Penwith has a huge concentration of ancient sacred sites. The Penwith Pagan moot is committed to the care of these sites and supports CASPN (Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network) which organizes regular visits for the sensitive management of overgrown vegetation and the clearance of litter.

If you would like to help out on a site clearance please see the Dates Page for a list of planned clearances or contact Dave Munday For More details (see Contact Page).

Offerings at Sacred Sites 

If when visiting a sacred site you decide you would like to make an offering; please consider very carefully what it is you will be leaving behind. Small items from nature such as leaves and flowers may be suitable but even these things in large quantities are inappropriate especially as they begin to degrade and can look rather messy. A small libation is a good offering but again do not go over the top. Sea shells may seem like a pleasant enough offering but there is an old Cornish tradition that the fair folk cannot abide things from the sea! Non-biodegradable and manufactured items are a definite no. Unfortunately however these types of "offering" are now a common find at sacred sites. Perhaps the best offering you could make when visiting a sacred site is to clear away the rubbish left by other people? That is an offering sure to please the spirits of the place!

Fire at Sacred Sites

Many Pagans and Pagan groups regularly hold their ritual celebrations at Cornish sacred sites. Fire is a very traditional part of many Pagan rituals but this can cause great damage. Much care and thought is needed. Candles placed near stones can cause damage as the heat of the flame can harm ancient lichens and the stone itself is in danger of cracking if it gets heated up then cools again in the night air. Candles lit directly on top of stones is obviously dangerous for the stones and lichen and is also disrespectful (the stones are not giant candle holders!) Wax left behind at a site can linger for a long time if it is not cleared away by more responsible people and “tea light” holders are litter and can be dangerous for wildlife having sharp edges. If you must use candles during a ritual at a sacred site please make sure they are enclosed within a lantern, are kept away from the stones and are taken home after your ritual. Bonfires lit at sacred sites leave an ugly blackened mark on the ground which has to be re-turfed by those who care for the sites. Bonfires can also cause fires to catch and spread through gorse bushes which grow in abundance around most Cornish sacred sites. If you must have a bonfire please keep it small and have it contained within a fire dish or cauldron supported off the ground to avoid scorching and placed away from any stones.