A spectacular section of Cornwall's coastline has been secured for perpetual public enjoyment, thanks to the posthumous generosity of a local vicar who treasured the landscape throughout his lifetime.
The National Trust has acquired 34 acres near the historic port town of Fowey using funds bequeathed by Reverend Anthony Mapplebeck to the organization's Neptune Coastline Campaign. The site, known as Alldays Field, represents a significant conservation victory for both natural habitat preservation and public access rights.
The strategic importance of this acquisition extends beyond its acreage. The property is bordered by National Trust land on three sides, with the sea forming its southern boundary. This configuration allows for comprehensive coastal management and creates a unified conservation zone.
"By joining this land with what's around it, we can look after the coast as a whole," stated Andy Simmons, National Trust Ranger for South East Cornwall. "Supporting wildlife, keeping paths open and making sure this landscape stays welcoming and alive for everyone who visits."
Simmons emphasized the personal connection between the benefactor and the land he helped preserve. "It feels especially fitting that this land was secured thanks to someone who dedicated his life to serving Cornish communities and who loved walking the coastal paths himself."
Though born in Surrey, Reverend Mapplebeck's ministry and later years were deeply rooted in Cornwall. Educated at Cambridge during the 1940s, he was characterized by those who knew him as an erudite and reserved individual who approached his ecclesiastical duties with quiet dedication and diligence.
The vicar never married and lived modestly with his mother in proximity to the coastline he cherished and the town of Fowey, which sits within a picturesque river estuary. Former parishioners recall his faithful service to village congregations, including christening ceremonies and support for church bell-ringing teams.
The acquisition holds particular significance for recreational walkers. The newly protected land ensures uninterrupted access along the South West Coast Path, which traverses the southern edge of Alldays Field. This iconic walking route will remain accessible to the public, preserving the dramatic coastal scenery that Reverend Mapplebeck himself enjoyed during his lifetime.
The Neptune Coastline Campaign, launched during the 1960s, has facilitated the protection of hundreds of miles of coastline across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Reverend Mapplebeck's contribution now forms part of this enduring conservation legacy, ensuring that future generations will experience the same natural beauty that enriched his own life.
The National Trust did not disclose the specific amount of the bequest, maintaining privacy regarding the vicar's final gift. However, the impact of his generosity is tangible and permanent, transforming a modest life of service into a lasting contribution to environmental stewardship and public access to natural spaces.