Golitha Falls

Nature reserve featuring a cascading waterfall in a valley with ancient oak woodland

Golitha Falls NNR is an upland oak and mixed ash woodland with the River Fowey passing through. The site is particularly important for rare bryophytes and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Main habitats: woodland

Area: 18 hectares

Features of interest
The reserve is a long gorge, lined with ancient oak woodland that gives way to the River Fowey at the bottom.

The site is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its woodland flora. The dramatic landscape created by the River Fowey is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It’s one of Cornwall’s richest valleys for bryophytes in Cornwall, with more than 120 species recorded here. It is equally important for lichens, with 48 species including the nationally rare Parmelia minarum. Woodland wildflowers include bluebells and wood anemone.

The reserve is also home to dormice, which reside in the ancient hazel coppice. Noctule, brown long-eared and lesser horseshoe bats have been recorded.

The river supports healthy populations of both salmon and sea trout. Otter are often seen exploring the falls.

Much of the reserve is known to be ancient woodland, with Draynes Wood recorded in the Domesday Book (1086).

In spring the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells and wood anemones, while the meadow areas see bugle, self-heal, white clover, common tormentil and valerian species flourish.

The reserve supports 83 species of moth, including the notable double lines. Butterflies include the meadow brown, marbled white, green-veined white, gatekeeper, small skipper, ringlet, speckled wood and silver-washed fritillary.

Winter storms cause the River Fowey to swell, making the waterfalls even more torrential. Extra care should be taken when visiting after heavy rainfall.