The
twin towers of the Lizard Lighthouse mark the most southerly point of mainland
Britain. From earliest times the coastline around Lizard Point was notorious
for shipwrecks and stormy weather. The lighthouse was built in 1619 to guide
ships in passage along the English Channel and warn of the hazardous waters off
Lizard Point. Visitors can ascend 70 metres to the top of the lighthouse
tower from where there are breathtaking views. Today The Lizard is a turning
point for one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. The coastline on either
side of the lighthouse offers dramatic cliff walks and boasts an abundance of
rare wild flowers and fascinating geological features. Amongst the many
birds which can be spotted is the Chough which is being encouraged to re-colonise
here after being virtually extinct in Cornwall for many years. Today the bird
is thriving, and it relies on the short turf which characterises the area. The
Lizard also played an important role in the history of modern communications.
Marconi's famous wireless experiments took place on The Lizard in 1901, and are
celebrated at the restored Lizard Wireless Station, Bass Point, and the Marconi
Centre at Poldhu. | 
