Dying priest secures land as wide as 20 soccer fields, so kids can 'enjoy the walk' long after he's gone

Thanks to a dying gift from a local vicar, the National Trust could finally acquire a vast stretch of 13.66 hectares of land near Fowey in Cornwall for future generations. Reverend Anthony Mapplebeck, a priest who used to live nearby and loved walking the coastline, left money to the NT's Neptune Coastline Campaign, which was recently used to purchase and protect his most cherished place, according to The Delta News' March 25 report.

Alldays Field will continue to have public access, and according to the official report, the National Trust will aim to preserve its natural habitat. The location is surrounded by lands already under protection on three sides, and the fourth side opens to the sea. This makes the land even more special, as the organization is seeing it as a major opportunity to link different habitats and help nature thrive.

Historic places often suffer because of mismanagement or neglect. A UNESCO report found that while 168 (84.8%) World Heritage Sites are properly maintained, 29 (14.6%) sites are impacted, but actions are being taken for restoration. Moreover, it was revealed that one location is seriously impacted. It means that Alldays Field would have also suffered the same way if Revd. Mapplebeck hadn't left money for its recovery by the National Trust.

"By joining this land with what’s around it, we can look after the coast as a whole — supporting wildlife, keeping paths open, and making sure this landscape stays welcoming and alive for everyone who visits," explained Andy Simmons, National Trust Area Ranger for South East Cornwall. He also acknowledged Mapplebeck's contribution, adding, "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."

Revd. Mapplebeck, described as an "erudite and reserved" man, was born in Coulsdon in 1916 but later moved to Cornwall with his mother. He was a well-educated, diligent man. In fact, he had obtained his BA and MA from Cambridge in 1938 and 1942, respectively. Thereafter, Revd. Mapplebeck worked as a deacon in 1940 before becoming a priest in 1949. He also served as the incumbent at St. Peter’s Church in Mevagissey from 1955 until his retirement in 1981. Revd. Mapplebeck never married and lived a very ordinary life, caring for his elderly mother during her last days. Unfortunately, the priest passed away at the age of 78 in 1994, but his legacy lives on in the vast stretch of land he called his own. 

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