By Bethany Rossiter
During this very strange and testing year, stress and anxiety have become a challenge for many during our day to day lives. It is well understood that taking time out to embrace nature can be an effective way of dealing with stress, helping us to relax and feel calm(1).
The Cober valley, Loe Pool and Loe Bar have provided a escape for many, whether that has been through going for a run or a walk, cycling or just taking time to sit and take in the beautiful surroundings.
Since the UK went into lockdown in March 2020, I have made more of an effort to get out in my local area and enjoy the surroundings. For several months I walked down through the Penrose estate from Helston to Loe Bar, enjoying the sounds of birds on the pool and finding delight in spotting a Heron sitting in the marshes. Down at Loe Bar, the combination of the prevailing winds and the steep shelving nature of the beach can result in impressive waves, even on a relatively calm day. Just little things like noticing the difference in the colour of the water in Loe Pool compared to the sea can take my mind off other things.
I also explored further up the Cober valley a few times, taking public footpaths that I would have never known existed had I not found myself wanting to walk locally more often. A favourite place of mine, is walking along the small lanes and footpaths above Lowertown, just outside of Helston. Along here you can find evidence of the railway that used to connect Helston to the main line, until it closed in the early 1960’s. The most obvious evidence is the track bed itself, some of which is still easy enough to find, as well as several arched stone bridges, and the impressive viaduct that crosses over the valley. But little things such as the odd old rusting sign give deeper glimpses into the railway’s past.
Helston Railway is in the process of being restored by the Helston Railway Preservation Society, with the aim of restoring a three mile stretch of the railway from Nancegollan and Helston Water-ma-Trout(2). More information about their work and how to get involved can be found here.
Now that winter is drawing in, and the weather is becoming more changeable, getting out can be more difficult. However, a bracing walk in the wind and even the rain, can be surprisingly enjoyable and there are always new places to explore!
More Info:
- Mental Health and Nature: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/how-nature-benefits-mental-health/
- Helston Railway Presevation Society: https://www.helstonrailway.co.uk/
References:
(1) Mind, (May 2018) How can nature benefit my mental health?, website accessed 2nd October 2020, <https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/how-nature-benefits-mental-health/>
(2) Helston Railway, (2020) About Our Society, website accessed 2nd October 2020, <https://www.helstonrailway.co.uk/about/>
Loe Pool Forum 
Can you or someone to tell me if is it legal to fishing in the Loe, with availible fishing license?
Hi Daniel, the National Trust don’t allow fishing on the Loe. There used to be fishing licences available, but unfortunately someone set a fish trap and an otter got caught and died. As a result of this we decided to take all necessary steps to protect wildlife and to place a ban on fishing. This ensures that the pool can remain a wildlife haven and place of tranquility for all to enjoy. Thanks.
Hi, is restrictions applied for fishing including the beach for sea fishing or just a lake ?
Good morning , my wife and myself have never walked the Degibna side of loe pool and yesterday we did . Stunning walk walk along Carnminoe out to the point where it turns into the main lake . From this high vantage point i could see in detail with my binoculars right out to the bar and down the other side . I noticed with my naked eye that there were quite a few white streaks and clumps on the water surface all the way down the main channel . I assumed that a bird had been predated and its feathers were floating about , i soon realised that was not the case . The white blobs were in fact foam streaks and foam blobs , this started alarm bells ringing to me as they are generally associated with pollution . I studied the pool closer and realised that there were no fish whatsoever in the main channel or indeed very little wildlife , this situation came as a huge shock to us both and totally unexpected . I would go as far as to say that Loe pool is not only the biggest inland lake in Cornwall but is also the most polluted lake in Cornwall . This is a stunning and absolutely beautiful piece of Cornwall that has been ruined by pollution and continues to be so , how long has this situation been like this and why has nothing been done to stop it .
Yours Sincerely ,
John Trewin .