wetland area, and we do our best to leave this deadwood in place, where safe to do so, as it is a vital part of the woodland ecosystem, providing insects and natural roost sites for bats and birds.

From the bridle path you will see several bat and bird boxes.
Various species of bat live here including Myotis species: including Daubenton; as well as the Common Pipistrelle, Lesser Horseshoe, Noctule, and the relatively rare Barbastelle. A few bat boxes can be seen from the bench – in the clearing behind you and in front of you – and also up high to the left of the Old Quarry. Bat roosts are protected by law, as these often-rare creatures are extremely vulnerable to disturbance.

The woods are also home to foxes, deer, badgers, rabbits, water voles, wood mice, and numerous other small mammals and invertebrates, so please keep any dogs under control and on the bridle path with you so as not to disturb them.

You may have already passed one of the old quarries from which Pentewan Stone – a fine elvan stone – was hewn for the construction of various local estates from medieval times to the 1800s when it was used in the construction of Antony House.

Tin was also streamed in the valley until the early 1800s, and these Tinners spoke of finding the remains of ‘the old men’ in the valley – evidence of likely habitation and tin streaming from long ago.

More about Pentewan can be found at …

https://pentewanvillage.co.uk/local/a-brief-history-1/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentewan

Thank you for being a part of the history of this special place.

Celtic Blessing:
‘May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
… and until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.’

Angela and Jon.