Birdwatching & Wildlife

 

The Old Chapel is about a 15 minute drive from The Hayle Estuary and Marazion Marshes both of which are popular birding sites, particularly during the spring and autumn migrations.

Other popular birdwatching locations in West Cornwall such as Porthgwarra, Kenidjack and the Cot Valley are about 45 minutes drive away.

Seals are often seen in and around St Ives harbour and can also be viewed from the cliffs at Godrevy. 

Other marine wildlife including dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks are not uncommon in the waters around Cornwall and can be viewed on trips run by various companies.

Marine Discovery operates trips on a sailing catamaran out of Penzance harbour and is run by a team of marine biologists with an interest in conservation.

There are also trips out of St Ives Harbour run by St Ives Boats to view seals and other wildlife. Nemo, St Ives have a glass bottomed boat for underwater views without needing to get wet. Most of the St Ives boat trips allow dogs.

The Seal Sanctuary at Gweek near Helston rescues ill and injured seals, particularly seal pups, and is able to release most of them back into the sea after they have been fed and cared for at the Sanctuary. The number of seals present tends to vary depending on the time of year.