The Natural Beauty Series: Part 6 – Scenic Quality

This article is the sixth part of our featured series on Natural Beauty and explores the concept of Scenic Quality, one of the recognised factors contributing to Natural Beauty (as...

This article is the sixth part of our featured series on Natural Beauty and explores the concept of Scenic Quality, one of the recognised factors contributing to Natural Beauty (as identified by Natural England, Statutory Body for all National Landscapes).

The scenic quality of a landscape can be described as the extent to which the landscape appeals to our senses.    Our admiration for these places can lift our mood, imagination and bring us back to them time and time again. 

Cornwall’s peninsular has been sculpted by the forces of the Atlantic Ocean.  The scenic qualities of our wild coastline are particularly notable along the high coastal plateau of Morwenstow, with its sheer, intensely compressed cliffs.  Here the sea has sculpted a striking wave-cut platform, which at low tide reveals a rock stratum of folded and faulted ridges, resembling the clawed markings of a legendary ocean beast.

These shores are punctuated occasionally by sandy coves and beaches at the mouths of stream valleys.  In places, streams form deeply incised valleys with cascading waterfalls onto the rocky, narrow, boulder strewn shoreline below.  Coastal heathland and grassland mosaics fringe the cliff tops, particularly in the north, whilst the steep valley sides are colonised with broadleaved woodland, some ancient, as found in the Coombe and Marsland Valleys.

‘Giggling in my Jar’ is an illustration by James Innerdale, included in the Giggling in my Jar story, written by Gareth Rees.  Both the story and illustration, feature the Hawkers Hut, which is below Morwenstow church in 01 Hartland section of the Cornwall National Landscape.  ‘Giggling in my Jar’ is one of the stories in the book ‘Twelve Stories for Twelve Sections’ – an anthology of short fiction inspired by Cornwall’s protected landscape.

Views along the coastline are breathtaking and extensive. The dramatic coastal cliffs and unusual rock formations, together with its ancient history, provides an interesting and unique landscape. Small hamlets and isolated farm holdings make up this sparsely populated section of our National Landscape and the lack of populace further emphasises its remoteness and aesthetic appeal.

Nestled along this coastline within the high cliffs is the remote Hawkers Hut, a small timber refuge where the former eccentric vicar and poet Robert Stephen Hawker spent many hours writing.  It’s easy to see how this dramatic scenery inspired creative expression in a landscape that still stirs our senses.

The stunning landscapes of the Cornwall National Landscape have long been a magnet for artists and writers alike.  Whether we sit and pause in awe of their beauty, take out a camera, sketch book or journal, we can’t fail to be impressed by these landscapes.  How do these scenic landscapes affect you, why do you seek them out and what do they inspire you to create?  

This article was written by Louise Barattini, Planning Officer for Cornwall National Landscape Team. This article was shared in The Cornishman, Cornish Guardian and West Briton.