Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall

[Roger B.]

I'm planning to visit the Lizard Peninsula for the first time this summer.

Can anyone recommend a good book on the natural history of the area?

[thebeard]

i'm afraid i haven't got any books for recommendation, but just thought i'd say that its absolutely beautiful down there, i used to go every year for family holidays when i was younger, been about 10 times i think. i was just getting into wildlife back then so can't remember exactly what i used to see down there, though i do remember seeing kittiwakes, seals, lots of reptiles and its got a great abundance of wildlflowers and butteflies.

we used to go to the west of the peninsula around mullion annd porthleven

i'm hoping to return there in the summer too, great place

[Roger B.]

Thanks for the info.

I have managed to track down a book called "A Natural History of the Lizard Peninsula" by Jean Lawman. I have ordered a copy via Willow Books.

Jean also wrote "A Natural History of Land's End", which is an excellent guide to the wildlife of West Penwith. I have found it very useful when visiting that part of Cornwall.

[tufftie]

Kynance cove is good for flora and insects, especially spiders If you want Basking sharks then you need the other side of the peninsula I used to live near Lands End ,so know it well down there If it's birds you're after then early morning on the cliffs above Porthgwarra is normally a good spot

[rogpow]

Originally Posted by Roger B.

I'm planning to visit the Lizard Peninsula for the first time this summer.

Can anyone recommend a good book on the natural history of the area?

"Wild About Cornwall" by David Chapman is an excellent guide to the flora and fauna of Cornwall. It focuses on 40 sites in the county (including 4 in the Lizard area) with suggested walks, best time to visit, what species to look out for etc. Nearly 300 colour photos.
I use it extensively whenever I go to Cornwall and it's helped me locate dippers, kingfishers, flowers etc. Highly recommended.

[thebeard]

Originally Posted by tufftie

Kynance cove is good for flora and insects,

ah i used to visit there, brings back memories!

i think i might get my hands on a copy of those books, sounds good!

[ChrisJB]

An excellent place to see choughs too. I've had some of my best views of them on the Lizard.

Regards, Chris

[Roger B.]

Thanks all!

[Roger B.]

Unfortunately 'Willow Books' appears to be a defunct business, so I still haven't been able to get my hands on Jean Lawman's book.

[Roger B.]

We had a great trip to the Lizard. Superb weather. Fantastic coastal scenery and wildlife. Well worth a visit if you've never been there.

There's a selection of photos from our trip here.

As we plan to return to the Lizard in future years, I'm still looking for a good book on the natural history of the peninsula.

I can recommend two booklets published by Cornwall County Council:

"Wild Flowers of The Lizard" by Robin Bates & Bill Scolding

"Beneath the Skin of the Lizard" by Robin Bates & Bill Scolding