Carn Marth facts for kids
Carn Marth (which means Karn Margh in Cornish) is a well-known hill in Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It's located close to the town of Redruth. This hill stands about 235 meters (771 feet) tall. People know Carn Marth because of the granite rock that was dug out, or quarried, from it a long time ago.
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What is Carn Marth?
Where is Carn Marth?
Carn Marth is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) southeast of Redruth. It's part of a large area made of granite rock called the Carnmenellis granite plateau. This granite is part of an even bigger rock formation in Cornwall.
Why was Carn Marth important in the past?
Long, long ago, people settled on hills like Carn Marth. These high places were great for many reasons:
- They offered natural protection and were easy to defend.
- They gave amazing views over the land, which was mostly covered in thick forests back then.
- Later, people used them to celebrate victories or light warning fires. For example, during the 1580s, beacons were lit to warn of a possible attack by the Spanish.
Amazing Views from the Top
From the top of Carn Marth, you can see really far on a clear day. You might even spot the hills of Bodmin Moor, which are over 45 kilometers (28 miles) away! And if you're on Bodmin Moor, you can see Carn Marth too.
Looking east, you can see past St Agnes Beacon to the highest hills in Cornwall: Rough Tor and Brown Willy. Brown Willy is about 420 meters (1,378 feet) tall, making Carn Marth about 185 meters (607 feet) shorter.
You can also see both the Celtic Sea and the Bristol Channel to the north, and the English Channel to the south. If you have good eyesight or binoculars, you might even spot St Anthony's Light near Carrick Roads and Pendennis Castle across from Falmouth.
Looking west, you can see the glint of light from the reservoir at Stithians. You'll also see other hills like Carnmenellis and Carn Brea. This area is famous for its mining history, and you can still see old engine houses from the great age of mining.
Nature and Wildlife at Carn Marth
What plants and animals live here?
The very top parts of Carn Marth are covered in a type of grassland called lowland heath. You'll find plants like gorse, bracken, and many different wild flowers. This rich plant life means there are lots of insects, which then attract other animals.
You might see small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and many birds. Look out for cuckoos, warblers, and swallows flying low over the flooded old quarries to drink. Falcons can often be seen soaring high above. Lower down the hill, there are fields for grazing animals, separated by traditional Cornish Hedges.
Who looks after Carn Marth?
A group called the Carnmarth Trust works to take care of this special area. They help protect its natural beauty and wildlife.
Other Things Named Carnmarth
The name "Carnmarth" is also used for other things. For example, Carnmarth North and Carnmarth South are names for church areas within the Diocese of Truro. Also, there's a song called "Carn Marth" on an album by the Cornish electronic musician Aphex Twin.
Images for kids
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The Carn Brea monument and castle, which can be seen clearly from Carn Marth. Below it, you can see a flooded quarry.
