Fal and Helford Marine Protected Area

Find out how you can enjoy these beautiful estuaries and minimise your impact on the wildlife and protected habitats here.

About the Fal and Helford

The Fal and Helford rivers on Cornwall’s south coast are rias (drowned river valleys) fed by tributaries that wind through historic mining landscapes, farmland, and woodlands. The Fal starts its life high on Goss Moor, flows past Truro into the Carrick Roads, the world’s third deepest natural harbour. Beyond, sits Falmouth Bay, framed by St. Anthony’s Lighthouse to the east and the Manacles reef to the west. The Helford, fringed in woodlands, acts as a border to the Lizard Peninsular and also empties into Falmouth Bay.

Together, this unique environment supports a range of habitats and species which together make up a Marine Protected Area (MPA). Within the MPA there are four key conservation designations:

• Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
• Special Protected Area (SPA)
• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)
• Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ)

In 2018, in order to meet the conservation objects of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Cornwall Council, employed an Estuary Officer for The Fal and Helford SAC. This officer’s job is to look specifically at the impacts of recreation on the special area of conservation.

Learn more about the SAC, it's protected habitats and the on-going conservation work here: Hidden Wonders of St.Mawes Harbour

How we protect the SAC

Development that happens within 12 and a half kilometres of the SAC, falls within what’s called the ‘zone of influence’ and might have to contribute to a planning levy. The funds from these levys are managed by the Estuary Officer and are designed to be used to reduce the impact of recreation on the SAC. To learn more about this process see The European Site Mitigation Supplementary Planning Document.

Here at Cornwall Council we’re working to minimise the impact of recreational activity and disturbance on the Fal and Helford SAC.

This includes through:

• Estuary Boat: During the summer we run a estuary boat from which we can gather data and talk with members of the public about the way they use the space.
• Engagement: We work to increase awareness of the SAC, the local biodiversity, and sustainable practices by speaking to people out and about, attending events and supporting other organisations who do this.
• Monitoring: We gather data on how the area is used by people and how this might impact nature.
• Marine Environment Fund: We fund other people to deliver projects to help reduce the impact of recreation.
• Action for Nature: We run collaborative projects to allow recovery of the protected nature in the SAC.

Volunteering

Would you like to volunteer on The Fal and Helford Special Area of Conservation?

Become an Estuary Volunteer! Volunteers work with the Estuary Officer to protect marine nature, encourage nature recovery, raise awareness and inspire local action.

We work with volunteers as the SAC is large and diverse, covering the area as a team is much more feasible than the estuary officer working alone. Working with volunteers increases our data collection capacity and can enhance the connection we have with local communities, as well as building long-term stewardship of the area by training of Estuary Volunteers.

More information coming soon!

In the meantime sign up to our newsletter to make sure you hear about upcoming volunteering opportunities.

Types of volunteers we are looking for:

• Estuary Boat Volunteers

Do you like being on the water or would like to gain experience of working on a boat? Join the Estuary Officer on our weekly patrols of the estuary. (Jun–Aug).

• Event Volunteers

Engage with people at events about the SAC and responsible recreation.

• Estuary Ambassadors

Ambassadors at different recreational user groups and clubs; help to keep in contact with the Estuary Officer, share guidance and concerns, and promote volunteering.

Fal and Helford Nature Recovery Fund

We run a funding scheme for projects that help to reduce the impact of recreational activities on the Special Area of Conservation and it’s protected features.

More information coming soon!

In the meantime sign up to our newsletter to read about past projects we've funded and make sure you hear when we update the criteria.

What you can do

• Boaters: Protect the Estuary
  Reduce your speed, avoid voluntary no-anchor zones, follow the Environmental Code of Practice and the RYA Green Blue environmental guidance.

• Join a Local Marine Conservation Group
  Connect with others who care about the coast and take part in hands-on conservation efforts such as Falmouth Marine Conservation Group, Helford Marine Conservation Group and The Roseland Marine Group.

• Become a Citizen Scientist
  Help protect our marine environment by joining wildlife monitoring projects such as the initiatives ran by Cornwall Wildlife Trusts Living Seas or The Rock Pool Project. You can also support water quality investigations led by the Westcountry Rivers Trust or Surfers Against Sewage. Your observations make a real difference!

• Take Part in a Beach Clean
  Help keep our shores beautiful and safe for wildlife by removing litter and plastic pollution. Keep your eyes open for a 2 Minute Beach Clean Station.

• Volunteer With Us
  Get involved in local marine projects, contact us to find out about current opportunities.

• Be an Advocate for Nature
  Share your love for wildlife and your favourite nature spots with friends, family, your workplace and community.

• Respect Wildlife
  Observe from a distance - give animals space to feed, rest, and breed undisturbed. Check out guidance from The Cornwall Marine and Coastal Code Group.

• Fish Responsibly
  Follow local bylaws and dispose of fishing tackle properly to avoid harming marine life.

Check our the "how to be sustainable on the water" section to the right of the page for more details.

Learn more about Cornwall Councils work to restore nature across Cornwall at the Nature Recovery Hub.