In the mid-1980s, marine biologist, the late Dr Norman Holme, joined forces with local naturalist Stella Turk, river lovers and users, local councillors and many others to look at the Helford River and assess the need to protect it for the future. With funding through World Wildlife Fund and help from Cornwall County Council, a survey was carried out to demonstrate the state of the Helford River and make recommendations for its marine wildlife protection in a way that was compatible with the continuing human use of the river. This baseline work was soon followed by a more formal and regularly revised Strategic Guidelines and Work Programme.
The Helford Voluntary Marine Conservation Area was designated in 1987 to help protect and enhance the rich and varied marine life of this internationally important site.
Many people with a direct interest in the river including sailors, landowners, fishermen, councillors, students and marine biologists, and representatives of various organisations, both statutory and non-statutory, work together locally throughout the year to promote the sustainable use of this sensitive area.
Volunteer surveyors in action bird watching. Photo by Abby Crosby
The voluntary approach to the conservation of the Helford River has been upheld by an Advisory Group, the Helford Marine Conservation Group, which meets quarterly and still includes members of the original team as well as representatives of many other organisations and people linked to the river.
Our Constitution can be found here.
- Chairman:
- Vice-Chairman: Mrs Sue Scott
- Treasurer: Mr Mike Biglin
- Co-ordinator: Mrs Sue Scott
- Scientific Advisers:
Dr. Pam Tompsett
Dr Paul Gainey
Dr Angie Gall
