Two Tamara farming events have already taken place
Local farmers have had the chance to meet each other and find out more about the scheme and the support available
Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme
Earlier this year we announced the launch of the Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme - a 5-year partnership project which will help to protect and enhance the Tamar Valley, whilst improving the well-being and connection of local people to this special place through new events, training and volunteering. Since its launch, a number of farming events and pilot community events have taken place; new team members have been recruited; training opportunities have been developed and progress made on protecting heritage sites.
Farming and land management
Two Tamara farming events have already taken place giving local farmers the chance to meet each other and find out more about the scheme and support available - more events are in the pipeline. We have spoken to over 70 interested landowners, groups and individuals who have shown an interest in the Tamara Scheme and FiPL (Farming in Protected Landscapes programme) which provides grants to support projects relating to climate, nature, people and place. So far, eight FiPL applications have been approved which will provide funding towards creating small orchards; hedgerow planting and management; woodland management; stone bank restoration; fencing to protect watercourses; hedgerows and stone walls, and also improving access and interpretation on farms in the Tamar Valley.
Heritage
We have been working with Historic England on Conservation Management Plans and scrub clearance plans for 5 sites - Gunnislake Clitters Mine; New Consols Mine; Okel Tor Mine; Holmbush Mine and Tamar Canal Lock. These plans will prioritise and cost the actions needed to care for the sites, before planning the next stages. Local people can get involved through volunteering days.
We are also researching the best way to capture and tell the story of the Tamar Valley’s mining, forestry and market garden history. Local people can get involved through local history societies initially, such as Calstock Parish Archive and Bere Ferrers History Group. Later in the project (Autumn 2022) the team will be looking to recruit a storyteller to research local history and then feed it back to the community. The team will be working with parishes in the scheme area to ensure built heritage gets included in the Local Development Plans.
Accessible Tamar
A key feature of this project is the development of a footpath from Plymouth to Bude, the Coast to Coast footpath which it is hoped will open by Easter 2023. There will be a marker stone at the source of the Tamar, on the footpath just south of Bude. There is also a feasibility study on the possibility of reinstating the foot ferry at Calstock, and looking at the condition of quays between Cothele and just north of Morwellham.
Come, visit & stay awhile
Tamar Marketing is delivering this project which aims to enhance the existing gateway webpage at visittamarvalley.co.uk. The project will also deliver training for local businesses, a sustainable tourism charter, and recruit Valley Ambassador volunteers.
Celebrating Tamara
This is the scheme’s 5-year event programme which aims to get local people and visitors alike enjoying the special qualities of the valley and enhance access to nature. Events will be targeted at a range of ages with themes such as wildlife, local food, heritage and water-based activities. The event programme is already well underway - find out more at tamarvalley.org.uk/events. The AONB team also runs a free walks programme - find out more at tamarvalley.org.uk/explore/walking
Tamara trainees
This is a multi-discipline training programme, with short to long-term training providing opportunities to up-skill and empower individuals and help local communities by expanding knowledge, skills, capabilities and confidence, helping people to find employment in the Tamar Valley. Training opportunities will include environmental projects, local produce, heritage restoration and protection, and marine skills including boat building. The project offers training access for all groups, linking rural and urban populations in the Tamar Valley, and includes foundation/taster training, traineeships, internships and apprenticeships. Tailored financial and pastoral support is available, enabling anyone from any background and situation to participate. To find out more contact christopher.harris@cornwall.gov.uk
River Explorers
This project is being run in conjunction with West Country Rivers Trust who will be working with 10 schools across the valley during the 5 years, running teacher training and classroom sessions about water quality and freshwater invertebrates. This project also seeks to recruit local people for the Citizen Scientist Investigations Scheme wrt.org.uk/project/become-a-citizen-scientist - see ‘Getting Involved’.
Natural Connections
This project focuses on working with those who face barriers to connecting with nature and accessing the valley - such as lack of transport and mental and physical health barriers. It aims to improve people’s physical health and mental well-being by helping them to reconnect with nature and heritage and overcome social isolation. We’ll be partnering with link workers, the social prescribing network and other specialist organisations.
Getting involved
We need over 250 volunteers to support a host of innovative events, ranging from yoga for wellbeing, monitoring the water quality of the Tamar Valley to supporting school visits, helping create a brighter future for the Tamar Valley and its communities. Many volunteers already help to look after the Tamar Valley, but this new broader range of volunteering opportunities and events mean that everyone - children, young people and adults, can get involved with something fun, educational or enriching.
Currently the Tamara Scheme is recruiting:
- Citizen Scientists help to look after rivers in the Tamar Valley, their habitats and wildlife and the water resource by monitoring the river for issues. Full training will be given by the Westcountry Rivers Trust.
- Event Assistants will help run new large-scale festivals and BioBlitz’s, bat walks, film nights, winter talks, yoga sessions and more.
- Walk Leaders will lead walks designed to improve people’s physical and mental well-being. These events will take place in affiliation with Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership
To find out more contact Sammy on samantha.fraser@cornwall.gov.uk or 07522 709428.