Title
Golitha Falls
Artist
John Chivers
Medium
Photograph - Photo Print
Description
Golitha Falls NNR is a steeply sided wooded valley, with the River Fowey flowing through it in a series of spectacular cascades that drop 90 metres in altitude.
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.
The Golitha Falls are an ancient and mystical place, it is said that even now, by the light of a full moon you can glimpse 'Golitha' the Old Man of the woods!
The unusual name is pronounced 'Gol-ee-tha' which derives from the old Cornish word for obstruction. Fowey is pronounced 'Foy-ee'. King Doniert (or Dunrgarth) was one of Cornwall's last Kings, who was drowned while hunting (or fighting!), in the River Fowey at Golitha Falls in the year AD875.
Uploaded
March 11th, 2015
Statistics
Viewed 194 Times - Last Visitor from Beverly Hills, CA on 03/28/2024 at 4:09 AM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet
Tags
Comments (12)
Laurie Search
This is just so beautiful, John! All that green moss is gorgeous, and I love this little teeny bit of water flowing over the rocks on the left!! :)))vf
Jurgen Lorenzen
What a great image, John! Love the luscious green, flowing water and sharpness throughout.
John Chivers replied:
Thank you Jurgen, I took this shot not long ago so would love to see what it would looks like in full blown summer!! :)
Robert Bales
What a great looking presentation John !!! v/f/t
John Chivers replied:
Thank you Robert Like with many of my shots only a panoramic will give the scene justice :)