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On 30th August 1995, the Valley was designated an AONB because it is;
- a rare valley and water landscape, based around an unspoilt estuary
- a landscape of high visual quality
- a unique wildlife resource
- a remarkable heritage
- a landscape of artistic and public appeal
AONBs are designated under the Countryside & Rights of Way Act (2000) (prior to this, the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949) to conserve and enhance natural beauty, whilst recognising the needs of the local community and economy.
The Tamar Valley Discovery Trail was launched in 1998, extending from Launceston to Plymouth. The following year, environmental enhancement projects began in Calstock, Callington, Gunnislake, Okel Tor and Clitters. £2.9million was attracted from a range of partners. This work was directed by Countryside Officers.
In 2000, a dedicated AONB Partnership and staff team were established, with Manager Tim Selman leading the delivery of the Management Plan that steered the work of the AONB team. In this year, the ferry service was re-established along the River Tamar from Calstock to Cotehele and crossing to Ferry Farm on the Devon bank.
Work began in 2001 on recording memories and researching the market gardening history of the Tamar Valley. Subsequently, a book with accompanying CD of voices from the market gardeners of the Tamar Valley was produced in 2004, entitled Sovereigns, Madams and Double Whites.
2002 saw the creation of the Tamar Valley Marketing Project, set up with help from the Phoenix Fund, following Foot & Mouth, to help establish the Tamar Valley Tourism Association (TAVATA – today with over 230 members) and Tamar WoodMeet.
The second Management Plan, directing the work to conserve and enhance the AONB between 2004 and 2009, was launched in 2004. In this year, an initial meeting was held by a small group of artists working in the Tamar Valley to discuss joint exhibitions and the promotion of art in the Valley. From this meeting, Drawn to the Valley emerged, today celebrating over 160 talented artists exhibiting regularly throughout the Valley and beyond, and displaying their work and techniques at the annual Open Studios event held in early September.
Working the Woods, a 3-year project aimed at making our woods more viable, also began in this year.
2005 was a big year in the Tamar Valley AONB’s short history; £7million was awarded from a variety of funders, including the Heritage Lottery Fund, for the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project, which would celebrate and conserve the rich mining history on the Devon bank of the Valley. Old mining features were made safe and consolidated, new tracks and trails were created making heritage sites accessible once again, significant survey work to aid habitat management and wildlife took place, plus much more. Visit the Tamar Trails Centre at Gulworthy to find out more.
The following year celebrated the East Cornwall Regeneration Project - £1.9million to safeguard the mining heritage in the Callington, Gunnislake and Cotehele area.
In this year, the Sustainable Development Fund was launched nationwide, encouraging AONB teams to award funding to local projects that help to deliver the aims of their Management Plans in keeping the area special. £90,000 was awarded to 21 successful projects in the Tamar Valley.
In 2008, AONB staff visited northern France to begin the development of a new ‘French connection’ with similar landscape organisations in the year. From this, the Cordiale project began, which recently provided funding to help establish Tamar Valley Food Hubs, through Tamar Grow Local. This initiative is delivering weekly produce to 127 people, supporting 46 local suppliers.
A permanent home for the AONB team was built in 2009. Prior to this, the team had rented space in portakabins at West Devon Borough Council, and more recently office space at Cotehele Quay. The purpose-built Tamar Valley Centre – a Zero Emission Development just 5 minutes’ walk from Gunnislake Train Station - offers exhibition space and a visitor orientation point, as well as office space for the AONB team, Calstock Parish Council and Calstock Parish Archive Trust. It was officially opened in July 2009 by HRH The Princess Royal.
The community archaeological dig was big news for 2011, as a Roman Fort was discovered in Calstock. The work was made possible through the Calstock Parish Heritage Project, £35,500 granted from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Last year, the team were successful in securing £126,400, mainly from HLF, for a two-year project to develop and support volunteers in the Valley. In its first year, Helping Hands for Heritage has engaged with over 440 people through its events and has built up over 2,300 volunteer hours. This equates to almost £19,000 worth of equivalent time.
I have been fortunate to be a part of the AONB team since 2003. For me, the reason for its success is the essential mix of a dedicated and passionate staff team, the sheer dedication and enthusiasm from the AONB Partnership and other supportive bodies and individuals, and our ever-loyal band of volunteers that venture out in all weathers to see the job through.
Charlotte Dancer, AONB
As a thank you to everyone who has been a part of the last 20 years in keeping the Tamar Valley special, the AONB are holding a special Tamar Trail Festival from 26th – 30th August, culminating in a day of celebration on the 30th August. Look out for FREE booklets in local outlets soon to book onto your favourite events and activities or visit www.tamarvalley.org.uk.