A Wildlife Journey Along the Salt Path at Treloyhan Manor
- Treloyhan Manor
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
Cornwall's rugged coastline stretches for over 400 miles, wrapping around peninsulas and coves that provide sanctuary to countless species. From windswept headlands to secret coves, the variety of microhabitats supports an astonishing range of wildlife, both in the sea and along its shores.
As you amble along the South West Coast Path (The Salt Path) from the gardens of Treloyhan Manor, you can spot an expanse of wildlife including migrating and native coastal birds, marine animals and topical flora and fauna.
Here’s what you might be lucky enough to spot when staying in St Ives: don’t forget your binoculars for more detailed viewing!
A Haven for Marine Wildlife
Dolphins: Bottlenose and Risso Dolphins are frequently spotted along the coast and are known for their intelligence, social behavior, and playful antics
Porpoises: Harbour Porpoise are another common sighting, with their blunt dark head, dark grey back, and lighter underbelly. They are easily recognisable by their small, triangular dorsal fin positioned centrally on their back
Orca: A rare sighting on long-range safaris, Orcas are the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family, with a distinct dorsal fin.
Seals: Having an all-year-round presence in Cornwall, both Atlantic Grey and Common seals are protected in the UK. They can be observed lounging on rocky outcrops or bobbing curiously near the shore.
Basking sharks: the world’s second-largest fish, is a seasonal visitor to British waters, migrating here between April and September each year
Take a Sea Safari Private Charter, or venture out to St Ives’ Seal Island, with Bluefin Charters for a unique wildlife experience during your stay at Treloyhan Manor.
Rockpools are bustling miniature worlds. Starfish, sea anemones, crabs, and blennies live among the kelp and barnacles - gently brush seaweed to the side to discover creatures hiding in the shadows! Head to Porthmeor or Porthminster Beach for the best rockpools in St Ives.
A Bird Watchers’ Paradise
Peregrine Falcon: These birds can be spotted along cliff sections of the coastline.
Cormorants and Shags: These birds are often seen nesting on cliffs.
Bitterns and Herons: Bitterns are a type of heron known for their secretive nature and distinctive booming call.
Ospreys: Birds of prey that specialise in catching fish.
Cirl Bunting: This bird is a unique coastal species.
Redpolls: These small birds may be seen in areas with berry-producing hedges.
In the summer you can expect to see colonies of Fulmars, Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins.
Coastal Wildflowers and Butterflies
Spring and early summer paint the cliffs with a palette of wildflowers. Pink thrift, yellow bird’s-foot trefoil, and the deep blue of sheep’s-bit attract a host of pollinators. Keep an eye out for painted ladies, silver-studded blues, and the elusive brown hairstreak butterflies.
Hike along the South West Coast Path for an array of seabirds and wildflowers, or explore the trails inland. Your concierge at Treloyhan Manor will recommend the best routes for you to take.
Seasonal Salt Path Wildlife Highlights
Spring: Seabird nesting season; wildflowers bloom.
Summer: Best time for basking sharks and puffins.
Autumn: Migratory birds take a rest from their travels.
Winter: Grey seals pup on quiet beaches - watch from a respectful distance.
Depending on the specific section of the Salt Path you are walking, you may also see other land based wildlife such as red deer, wild ponies, and black grouse.
These are, of course, in addition to traditional British regulars; rabbits, stoats, otters, hares, badgers, foxes and more!
Enjoy Responsibly
Stick to coastal paths to protect fragile habitats.
Keep dogs on leads, especially during bird nesting season.
Observe seals and marine mammals from afar - disturbance can be life-threatening.
Take only memories and photos, leaving no trace behind.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just someone who delights in the call of seabirds and the thrill of spotting a shy, sideways-scuttling crab, the Cornish coast offers an unforgettable encounter with the wild.
Pack your binoculars, camera, walking boots, and a spirit of adventure - you never know what you'll discover on this ancient shoreline.
Treloyhan Manor boasts direct access to the South West Coast Path, making it the perfect base from which to explore the magic of the Cornish coastline.
Book your stay today.
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