Each year, at some point between mid-June to early July, the fields on the West Pentire Headland, erupt into numerous shades of red and yellow as the poppy and corn marigold fields flower.

View over West Pentire by Jamie Turnbull

These fields, found on the headland between Crantock and Polly Joke, are carefully managed by the National Trust. The Trust use old arable farming techniques to grow these fields of rare wildflowers, which in turn offer a haven for wildlife and a beautiful spectacle for human visitors.

Poppies Top Down by Duncan Scobie

I’ve been visiting the fields in flower for some years now, and I have to say that this year (whether as a result of management, or the weather) they were very dramatic ~ the red of the poppies being particularly sensational.

View to Crantock by Scott Fisher

As the wildflowers blossom, the fields attract aerial photographers looking to offer their own unique perspective on this remarkable phenomenon. This is not an easy site to fly at though: the majority of the land is owned by The National Trust, and it also boarders an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest).

Poppies on the Coast Path by Jamie Turnbull

As the colours of the fields thicken and deepen, social media starts to populate with people taking adoring pictures of the fields. If you are visiting the poppy fields then please stick to the footpaths. Instagram is full of posts of people standing in the fields having their photographs taken, but as the National Trust point out: ‘Flowers Don’t Grow Where Feet Go’.

Corn Marigold Fields West Pentire by Jamie Turnbull

Skylarks also build their nests in the flower fields, and so it is important not to disturb them. When done responsibly, aerial photography is perhaps a more environmentally friendly way of photographing the beauty of these fields?

Flower Fields at Sunset by Jedd

If you're thinking of visiting West Pentire the following might be useful.

How to find the poppies at West Pentire?

The closest village to the flower fields in Crantock, which is near Newquay. There is a footpath leading from Crantock, through the flower fields, to the coastal path.

You can find the foot path by using the following:

• What Three Words: clenching.outdoor.revamped
• Google Maps

Where to park?

There are three carparks within walking distance of the poppy fields.

• What Three Words: countries.tasks.different
• Google Maps

Polly Joke Car Park

• What Three Words: commented.hatter.screening
• Google Maps

The Bowgie Inn Car Park

• What Three Words: dices.furniture.boot
• Google Maps

Find Out More:

• National Trust: West Pentire
• iWalk Cornwall Walk: West Pentire
• BBC: Plea Not To Trample Poppies
• BBC: Crantock Poppy Fields Attract Visitors
• Youtube: Crantock Poppies by Duncan Scobie

By Jamie Turnbull