Project Development
Project Development is highly valued activity by the Celtic Heritage Trust. This is because projects provide the catalyst for positive actions and they enable a conduit for knowedge transfer. We are always keen to network with other organisations both Nationally and Internationally so please send any enquiries to celticheritage@btopenworld.com we will look forward to hearing from you. Below is an overview of current and devloping projects |
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The Nanpean Cultural Centre is a restoration project based in the village of Nanpean in the centre of the Clay Country Cornwall- The church rooms had been left unattended for some five years and the whole building had become dilapidated, slates were missing from the roof and this had caused the building internal walls to become damp and ceilings to fall through. There was also evidence of rat activity. The building is now shaping up and it is intended that this will serve as a Trust base and drop in environment centre for communities and members. |
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ReThink Youth Project focus on Youth and inspire young people by stimulating a sense of belonging with the environment especially in the locations where they live- This partnership project is highly successful and we can only hope that we can become involved in more such projects- |
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Just Youth - Future Sustainable Citizens focuses on young people aged between 16-26 years of age the aim of the project is to encourage new volunteer opportunities that are developed and progressed by youth. We believe that young individuals are the future and are vital to the development of sustainable communities. . . |
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Sprey Moor is 275 acres of the Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, currently it consists of moorland grass and is peat based. For the Cornish the Bodmin moor represents a powerful link to local cultural heritage and it is steeped in ledgend and myth. We naturally adore the cultural values so we have a double mission with this particular project in that we want to restore its cultural significance and we also want to restore the area to its original format which would also assist enriching the bio diversity. |
PROJECT 2.1 Natural Environment
SPREY MOOR: BODMIN MOOR
Sprey Moor is currently being managed by CHT this project will explore this 250 acre moorland and effect change that will develop the rich biodiversity. In particular we shall be looking to the growth of willow and other species of vegetation that once flourished naturally in this space.
Some data collections have been carried out by the RSPB and we have a good idea to what birdlife we should be encouraging. This has also provided us with indicators to the other forms of wildlife that we should be encouraging.
Snipe
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Wheatear |
Skylark |
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The snipe nests and feeds in short grass on poorly drained fields, bogs and wetlands. 7 out of 10 breeding pairs have been lost in the past 15 years. There have been declines on other parts of the moor, but interestingly there are still many apparently good nesting places for snipe. The fact that these areas are not being used may be linked to the overall national decline of this most secretive of birds |
One of about every 100 wheatear in Britain breeds on Bodmin Moor and their numbers have increased by a third over the past 15 years. They prefer the short grass produced by heavy grazing. |
Overall, skylarks have slightly increased in numbers on Bodmin Moor. However, in one or two areas they decreased, especially where there are large numbers of cattle grazing. Skylarks prefer tussocky grass in which to nest. Because they are declining rapidly throughout lowland Britain, it is crucial to look after the upland birds where declines are less
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Reed Bunting |
Curlew |
Sedge Warbler |
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While loss of Grazing has benefited birds that like longer grass such as the reed bunting. This is why this bird has increased by 32% since 1984. However, to benefit as many species of bird as possible there needs to be a balance. Around the valley mires this means providing differently managed areas for different species |
Since the 1970's nearly 8 out of 10 breeding curlew have been lost in south west England. On Bodmin Moor half the population has been lost since 1984. the reasons for this are not clear, though in some parts of the moor the short grass produced by heavy grazing does not appear to suit the curlew. More research is urgently needed to understand the needs of these evocative birds of the open moor |
Sedge warbler numbers on Bodmin Moor have doubled since 1984. this is all the more amazing since across the south west it is a species in decline. It is a bird of the valley mires that likes long grass and willow shrub. These birds journey all the way from Africa to breed on Bodmin Moor every spring. It is crucial that, during their short stay on the moor, conditions are right for them to continue to breed successfully |
Grasshopper Warbler |
Stonechat |
Redstart |
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More often heard than seen, the grasshopper warbler travels thousands of miles to make Bodmin Moor its home. Although it is in decline in many places, it is doing well in the wet areas, with long grass and willow scrub that are much to its liking. It is important that these areas are maintained |
Bodmin Moor is internationally important for stonechat. This delightful bird has increased on the moor at a time when they are decreasing elsewhere. it has benefited from fewer cattle being kept on certain parts of the open moor in summer. this is because fewer cattle mean less pressure on vegetation such as the patches of heather and gorse in which the stonechats feed and nest |
There could be up to 100 pairs of redstart on Bodmin Moor, where they are often found in spring and summer nesting in trees and buildings around farmsteads. Their increase on the moor reflects a national increase over the past 30 years but their future, as with other birds, is dependant on our continued efforts to keep Bodmin moor a special place |
PROJECT
