PENWITH councillors have requested that fencing work at Carn Galva stops.

But Cllr Hudson Smith, chairman of the social, economic and environment committee, has acknowledged that the council is not the accountable body for the project and that any recommendation that the committee passed would have limited effect.

At a meeting of the committee last week, Rob Poole, Penwith's rural economy officer, outlined the background to the current position and agreed that there had been a failing on the part of Natural England in effectively communicating the Heathlands project.

The councillors also recommended that an ongoing dialogue be sought with the bodies involved on the future of the Heath Project and Penwith's Heathlands.

The meeting heard from John Butterworth of the Save Penwith Moors group, who urged the earthworks being carried out at Carn Galva be stopped because of their possible effect on a historic landscape and the threat to archaeological deposits.

He also argued that the introduction of grazing cattle on heathland would have a detrimental effect on tourism.

The land at Carn Galva and Watchcroft is owned by the National Trust and the Trust is running a series of information walks on Carn Galva to increase awareness of what is being done.

Jon Brookes, property manager for West Penwith, said: "The meeting was a good opportunity for us to listen to the views of local people and explain why the work to improve and restore heathland on Trust land will improve public access, look after the archaeology of the area and benefit wildlife.

"We've already created four miles of footpaths on Carn Galva and Watchcroft, and by continuing this programme of work, supported by small numbers of cattle to trample and graze the dominant species, public access will improve even more.

"This work will also make the moors more colourful as the traditional landscape will return to a patchwork of pink heathers alongside the gorse and bracken."

Mr Brookes said that the Trust would soon be launching an information page on its website, with interviews, pictures and maps. The next walk on Carn Galva takes place at 11am on Sunday, January 4. All are welcome but booking is essential: telephone 01736 796993.