Bostraze Nature Reserve

Acquired by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust in 2014, Bostraze Nature Reserve is part of the expansive Bostraze Bog, the largest remaining wetland habitat in West Penwith, also known as the Land’s End Peninsula.

The name “Bostraze” translates to “dwelling in a flat-bottomed valley.” As with many Cornish valleys, the area contains cassiterite (tin ore) deposits beneath its peat and grave surface. Evidence of tin streaming, a method of extracting ore by washing away surface material to expose cassiterite, can still be seen. However, only the remnants of banks and gutters at the northern end of the reserve remain from this process.

The reserve has a range of diverse habitats, including seven ponds surrounded by mossy wetlands. These wetlands provide a haven for ground-nesting birds such as snipe, skylarks, and meadow pipits. Birds of prey, including buzzards and the endangered hen harrier, are frequently spotted overhead, while barn owls can be seen hunting at dusk. In winter, wading birds such as curlews, redshanks, and oystercatchers arrive to feed.

Once known locally as “Cuckoo Valley,” the area still hosts cuckoos in spring. Their distinctive calls coincide with the blooming of the cuckoo flower, a delicate pink perennial also known as lady’s smock.

Thanks to conservation efforts by the Trust, choughs, traditionally coastal birds, have begun moving inland and are now regularly sighted at Bostraze. These rare birds, which became extinct in Cornwall during the mid-20th century, have made a remarkable recovery here, even successfully breeding. The Trust has supported their return through conservation grazing, allowing cattle to roam freely and feed on a natural, wormer-free diet. This approach encourages the thriving of dung beetles, a vital food source for choughs.

In addition to its birdlife, the reserve is home to fascinating flora and fauna, including two carnivorous plants, round-leaved sundew and pale butterwort, as well as the rare red damselfly.

Several footpaths wind through the reserve, but the terrain can be uneven, wet, and boggy in places, so visitors are advised to tread carefully.

Please note, dogs are welcome on Bostraze reserve, but must be kept under effective control. Please keep them on a lead during the summer so as not to disturb ground-nesting birds, and during the winter so as not to disturb ground-feeding waders.