Cornish Lithium, the pioneering mineral exploration and development company that is supporting the UK’s transition to Net Zero, has renewed its support as a Guardian of Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Bissoe Valley Nature Reserve.
The 7.7-acre reserve incorporates the coast-to-coast Bissoe Trail, which was used as a mineral tramway for the copper mines around Redruth in the 1800s. It is, today, a popular leisure destination for local families, cyclists and walkers.
Through planting and re-seeding, Cornwall Wildlife Trust has introduced a variety of vital habitats, such as heathland, grassland, bracken and scrub, which have enabled native plants and wildlife to flourish.
However, nature in Cornwall is in serious decline. Approximately 75% of its land is used for agriculture, 8% is urban or utilised for transport and the best sites for wildlife are limited in number and size. They are also disconnected and therefore devoid of the essential corridors that enable wild creatures to thrive.
12% of species of ‘Principal Importance’ as listed in the 2006 Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act are threatened with extinction or complete loss from Cornwall, and almost a quarter of all terrestrial mammals and butterflies are at risk.
“Wild spaces are fundamental to the survival of our native wildlife and flora, and also offer us a place of calm in which to recharge,” says Cornish Lithium’s Founder and CEO, Jeremy Wrathall. “Cornish Lithium’s purpose is to catalyse a sustainable and environmentally-responsible mineral extraction industry in the UK that can contribute to the global goal of decarbonisation through clean growth and a transition to a green economy.
“We feel keenly the need to support local organisations that help to halt nature’s decline in the face of climate change by providing carbon-capturing habitats. The fact that the Bissoe Trail is so popular with local families, is linked to Cornwall’s rich mining heritage and is close to our Lithium in Geothermal Waters Pilot Plant at United Downs, makes this a particularly relevant partnership for us. We are committed to sharing information about Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s crucial activities to protect wildlife, increase biodiversity and encourage a better understanding of our impact on the natural world across our networks and to participating in volunteering events throughout the year.”
“We are delighted with the news that Cornish Lithium has decided to continue its support for our work as a Guardian of our Bissoe Valley Nature Reserve, adds Rowan Hartgroves, Corporate Partnerships Officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust. “Whilst Cornwall’s wildlife is in trouble, collaborations such as this mean that there is real hope in reversing its decline and we are therefore very grateful to have Cornish Lithium’s support at this critical time.”
“We are delighted with the news that Cornish Lithium has decided to continue its support for our work as a Guardian of our Bissoe Valley Nature Reserve, adds Rowan Hartgroves, Corporate Partnerships Officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust. “Whilst Cornwall’s wildlife is in trouble, collaborations such as this mean that there is real hope in reversing its decline and we are therefore very grateful to have Cornish Lithium’s support at this critical time.”
To find out more about Cornish Lithium, visit cornishlithium.com
To find out how you can support the work of Cornwall Wildlife Trust, visit cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk
