

- This event has passed.
Practical Conservation Work at Great Wheal Seton, Cornwall, Red River Valley Local Nature Reserve
- Date:
- Saturday, 25 January 2025
- Time:
-
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Event Category:
- Meeting Other
- Event Website:
- www.redriverrescuers.weebly.com

Leaders: Steve Jones and Jo Poland
Moving off from the meeting point at the bottom of the Fire Brigade Site, Tolvaddon, (SW657417) at 11.00am
Please note that if you are attending this event and would like to park at the bottom of the Fire Brigade site rather than up on the main road, as part of the registration process on the day you will need to give the registration number of your vehicle which will be shared with the Fire Brigade.
Our first Scrub Bash session of 2025 is also our first event at Great Wheal Seaton since the planning application for a mixed development of housing & small industrial units was submitted to Cornwall Council for the land immediately the other side of the Red River at Tolvaddon, (see our website for more details). Regardless of the whether that application is successful or not, it is more vital than ever that we keep our site in prime condition as it is not only the last remaining Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly site in the valley, (and a potential reservoir for future expansion), but it is also recognised as one of the few permenant sites for the species in the country, thanks largely to our management. So please come along and join us in clearing the regrowth of gorse, willow and alder that has relentessly sprouted again since last year!
We have permission to park at the bottom of the Fire Station complex for this event but please park sensibly and with due regard for the need for access at all times by the Fire Brigade. Detail directions can be found below.
Remember to wear old clothes, it’s a messy job if you get carried a way and sparks from Gary’s bonfire will damage clothing if you get too close!!! Wellies are a must and don’t forget to bring a packed lunch. We will provide tools along with gloves and protective eyewear, however you are more than welcome to bring your own kit if you feel happier using that. For health & safety purposes we will be taking down contact details for all those attending.
You can see photos & read about the ongoing work at our Red River Valley sites, along with the species involved on the Red River Rescuers Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/groups/redriverrescuers/ Why not register and get regular updates. Don’t worry if you’re not on Facebook, we have our own website where you can also read all about our activities here: www.redriverrescuers.weebly.com
Sadly the Calciner chimney that graced the tin streaming landscape at Great Wheal Seton for over 150 years, watching it morph into a unique nature reserve, finally succumbed to the ravages of time & neglect during the storms of Bert & Darragh. You can watch a video of the stricken chimney here: Red River Valley LNR – The demise of the Great Wheal Seton Calciner Chimney
Directions to Great Wheal Seton, (Tolvaddon):
If you are travelling in a westerly direction along the A30 from Redruth take the first Camborne (Tolvaddon) exit, signposted “Pool, Camborne, Portreath A3047”. After entering the slip road take the right hand lane signposted “Portreath” & then bear right as you drop down to the traffic lights. At the traffic lights turn right on to the dual carriageway and pass under the A30. Immediately after passing under the A30 turn left on to the minor road. After 60 metres you will pass the fire station, turn left onto the fire Brigade site and wind your way down to the bottom of the site where you can park sensibly.
If you are travelling in an easterly direction along the A30 from Hayle take the second Camborne exit, signposted “Camborne, Portreath A3047”. After entering the slip road take the left hand lane. Immediately after the traffic lights at the Portreath junction, move into the right hand lane and take the next right, (if you pass under the A30 you have gone too far). After 60 metres you will pass the fire station, turn left onto the fire Brigade site and wind your way down to the bottom of the site where you can park sensibly.
The valley is a rich mosaic of wildlife habitats officially designated as a Local Nature Reserve, the whole area has huge untapped potential, but like so many areas, is badly in need of some conservation management. Come along and make a difference.