Breney Common

Breney Common is a protected natural area in Cornwall featuring a mosaic of wetlands, heathlands, woodlands, and grasslands that support diverse plant and animal communities. The site encompasses open moorland alongside wooded sections and water bodies that create varied conditions across the landscape.

The site gained protected status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest decades ago and initially operated as separate conservation designations. The merging with Belowda Beacon in 2017 created a larger unified protected area that strengthens conservation efforts across the moorland.

The Cornwall Wildlife Trust manages this reserve as part of the Mid Cornwall Moors, where researchers conduct ecological studies and monitor species populations.

You can explore the site via local footpaths that connect through the moorland, with several entry points available throughout the area. Wear waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear since much of the ground remains damp and boggy regardless of the season.

The moorland supports several plant species that are scarce elsewhere in Britain and have adapted to boggy conditions over centuries. Dragonfly and damselfly watchers find the site particularly rewarding due to the variety of species using its wetlands for breeding.