Go-ahead for plan to turn Cornish moors into protected area 'will wreck farming'

A controversial plan to turn moorland in the south-west of England into a heavily protected nature conservation area has been approved despite warnings from some that it would "wreck farming" in the region

- Steven Morris

There were calls of "shame on you!" and "resign!" as members of the Natural England board voted to designate 59 blocks of land within Penwith Moors, in Cornwall, as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI), saying this would preserve precious flora and fauna.

Critics said the designation could lead to farmers quitting as they would face so many restrictions, a risk that could fundamentally alter the character of a landscape managed by humans since prehistoric times.

The meeting in St Ives yesterday became so tense security guards were posted at the back of the room.

Tony Juniper, Natural England's chair, acknowledged that there was "anger and concern" but said the body would work with landowners and farmers to make the designation work in the "magical landscape".

Eric Murley, who has a dairy farm at Pendeen, said: "I feel they've told us to get stuffed." His son, Christopher, said: "It's a bad day for Cornwall and a bad day for Cornish wildlife."