Colourful Visitor at Gunwalloe

This stunning Bee-eater was seen briefly during the week at Gunwalloe church cove. The Bee-eater was spotted gliding over the hedgerows catching bees. This rarity visiting from the continent we believe has over shot on it's migratory route due to the warm high pressure and easterly winds we have recently experienced.

Another kayaking success

This weekend we ran another kayak event on the Helford river, a group of eight visitors enjoyed glorious sunshine and a challenging head wind on their trip from Gweek to Helford. Led by our instructor Drew the trip gave our visitors the opportunity to see the river from a different perspective and they were informed of all the NTs work in the surrounding woodlands along the banks of the river by our warden Steve. Steve is also a keen birder and was able to point out a number of rarities along the way.

The kayaking trips will continue to run for the next couple of months, for more information or to book your own group trip contact the property office on 01326 561407.

Dawn Chorus Experience Success

The dawn chorus walk at Penrose started early from Degibna hearing the bird of day; a singing Grasshopper warbler reeling from a hedgerow (sounds like a fishing reel).

We continued our walk along the edge of the Loe pool and found that many summer migrants had already arrived, Reed warblers singing from the reeds and above us Sand martins and Swallows hawking insects. With the scent of early wild flowers we were treated to the drumming sound of a Greater spotted woodpecker busy in Degibna wood, also Blackcap, chiffchaff, Song thrush, Blackbird, Robin, and Chaffinch all in full song.

Further on and with a change in habitat along Carminowe creek brought a change in sound which included both the Willow and Sedge warblers.

All who came along on the day got to experience a beautiful May morning and the stunning bird life around the Penrose estate. For more information about Dawn Chorus walks, go to the Trust's website and look in the events listings.

Success at South of the Boarder Surf Comp.

Last weekend saw nearly thirty junior surfers take to the water for the South of the Boarder surf comp at Poldhu. Conditions were perfect for the event with offshore winds and two to three foot waves. Competitors battled it out in under 14 and 16s groups, both boys and girls, all day in the sunshine. Congratulations to all the finalists and all the surfers who took part in the day. North of the boarder is set to go ahead ina couple of weeks at Crantock, for more information about entering and the boarder series events go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/boarderseries

Under 14s Girls Results:

5th: Tegan Ward

4th: Betsy Dunlop

3rd: Jordana Lowe

2nd: Teah Munroe

1st: Lucy Stewart

Under 14s Boys Resutls:

4th: Louis Hudson

3rd: Max pechonis

2nd: Harry de Roth

1st Rhys Barfield

Under 16s Girls Results:

4th: Teah Munroe

3rd: Lucy Stewart

2nd: Liz Hodson

1st: Jaide Lowe

Under 16s Boys Results:

4th: Rhys Barfield

3rd: Harry de Roth

2nd: Adam Bayfield

1st: Paddy Daniel