Over 80 volunteers have been helping to protect some of the country’s rarest wildflowers that live at The Lizard.

Volunteers aging from 17 to 70 joined the National Trust chopping, clearing and burning to help keep rocky outcrops open. The Lizard is one of the most important places in the country for rare plants, because of the unusual serpentine geology, and mild climate.

However, the National Trust has warned that without some form of management many of the rare wildflowers would disappear under gorse and blackthorn.

The volunteers helping prevent this from happening have included 30 geography undergraduates from the University of Exeter’s Cornwall campus at Tremough, 30 International Baccalaureate students from Truro College and members of the public on one of the trust’s Working Holidays – week long residential breaks that give people the chance to get outdoors and lend a hand for nature.

Rachel Holder, ranger with the National Trust, said: “The Lizard is such an important place for rare wildflowers, and there’s always plenty to do. “We’ve got off to a great start this season, thanks to all the volunteers’ help and enthusiasm and the future is looking brighter for the Lizard's rarest plants.”

Plants that have benefited from the work include four-leaved allseed growing in fields above Cadgwith, a rare grass like fern called land quillwort in old quarries near Cadgwith, and twin headed clover on rocky outcrops on the cliffs above Poltesco.

To get involved and lend a hand with the National Trust’s work, the rangers will be coppicing hazel in Tremayne Woods on November 14 and would appreciate help. Call the rangers’ office on 01326 291174 for more details.