Sancreed Beacon: Heathland regeneration and the preservation of Bronze Age structures

If you've ever fancied learning how to use a traditional scythe, or just want to do your bit to help preserve Cornwall’s rich and distinct heritage then we urge you to support the Cornwall Heritage Trust who offer membership and access to lots of exciting sites throughout Cornwall, as well as various volunteering opportunities across the County.

A team of us from Poynton Bradbury Architects have spent the morning volunteering with Cornwall Heritage Trust Countryside Rangers Hollie Ferris and James Shipway at Sancreed Beacon, an area of beautiful natural moorland in West Penwith, Cornwall. 

As with so many of these sites that would have historically been used for grazing, the site is affected by the encroachment of scrub vegetation and bracken. The Cornwall Heritage Trust, who have owned and managed the site since 1985 undertake a regular programme of vegetation management to promote heathland regeneration and improve the biodiversity of the site. Doing this also protects and enhances the setting of the Bronze Age structures on the Beacon, including the remains of two burial mounds on the summit and the remains of what is believed to be a Bronze Age hut on its western slope.

Poynton Bradbury Architects are a business sponser of the Cornwall Heritage Trust, supporting their work to preserve and strengthen our unique Cornish heritage. As well as corporate sponsership, they offer individual membership that gives amazing benefits such as:

• Free entry, plus 75% discount on special event charges, to the sites owned by English Heritage in Cornwall including Tintagel Castle, Restormel Castle, St Mawes Castle, Pendennis Castle, Launceston Castle and Chysauster Ancient Village
• 50% off entry to Geevor Tin Mine
• 50% off on Adult Admission to King Edward Mine
• 50% off entry to Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum
• 50% off entry to The Vale of Avalon/Arthurian Centre, Slaughterbridge

There are heritage sites all over Cornwall that are uncared for and at risk. Your support can help protect Cornwall’s most iconic and important historic sites, and offer universal access to these special places.

Our team of heritage consultants and accredited conservation architects in Cornwall are always keen to get involved with helping to preserve local heritage and improve access to our historic structures and landscapes. Please get in touch if you'd like to know more about our work and find out more about our experience volunteering with the Cornwall Heritage Trust.