Cornwall’s wildlife under greater pressure than ever before, warn scientists

Cornwall's wildlife is in deep trouble, according to a report out today. As one of Britain's major agricultural counties, with more than 600,000 acres used for farming, a collection of more than 50 conservation groups today say nature is now on the brink – with one species in 10 threatened with extinction.

The State of Nature report says the "policy-driven" intensification of farming is a significant factor behind the loss of wildlife.
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Cornwall facing a “gold rush” of subsidised diesel energy plans

Slowly, Cornwall's landowners are waking up to a new "gold rush" of government subsidy for power stations.

But instead of getting taxpayers' cash for installing renewable energy such as wind turbines or solar panels, the government is encouraging so-called "diesel farms" – small-scale power stations that can support the National Grid in the event of an emergency. The landowners will get paid simply for providing the facility, whether or not the diesel farms are ever needed.

Brown Willy “under offer”

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One of the most iconic and rugged parts of Cornwall could soon have a new owner.

Brown Willy on Bodmin Moor, which went on the market only a few weeks ago, is already under offer with the sale ready to be clinched any day.

The tor, which at 420 metres (1,378 feet) above sea level is the highest point in Cornwall, lies within a 1,225-acre plot that includes a granite farmhouse and went on the market last month with a guide price of £2.8 million.

The five bedroom farmhouse, Fernacre, comes with shooting rights for the area's snipe, woodcock, and deer – and a tax-funded dowry of up to £45,000 a year as part of the Environmental Stewardship Scheme.

Fernacre also includes about 200 acres of "improved pasture.”