Central Cornwall facts for kids

Central Cornwall is the central part of Cornwall, a beautiful county in the southwest of England. It's like the heart of Cornwall, connecting different areas. This region used to be made up of two separate areas called Carrick and Restormel. Today, the local government, Cornwall Council, uses the idea of "Central Cornwall" to help organize and provide important services for people living there.

What is Central Cornwall?

Central Cornwall is not an official county or a single town. Instead, it's a way to describe the middle section of Cornwall. Think of it as a helpful way to group towns and villages that are close to each other. This helps with planning things like schools, hospitals, and roads.

Past Districts: Carrick and Restormel

For many years, Cornwall was divided into different districts, each with its own local council. Central Cornwall was once covered by two of these districts:

• Carrick: This district included the city of Truro, which is the only city in Cornwall and its administrative center. It also covered the popular coastal town of Falmouth and the surrounding areas.
• Restormel: This district was home to towns like St Austell, known for its china clay industry, and the famous seaside resort of Newquay, a popular spot for surfing.

In 2009, all these smaller district councils joined together to form one big council called Cornwall Council. This change made it simpler to manage the whole county. Even though Carrick and Restormel don't exist as separate councils anymore, their areas still make up a big part of what we call Central Cornwall.

Cornwall Council's Role

Cornwall Council is the main local government for the entire county of Cornwall. It's responsible for many important things that affect daily life. These are called public services. For example, the council looks after:

• Education: Making sure schools are running well.
• Roads: Maintaining roads and streetlights.
• Waste Collection: Organizing rubbish and recycling pick-ups.
• Libraries: Providing local libraries.
• Parks and Leisure: Looking after public parks and sports facilities.

By thinking of "Central Cornwall" as a specific area, the council can better plan how to deliver these services to the people living there. It helps them understand the needs of communities in the middle of the county.

Geography and Landscape

Central Cornwall has a very diverse and interesting landscape. It combines beautiful coastlines with rolling countryside.

Coastal Areas

The coast of Central Cornwall is famous for its stunning beaches and dramatic cliffs.

• North Coast: Towns like Newquay on the north coast are known for their sandy beaches and excellent surfing conditions. The coastline here is often rugged, with tall cliffs and hidden coves.
• South Coast: The south coast, around Falmouth and the Carrick Roads estuary, is more sheltered. It features beautiful natural harbors and calmer waters, perfect for sailing and exploring.

Inland Scenery

Away from the coast, Central Cornwall has a mix of landscapes.

• China Clay Country: Near St Austell, you'll see the unique landscape shaped by the china clay industry. There are large, white spoil heaps that look a bit like mountains, often called the "Cornish Alps."
• Farmland and Valleys: Much of the inland area is made up of green fields used for farming. There are also many river valleys and woodlands, offering peaceful places to explore.

Key Towns and Communities

Central Cornwall is home to several important towns, each with its own character.

Truro

Truro is the only city in Cornwall and its administrative center. It's a small, charming city with a beautiful cathedral and a busy shopping area. It's also a hub for business and culture in the county.

Falmouth

Falmouth is a vibrant port town on the south coast. It has one of the deepest natural harbors in the world. Falmouth is famous for its maritime history, its university, and its lively arts scene. It's a popular spot for sailing and watersports.

St Austell

St Austell is one of Cornwall's largest towns. It has a strong connection to the china clay industry, which has been important to the area for centuries. Nearby, you can find the famous Eden Project, a huge botanical garden built in a former clay pit.

Newquay

Newquay is a very popular seaside resort on the north coast. It's known as the surfing capital of the UK, attracting visitors from all over. It has many sandy beaches and a lively atmosphere, especially during the summer.

Economy and Jobs

The economy of Central Cornwall has changed over time. While traditional industries were once very important, new sectors are growing.

Traditional Industries

• Mining: Historically, Cornwall was famous for its tin and copper mining. While most mines are now closed, their legacy can be seen in the landscape and old engine houses.
• China Clay: The extraction of china clay (kaolin) near St Austell has been a major industry for a long time. This clay is used in many products, from paper to pottery.
• Fishing: Fishing has always been important along the coast, with local boats bringing in fresh seafood.

Modern Economy

Today, the economy of Central Cornwall is more diverse.

• Tourism: This is a huge industry. Many people visit Central Cornwall for its beaches, attractions like the Eden Project, and beautiful scenery. This creates lots of jobs in hotels, restaurants, and shops.
• Education: With universities and colleges in towns like Falmouth and Truro, education is also an important sector.
• Creative Industries: There's a growing number of businesses in areas like art, design, and digital media, especially around Falmouth.

Things to Do in Central Cornwall

Central Cornwall offers many exciting things for young people and families to do.

• Beaches: Spend a day surfing at Fistral Beach in Newquay or exploring the rock pools at Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth.
• The Eden Project: Explore the giant biomes filled with plants from around the world. It's a fascinating place to learn about nature and sustainability.
• The Lost Gardens of Heligan: Discover these amazing restored gardens, which were hidden for many years. They are full of mystery and beauty.
• National Maritime Museum Cornwall: Located in Falmouth, this museum tells the story of Cornwall's strong connection to the sea, with exciting exhibits and boats.
• Cycling and Walking: Enjoy the many trails, like the Clay Trails near St Austell, which offer great views and a chance to explore the unique landscape.

Central Cornwall is a vibrant and important part of the county, offering a mix of history, natural beauty, and modern life.