A hidden gem along the Devon and Cornwall border, the stunning Tamar Valley is a landscape at risk.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £2.3m to the Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme. The scheme will work with farmers, landowners and local communities on an ambitious project to provide a brighter future for the Tamar Valley and its inhabitants.

With match-funding commitments from other partners, the total to be invested across the Tamar Valley landscape over the next five years will be £3.2m. 

“We are delighted to support this ambitious project in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, helping to conserve and promote its unique landscape by working with local communities.”

Stuart McLeod, Director, London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Stuart McLeod, Director, London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to support this ambitious project in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, helping to conserve and promote its unique landscape by working with local communities.”

Empowering communities to conserve the environment

The scheme will work with local communities and train volunteers to carry out key conservation work. A series of courses, traineeships and apprenticeships will also be made available.  

Furthermore, farmers and land managers will collaborate to establish sustainable land and water management systems.  

In total: 

• 50 hectares of woodland will be restored
• 10 hectares of trees will be planted
• five new orchards will be created

As a consequence, climate resilience, natural flood management and connectivity of ecosystems will improve.  

Promoting wellbeing 

A targeted wellbeing programme will be implemented through a series of activity sessions that aim to improve mental and physical health. 

The scheme will partner with link workers, social prescribers and specialist organisations to deliver nature-focused activities for a wide range of participants, including people with additional needs, social care users, veterans, refugees and excluded young people. 

A citizen science programme about the river environment and how to care for it will be delivered involving local schools. 

Boosting the local economy

It is estimated that more than 200 local business will benefit from the scheme. Through the improvements, the Tamar Valley will further strengthen its position as a sustainable tourism destination, growing its potential to attract new investments.

A coast-to-coast walking route to link the South West Coastal Path and the Tamar Discovery Trail will be established, with some fully accessible trails. 

A programme of events will also be rolled out bringing rural and urban communities together.

Find out more

Since 1994 we have awarded over £3bn to more than 13,000 projects in London & South. To stay updated about this and other news of our London & South funding: 

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