Penryn lake nature reserve reopens after 12 years
7:00am Wednesday 12th September 2012 in News
Penryn lake nature reserve reopens after 12 years
A NATURE reserve which has been closed to the public for more than 12 years will finally reopen its gates today.
South West Lakes Trust (SWLT), the conservation and leisure charity that manages College and Argal Lakes near Penryn, has restored College Lake Nature Reserve and its western footpath.
It had been inaccessible due to inaccessible paths the site is now open for local residents and visitors alike to enjoy. The site is quiet, with a variety of habitats including wet woodland, standing water and broadleaf woodland. It is host to much wildlife including a good bird population, otters and a variety of bat species.
South West Lakes Trust secured funding from SITA Cornwall Trust, with support also from The Tanner Trust, Penryn Town Council, Mabe Parish Council and the Cornwall Council Community Grant Scheme, supported by Cllr Chris Ridgers. SWLT also contributed funds from its conservation projects budget.
SWLT Director, Evelyn Stacey said: “The Trust was delighted to secure from South West Water a long lease on the College Nature Reserve and to get so much support from local people to re-establish a walk through this very special woodland beside the lake.
“It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise and will provide wonderful countryside views whatever the season – whether it’s the bluebells, ferns or extraordinary lichens.
“I hope that everyone in the locality will get pleasure from this beautiful place for many years to come and we hope to build up an online database of their photographs, for all to enjoy.”
The new path is now accessible from either College Dam or via the entrance track off the road between Argal and College and winds its way along bank of the lake.
The path links with Public Footpaths offering walkers the opportunity to walk into Penryn or to create a circular walk back to Argal. Further information about both College and Argal Lakes can be found on the Trust’s website www.swlakestrust.org.uk.
