Sennen Parish comprises a range of natural and built landscapes, the importance of which has been recognised with several designations.
Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
A Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is an internationally recognised designation with the aim of protecting habitats or species that are of European importance. Land with SACs is considered to be part of a network of high-quality conservation sites, and those considered to be most in need of conservation at a European level.
The Lands End and Cape Bank SAC covers and area of approximately 30,204 hectares and associated with the offshore upstanding rocky reefs and areas of sand which stretch out from the major bays and as patches between rock outcrops. The resistant headlands and islands are formed of a variety of rock types including granite, metamorphic and volcanic rocks which also form a fringing reef system. The varied geology, in combination with the exposed conditions, help make the areas extremely biodiverse.
Designated Cornwall National Landscape Area
Cornwall National Landscape areas are protected landscapes whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so outstanding that it is in the nation’s interest to safeguard them. As such they have been nationally designated by the same legislation as National Parks and have the same status and level of protection.
From November 2023, all areas previously know as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or AONBs, were re-named National Landscape and in Cornwall became Cornwall National Landscape. However, the Management Plan still references the term AONB as this was formally adopted by Cornwall Council and cannot be amended until the next plan is produced.
Part of Sennen Parish is designated within the West Penwith Section of the Cornwall AONB. This section includes the most westerly stretch of the Cornwall peninsula, extending from the western edge of St Ives around Cape Cornwall and inland to include the central Penwith Hills (also referred to as the downs or moors). At Sennen Cove and Land’s End the AONB comprises the land to the sea-side of the A30, which forms the inland boundary.
The West Pentwith section covers an area of 13,762 hectares, which is 14.3% of the total Cornwall National Landscape. The key landscape characteristics of West Penwith are shaped by its granite geology and geographical position at the end of the land – exposed to the full force of the Atlantic Ocean. The hard granite coastline has been sculpted by wind and weather into a sequence of headlands punctuated by substantial cliff chasms or ‘zawns’.
Dark Sky Park
In 2021, West Penwith was designated an International Dark Sky Park (IDSP). The West Penwith designation covers the westerly section of Cornwall AONB; it stretches around the coastline from the outskirts of St Ives, through to St Just, Sennen, and around Land’s End to Mousehole.
IDSP designation recognizes this area is naturally dark at night with minimal traces of light pollution, making West Penwith one of the best places in the world to view the beauty of the night sky.
A Cornwall Council-led partnership is committed to working to preserve and enhance the dark night sky above West Penwith AONB for pleasure, leisure, and to support the well-being of residents, visitors, and wildlife. The Partnership will also:
- Raise awareness of the importance of a dark night sky and encourage a reduction in light pollution
- Engage with individuals and groups in the wider West Cornwall area with an outreach and education program for astronomy, nature, historic environment, and human well-being
- Guide residents and visitors to the most appropriate locations and opportunities for appreciating the dark night sky
- Promote eco- and astrotourism
- Inspire other designated landscape areas within Cornwall and beyond to appreciate and protect their dark skies, both formally and informally
Biodiversity Action
The Parish Council has a statutory responsibility to conserve biodiversity in the Parish detailed in the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 which can be seen here:
Sennen Parish Council has declared a Climate Emergency and Biodiversity Emergency. Cornwall Council asked all Parish and Town Councils in Cornwall to adopt a Biodiversity Action Plan by December 2023.
Our first steps are to phase out the use of herbicides on any land we manage; evaluate contracts with regard to the environment; and procure ecologically sound equipment and materials.
We are identifying areas where a lower frequency moving regime can be introduced – grass will be cut twice a year and raked (the extra work for our contractors is balanced through less cutting time). There will be a transition period where things may look ‘scruffy’ as wildflowers re-seed, re-establish, or are planted and we ask that residents be patient during this phase.
It is important that we work as a community to ensure that a meaningful and effective Biodiversity Action Plan is woven in with the needs of people in the Parish. We need a team of residents who are willing to work alongside the Parish Council to form a Nature Action Group and make the Biodiversity Action a reality for our Parish.
- We have set up a Sennen Nature Action Group webpage and social media platforms
- We will facilitate the use of a meeting place
- We will hold ‘ring fenced’ funds for Sennen Nature Action Group
- We will provide information and advice about projects and funding
- We will provide a Councillor/s to act as direct liaison with the Parish Council
To find out more or to join Sennen Nature Action Group led by the Parish Council, Contact Us or call the Clerk 07719 399685.
Resources
County
- Read the Carbon Neutral Cornwall Call to Action
- Cornwall Council, Carbon Neutral
- Cornwall Climate Commitments
- Carbon Neutral Cornwall Ideas Bank
- Carbon Neutral Cornwall Newsletter
- Help shape the greenprint for a cleaner, greener and fairer Cornwall
National