Helford Voluntary Marine Conservation Area publications

Helford VMCA Newsletters

The Helford Voluntary Marine Conservation Area publishes two newsletters each year. Extracts and downloadable copies of our more recent issues are available from our newsletters page.

“Secrets of the Sea – exploring Helford’s marine life” Interactive CDROM @ £6 + pp *

Helford's unique marine heritage is revealed in a structured and exciting way which appeals to all age groups, adults and children alike.

The CDROM contains information on the biology, geography, historical and present day use, conservation and management issues relating to the estuary, as well as field identification keys for the most common species found on the Helford, and links to other sources of information and resources.

There are also animated games for younger users, striking photographs, panoramic video clips and atmospheric sound effects to enhance your experience!

Activities and information in the schools section is fully linked to the National Curriculum with special teachers notes and resources to aid learning.

For schools who can't get to the shore for field trips students can navigate their way around a virtual estuary, identify species they find at specific 'sites' and collect data without getting their feet wet!
* Special rates for educational use or bulk purchase.
Available: P E Tompsett, Helford Marine Conservation Group Co-ordinator c/o CWT, Five Acres, Allet, Truro, Cornwall TR4 9DJ
Tel: 01872 240777or 01209 842316 email: petomp@bioscope.demon.co.uk (Cheques “Helford Marine Conservation Group ”)

Special publication - Helford Estuary Historic Audit - A Reynolds – 2000 @ £8.00 + pp

Sites and artefacts from Bronze Age barrows to World War II are identified and their place in history described in this very special audit which also includes a gazetteer, maps and a list of wrecks.

Available on request from: Cornwall Archaeology Unit, Cornwall County Council, Old County Hall, Station Rd, Truro Cornwall TR1 3AY Tel: 01872 323603 email: The Historic Environment Service

Helford VMCA reports

• Basic Helford VMCA reports covering a range of subjects have been published since 1987
• Helford River Survey Report - Nos 1-5, 1987-1997 various authors, Covey & Hocking, Turk, Tompsett
• Birds of the Helford River; B Cave, 1998
• A study of the intertidal population of the Peacock worm in the Helford River; P E Tompsett, 1999
• A survey of the Hexacoralline Anthozoans (Sea Anemones & Corals) Helford Estuary; P A Gainey, 1998
• Pisces (Fish) of the Helford Estuary; P A Gainey, 1999
• Distribution of oysters & other molluscs in the Helford River; C Protz, 1995
• A list of invertebrates & fishes recorded from the Helford River to 1993; S M Turk & P E Tompsett, 1994
• A population study of the common cockle in the beds at Helford Passage; S N Jones, 1993
• Marine Algae of the Helford VMCA S M Turk & P E Tompsett 2006

Species projects to 2006

• HR Settlement Project Phase II - Pilot scheme to replace Eelgrass at Helford Passage; P E Tompsett, 1994
• Bass Project HR S (x11) 1994 – 2006; D C Goodwin
• Eelgrass (Zostera spp.) Project, 1995-1998; A Sutton & P E Tompsett

Activities on site

• Strategic Guidelines reports and Review 1993-2000; R G Hewett & P E Tompsett
• The necessity for a voluntary marine conservation area; R G Hewett,1997
• Good practice in surveying and monitoring-a guide for volunteers; D Nichols, 1995
• A survey of the commercial use of the Helford River; R G Hewett, 1995
• Trigging: a summary of the knowledge; S M Turk & P E Tompsett,1994
• The Helford River Oysterage; J Masters, 1994
• Trigging, Bar Beach, Helford River Good Friday 5 April 1996; E Wolton
• A review of Trigging (cockle collection) 1996 - 2006 R Mather 2006
• Strategic Guidelines 2004 and Work Programme 2004-2009

All these publications available at cost (plus P & P) on request from: Pamela E Tompsett, Helford Marine Conservation Group Co-ordinator, c/o Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Five Acres, Allet, Truro, Cornwall TR4 9DJ Tel: 01872 240777 or 01209 842316 email: petomp@bioscope.demon.co.uk