'Ambitious' nature project aims to link habitats

A charity has launched its "largest and most ambitious" nature recovery project after receiving multi-million pound backing.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust said its Tor to Shore scheme aimed to link habitats across the county and reintroduce animals to areas, including bringing more beavers to the Helman Tor nature reserve near Bodmin.

Funding for the £5m initiative has been boosted with a £3.3m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The trust said it wanted to create a "bigger, better and more connected home for nature and communities" through the project.

It said the project would work with farmers, landowners, fishermen, businesses and local communities.

The charity added the scheme would include woodland and wildflower meadow creation and plans to improve water quality in the Par River by facilitating nature-friendly farming.

Gwen Maggs, Tor to Shore project manager, said the project would be "incredibly special" in how it connected land, sea and communities.

She added the project could show how environmental action, community involvement and long-term investment can "transform the places we live and enable nature to thrive".

"We really can't say enough what an amazing moment this is for nature in Cornwall," Maggs said.

Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.