The Fowey Estuary, a haven to be preserved.
The scenic Fowey Estuary is located on the south coast of Cornwall and lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The estuary is characterised by steeply sloping banks leading down to the waters edge, many of which are covered by ancient woodland. The rocky cliffs at the mouth of the estuary provide a dramatic entrance to the Harbour area and the old fortifications of St Catherine's Castle and the blockhouses on either side of the entrance are a reminder of the historic threats to the coastline.
The Fowey Estuary is a popular destination for visitors seeking the unspoilt scenic shores of Cornwall. The Fowey Estuary is named after the river that flows into it - The River Fowey. The River Fowey originates high on Bodmin Moor and runs some thirty miles until it reaches the sea at the mouth of the estuary, between the picturesque villages of Fowey and Polruan.
The river and the estuary took their present form at the end of the last ice age when sea levels rose and the river valley became drowned. The river flows down from Bodmin Moor through the rocky gorges of Golitha and becomes an estuary once it reaches the ancient town of Lostwithiel, once the Capital of Cornwall.
The estuary was an important trade route in the middle ages when it was the largest port in Cornwall. The main shipping now focuses on the Port of Fowey. The estuary is a haven for wildlife and its unspoilt beauty harbours a wealth of flora and fauna amongst the different estuarine habitats.
Further reading: Visitors Guide to the Fowey Estuary Liz Luck, Cornwall County Council