Access for All programme

Cornwall National Landscape is thrilled to celebrate our Access for All grant programme, made possible with thanks to the Defra National Access for All Fund. In this second article, we highlight how our grants have helped our partners complete another three projects, making it easier for everyone to enjoy our beautiful landscapes, both in person and online.

With our Access for All funding, Clean Cornwall has purchased specialist litter-picking equipment to enable more people to join their litter picks. This new equipment includes all-terrain wheelchairs and extra-long litter pickers. Emily Cantrill, Project Lead at Clean Cornwall, says: “We know that many people would love to get involved in their local litter picking groups but face barriers due to a lack of suitable equipment. Thanks to the support of Cornwall National Landscape, we are now able to remove these barriers and ensure that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can play a part in looking after our beautiful environment. We encourage local groups to reach out and get involved in this new initiative.”

Another grant went to the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, who are improving access information for visitors to St Agnes and West Penwith, sections 5 and 7 of Cornwall National Landscape. They are updating their website to provide more details on access and facilities in these areas, including some remote locations. The website will also suggest alternative sites: if cliff-top mine workings at St Agnes are too challenging, visitors can try Geevor, with parking off the main road and more developed tarmacked areas, or Botallack, where a National Trust tramper (all-terrain mobility scooter) is available.

We also funded the National Trust to purchase a Seestar S50 smart telescope on behalf of the West Penwith Dark Skies Park partnership in section 7 of Cornwall National Landscape. This allows the partnership to run events that improve access to the night skies for young people and those with limited access to equipment. The Seestar will capture better images of the skies, which can be used in educational talks to inspire more people to appreciate the International Dark Sky Park.

You may remember our last Access for All article featured ‘Spend a Penny’, Cornwall Heritage Trust’s portable, easy to access toilet. Congratulations are in order, as Spend a Penny has been shortlisted for the innovation award at the 2025 Cornwall Heritage Awards. Cathy Woolcock, CEO, says “We are lucky to have an incredible heritage sector here in Cornwall, so it’s such an honour to see our charitable work recognised in these highly competitive fields. It’s particularly special with our 40th anniversary just around the corner and a testament to how important our work to protect Cornwall’s at-risk historic places remains today!”

We hope you enjoy these new projects and the improved access to our beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re exploring in person or experiencing our heritage from home, we invite everyone to discover and appreciate the natural and historical treasures of Cornwall National Landscape.  Find out more: https://cornwall-landscape.org/

This Article was written by Elysia Scully, Project Support Coordinator, Cornwall National Landscape Team. This Article was published in The West Britton, Cornish Guardian and The Cornishman.