Despite the unseasonal weather, the Tamar Valley AONB team gave Lord Gardiner of Kimble, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity, a warm welcome as he visited the area earlier today.
Lord Gardiner saw the Valley in all its glory this morning as he was driven through St Dominick and Bohetherick to see the stunning view across the river Tamar, then down towards the National Trust’s tranquil Cotehele Quay.
At Deer Park Farm, Luckett, Lord Gardiner met the AONB team and representatives from local organisations who work together to keep the Tamar Valley AONB special. Presentations on the Tamar Valley AONB Management Plan and key projects taking place in the protected landscape were given, highlighting the importance of collaborative working. Martin Howlett, farmer from Deer Park Farm and NFU representative, discussed with Lord Gardiner the challenges for farming in the Tamar Valley, the pioneering work on woodfuel from hedges and his close working relationship with the AONB team.
On the Devon bank, the tour continued to the Tamar Trails, Gulworthy, where 25km of tracks and trails were created as part of the £7million Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project. Lord Gardiner met representatives from Tamar Adventures, Tamar Community Trust and a range of volunteers who were busy maintaining the trails in preparation for summer visitors.
At the Tamar Valley Centre, Drakewalls, a locally produced lunch from Tamar Grow Local was enjoyed by Lord Gardiner, where he departed for an afternoon with Dartmoor National Park Authority colleagues.
Tamar Valley AONB Manager, Corinna Woodall, said, “It has been wonderful to showcase just some of the many activities and projects taking place in the Tamar Valley. Lord Gardiner has seen first hand the passion we all share for this beautiful landscape and the importance of continuing to conserve and enhance the Valley”.