CASTLEMARTIN CORSE
A relic of a once-great wetland
Described in 1794 by Charles Hassall, an agricultural pioneer and colourful figure, as “a tract of several hundred acres which within these four years was a perfect bog of little or no value”, Castlemartin Corse was very quickly drained, enclosed and divided by ditches. The engineer who oversaw the work was awarded the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacture and Science’s gold medal in 1800 for being ‘the most successful reclaimer of waste land.’ Two centuries on, the National Trust is endeavouring to restore the wetland, or at least that which occupies the lower part of the valley where drainage was least successful. The shingle and dune ridge backing the wonderful Freshwater West beach is all that prevents inundation at high tide, especially in stormy conditions. The National Trust has provided an observation facility overlooking the main area of mostly winter open water, though sadly, in my opinion, without consideration for the birds or those who watch them, being completely open on all sides like a miniature bandstand. A traditional hide, with a shielded access, would be less intrusive and much more desirable. Some proactive management in the form of a scrape or similar permanent water feature would greatly enhance this site. Merlin, Hen and Marsh Harriers are here in winter, with a breeding attempt by the latter in 2011. Other winter visitors include Bittern and Water Rail while the grasslands attract good numbers of Curlew and Lapwing. Look and listen for Whimbrel on both spring and autumn passage, while judicious management of the lagoon could prove attractive to both other wildfowl and waders.