The mining landscape in many respects represents the essence of Cornwall. Our former mining land holds a wide range of habitats and species and, in totality, probably provides the largest and most extensive area of semi-natural vegetation in Cornwall*.
Extensive and important remedial works have been undertaken during the past two decades on land formerly used for mining metals in Cornwall. The principal aims of these works have been to halt the long-term degradation of mine buildings and structures and to improve visitor access and safety.
The nature conservation practices associated with these remedial works have seen great progress in recent years and it is hoped that this manual will help to encourage the quality of reclamation and management work to continue to improve in future years. The manual provides recommendations and guidance for ecological and mineralogical conservation and, where necessary, pushes forward current thinking and practices for the
benefit of nature conservation. It has been subject to a wide consultation process, including members of local groups such as the
Cornwall Dragonfly Group, the Cornwall Bat Group and the Cornwall Reptile and Amphibian Group.
Anyone wishing to receive more information on this publication should call me on (01872) 245511.
Janet Dinsdale
* See Flora of Cornwall by Colin N French, Rosaline J Murphy and Mary GC Atkinson (1999).
 
A good example of the type of work undertaken by the Trust's consultancy, the manual's main aim - as with CEC's other projects - is to benefit nature conservation in Cornwall.
Metalliferous mines
A Manual for the Nature Conservation Management of Metalliferous Mine Sites in Cornwall has recently been published by the Trust's consultancy, Cornwall Environmental Consultants Ltd, with funding from English Nature and the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.