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National
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RSPB
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| FACTS |
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The
Trust protects over 704 miles of coastline and 52,000 hectares
of coastal land in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which
is 18% of the total coastline.
Wembury and the Great Mewstone is a haven for nature conservation
- partly designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest
(SSSI).
National Trust ownership of coastline ensures that, wherever
possible, public access is allowed and in many cases increased.
The Trust has a continuing programme of footpath creation,
repair and improvement, which includes provision for disabled
visitors, the very young and for those interested in all aspects
of the coast and its attractions.
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| DONATIONS |
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Donations
to the appeal to save Wembury Point and the Great Mewstone
can be made by visiting the National
Trust website.
Donations can be posted to Amber Oliver, Donor Development
Manager, Wembury & The Great Mewstone Appeal, The National
Trust, Killerton House, Broadclyst, Exeter EX5 3LE.
Two dedicated Wembury Point hotlines have been set up for
people to make donations to the appeal.
They are: 01392 883128, 01392 883109 or 01793 462779.
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The National
Trust says it is "hopeful" it will raise the money needed
to buy one of Devon's most beautiful stretches of coastline.
In January, the trust launched a public appeal to raise £350,000
to purchase Wembury Point in South Devon, and was given a deadline
by the owners, the Ministry of Defence.
The MoD has owned the site since 1940 but is disposing of the land.
A spokesperson for the trust said on 30th March: "We expect to
make an announcement in the next 10 days. We are hopeful and are feeling
very positive.
"We are delighted at how well the campaign has gone and the support
we have had from local people."
The trust was offered the chance to buy the land by the MoD. Failure
to raise the money would probably mean the area being developed.
The site has MoD buildings, as well as roads and a roundabout. Sections
are also sealed off by barbed wire fences.
All this would be cleared if the trust purchases Wembury Point and
the area would be restored to its former glory - with full public
access.
Wembury
Point lies to the eastern side of Plymouth Sound and forms part
of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Looking out over Wembury Bay, the site includes Great Mewstone island
- an important site for cliff nesting seabirds.
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| Looking
across to the Mewstone from the former Navy gunnery school HMS
Cambridge. |
The
coastal estate, which covers around 138 acres, has been hidden from
the public since 1940 when it was acquired by the Ministry of Defence.
It later became a naval gunnery training school, HMS Cambridge.
The
site has been disused since the gunnery school closed in March 2001
and is being put up for sale.
Wembury Point lies close to the urban fringes of Plymouth and the
whole area has been under intense pressure for development over
the last 50 years.
Conservationists fear the property will be offered for commercial
development on the open market if the National Trust doesn't buy
it first.
"It's going to be really popular with walkers who can enjoy
the wonderful views," said National Trust area manager John
Longworth-Krafft.
"But more importantly the acquisition of this headland will
be protecting this part of the coast from development creeping down
from Plymouth."
Recognising
its importance as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, English
Nature invoked rarely used powers to request that the MoD offer
the site to a conservation organisation before putting it on the
open market.
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| Wembury
Point is a haven for wildlife. |
As
the National Trust already cares for 63% of the coastline in Devon
and Cornwall, it's seen as
the most suitable organisation capable of protecting the site.
The Trust was given just three months to raise the £350,000.
When the appeal was launched,
Mark
Harold, Regional Director for the National Trust said: "We
don't have long to raise the funds we need for the acquisition.
"But we have already received huge local support and hope that
with the public's help we can ensure this beautiful stretch of the
coast continues to be protected and enjoyed for years to come.
"Under our care, the public will be able to visit this haven
for wildlife and enjoy the stunning panoramic views over the coastline
of Devon and Cornwall for the first time in 60 years".
If the Trust's appeal is successful, immediate priorities will be
the restoration and protection of the AONB coastline and arrangements
for public access.
Two dedicated Wembury Point hotlines have been set up for people
to make donations to the appeal.
They are: 01392 883128, 01392 883109 or 01793 462779.
Article
first published: 27th January 2005
Updated: 30th March 2005.
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