An updated version of this profile is online at nationalcharacterareas.co.uk. This pdf is retained for historical and completeness purposes.
The Lizard peninsula forms the southern-most point of mainland Britain. The area is dominated by a gently undulating exposed heathland plateau cut by narrow river valleys. The surrounding coastline is rugged and geologically complex with caves, enclosed bays and small rocky islands. To the north flows the Helford River which in the summer carries a ferry linking the north and south banks at Helford Passage. There are long uninterrupted views over the plateau, out to sea and along the coast. These factors lead to a strong sense of place and sense of tranquillity.
Ninety-eight per cent of the National Character Area (NCA) is within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Lizard National Nature Reserve covers 13 per cent of the area, across the centre of the plateau. There are 12 Sites of Special Scientific Interest across 21 per cent of the area and 28 per cent of the area is identified as priority habitat. Twenty per cent of the
NCA falls within the Fal and Helford Special Area of Conservation. The NCA also contains 60 km of the South West Coast Path National Trail – popular with both long-distance walkers and day visitors.
Further information