The general character and attraction of this area is its open and exposed landscape with very limited tree cover except in narrow valleys, where it forms an important part of the landscape character. The openness of the clifftop landscape reveals extensive areas of coastal heathland that are exposed to the worst of weathers, this being further evidenced by the windblown heather. Areas that were previously disturbed by mining activity are now colonised by this heathland, which provides a contrast with the complex pattern of regular but small-scale enclosures of former miner’s smallholdings so typical of the mining landscapes of Cornwall.

Between the fields and across the heathland there are numerous old mining tracks, which are still in regular use providing a network of informal access paths. Clusters of houses which once housed

miners and their families shelter in the coastal valleys and have a rough appearance that complements the derelict engine houses. The conversion of buildings formerly related to the mining landscape and redevelopment of other buildings and structures is beginning to erode the local landscape character. At Trevaunance Cove the huge granite blocks of a long-ruined harbour are revealed at low tide lying scattered across the shore. Typical local building materials include killas walling, slate roofs and granite detailing. Many remnants of the former mining industry including engine houses, chimneys, spoil heaps and shafts are scattered across the coastal landscape. Large expanses of rocky bare ground, stained rust red with iron ore still exist at Cligga Head, Trevaunance Cove, Wheal Kitty, Higher Bal and atop Mulgram Hill, overlooking Chapel Porth. The Wheal Coates engine house poised on the edge of the heathland-clad coastal slope above Chapel Porth is viewed against breath-taking expansive coastal views and is widely recognised as an iconic image of the Cornish coast.

Nowadays, St Agnes is a hotspot for landscape inspired arts and craft (and craft ales) and the village has many shops and galleries whose wares reflect the exceptional nature of the AONB landscape, coast and seascape.

• Existing and more recent development above both sides of the beach at Porthtowan is out of character as is some more recent development at Trevaunance Cove (materials used, scale, massing and design).
• Property development at St Agnes has extended beyond the local characteristic valley settlement pattern and vernacular built form and is now beginning to impact upon the AONB.
• Perranporth airfield (partially in the AONB) includes visually intrusive features and can impact upon the tranquillity of the area.
• Instability of some existing mining structures resulting in progressive deterioration.
• Footpath erosion on coastal heathland from overuse of unmarked routes at Trevellas Coombe, Chapel Porth and Porthtowan.
• Coastal heathland in varying condition with some areas displaying serial succession of scrub vegetation.