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.
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.
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