actors, artists, singers, storytellers, new agers, amateur astronomers & archaeologists



In 1650 John Norden described the stones as like ‘men performinge that pastime Hurlinge’
© John Norden - English Heritage

On 21 – 23 September we will be filming for our electronic interpretation material. The films we are professionally producing will be available to download online and by smart phones to give a truly unique and interactive historical experience when visiting the area.

We are looking for people who would like to be filmed either performing or giving their views on why the area around Minions was so important to our Neolithic and Bronze Age ancestors. All points of view are welcome; we want actors, artists, singers, storytellers, new agers, amateur astronomers and archaeologists. If this is you or you know someone that would be interested and available on either (or all) Wednesday 21, Thursday 22 or Friday 23 September 2011 please get in touch with Iain Rowe on 01579 362350, 07791 136704 or irowe1@cornwall.gov.uk.

Cast your vote for Cornish food

The British Food Fortnight is coming up in September. To commemorate its 10^th Anniversary there’s a competition to find Britain’s favourite food spot.

At the moment Cornwall is in fourth place so please take a look at the Love British Food website and cast your vote for Cornwall.

Use this link to vote Cornish http://www.lovebritishfood.co.uk/votefoodspot/

The dragonfly & damselfly walk on the moor

Searching for dragonflies

Nearly 30 people joined our Project Officer, Jane Uglow, and Cornwall’s Dragonflies and Damselflies Recorder, expert Steve Jones for the walk on Saturday.

Starting from the Minions Heritage Centre, Steve gave a short introduction and spoke of the objectives of recording these species together with an explanation of the needs and requirements of recording. He then gave out a useful handout about the species found in the county before moving to the wet gully between Cheesewring and Golddiggers. 

Within this wet area, the party immediately saw a number of damselflies and Steve demonstrated how to search for the exuviae around the edges of pools and in the reeds.

The initially misty day brightened up and the group was entertained first by one dragonfly and then a flying display, or more likely, a battle over territory between two males. Further exuviae were found illustrating that although only two dragonflies were seen flying, there had been many more that had hatched and either dispersed or been taken by prey.

The man in the mine at work

The work to consolidate the South Caradon Mine structures is underway. This is probably the first time it has been scaffolded since it was built – if you know different please do let us know. We’d also like to know if anyone has any photos of the mine site that we can use to compare and possibly even feature in an exhibition.

We are doing to do our best to retain the iconic silhouette of the man in the mine, but there will be slight changes to ensure structural stability and prevent it from falling down completely. 

The new pointing has been very carefully selected to match the original colour and consistency, however it will take some time before the work becomes invisible. Furthermore all work taking place is being done under guidance from our Ecologist and we are leaving roost and nest sites in-situ.

Please don't try to climb on structures that are being worked on as this may cause damage and is extremely dangerous. More photos and news to follow as the work progresses.

Dragonflies & damselflies on the moor

Photo by dragonfly expert, Steve Jones

On Saturday 30 July, come join our two hour guided walk looking at dragonflies and damselflies inhabiting ponds and marshy areas of Bodmin Moor. 

Starting from the Minions Heritage Centre at 10.30am. This free walk, led by dragonfly expert Steve Jones, will examine the ponds around the Cheesewring Quarry before moving on to the west to study the pools and ponds in the marsh valley on the open moor. For more information about dragonflies and some fantastic photos take a look at Steve’s website, Cornish Nature. He also happens to be the Cornwall Recorder for Dragonflies. 

Please ensure you wear sturdy footwear as the surface of this area of moorland is uneven and wet. Contact our Project Officer, Jane Uglow on 07814 517 089 if you need further information.

Your area needs you

The parishes associated with CHAHP have over 500 scheduled ancient monuments. Many are currently, or at risk of, being damaged.

Our Project Officer, Iain Rowe is appealing to you, “If you regularly walk, ride or drive past an artefact from our past, why not adopt it?

“It would not be an onerous task – just report back to your area representative once every three months with a brief status update – or if damage is noticed or predicted, get in touch immediately so a work team can be mobilised and the authorities notified.

“They are in our care for the generations who will follow us, let’s look after them!”

If this is you please contact Iain on 01579 362 350 or irowe1@cornwall.gov.uk

Phytophthora ramorum in the Project area

Infected Larch

Further to the article in our March newsletter, it is sad to report that the tree disease, Phytophthora ramorum, has spread to 7 sites in the Project area. These are all in woodland, where the infected tree is Japanese Larch affecting an area of approximately 45 acres (18 hectares) mainly around the Lynher Valley.

This disease has been compared for its potentially disastrous effects on the landscape to foot and mouth in the livestock industry. Many of you may already be aware of the substantial felling in the Glynn Valley between Liskeard and Bodmin, the Bere peninsular in the lower Walkham Valley and around Burrator Reservoir on the edge of Dartmoor. We hope the Project landscape will be less severely affected because of the large amount of deciduous woodland.



  In order to help prevent spreading the disease we have ensured all our walks, this  summer, are away from any larch woodland. For those of you who are dog walkers, please be conscious of the movement of potentially contaminated plant material and soil on both footwear and dogs feet, if you are walking in local woodland. Furthermore we ask for you to monitor your gardens, as plants such as rhododendrons can also catch this infection.







A diseased rhododendron

The disease is not harmful to humans or animals, however, the fungus-like pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, is easily spread. You may notice many woodland owners will be putting in place bio security procedures to try to contain the outbreak. Please read and be respectful of the signs explaining the simple precautions placed at the entrances to woods where the disease is present.



More information on this issue can be found on the Forestry Commission website.