The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB Winter 2012

Walkers complete Cordiale Project - Saltash Celtic first ever Discovery Update on trials Cross nears Trail Challenge Updates on four completion Volunteers raise important projects £550,000 project £2,500 for Air for the region almost ready for Ambulance Trust Pages 15-17 Christmas unveiling Page 4 Page 19

Wet and muddy, but exciting archaeology at Primary School © Tamar Valley AONB. Community dig unearths Bere Alston’s medieval roots

The incredible discovery of fragments medieval settlement, so we were eager to were also found. One test pit, in a garden of medieval pottery has shed new light take a closer look.” to the rear of Street, uncovered on the origins of the village of Bere a well-made cobbled yard surface where Alston. Pupils from Bere Alston Primary School nineteenth-century pottery sherds and and members of the local community iron-working waste was found. The In July 2012, archaeologists, schoolchildren excavated a total of ten test pits in various recording of this plot as ‘house and court’ in and volunteers took part in a community places throughout the village. Within the the 1845 Tithe survey suggests that this may dig to investigate the earliest settlement of agricultural soil they discovered fragments have been used as an agricultural yard. this village. of chert-tempered pottery, manufactured on the Blackdown Hills in , and The most remarkable discovery of the event Bere Alston was thought to be the first dating back to the 11th-12th century. was a single fragment probably dating back planned mining settlement in Britain, Remarkably, these sherds pre-date the to the Late Neolithic or Early established as a borough by the lord of the foundation of the Reginald de Ferrers’ – the earliest find from the parish. manor of , Reginald de Ferrers, borough at the end of the 13th century, some time between 1295 and 1305. and, therefore, provide strong evidence For a full report on the findings, please However, previous work by the University that there was indeed a pre-existing visit www.tamarvalley.org.uk (click on of ’s Department of Archaeology settlement and field system in Bere Alston. Projects, then Cordiale). n suggested this might not be the case. The project, organised by the Tamar Valley AONB and Head of the project, Dr Chris Smart A range of later medieval pottery from led by Dr Chris Smart, was funded through CORDIALE, explains, “our earlier analysis of the around 1200-1500, along with a vast selected under the European Cross-border Cooperation settlement pattern of the area suggested quantity of post-medieval artefacts, including Programme INTERREG IV A France (Channel) - , and co-funded by the ERDF. there may have been a pre-existing a rare early 17th-century clay pipe bowl The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

Welcome Like me, you no doubt feel that the As the pressure of decreasing budgets seasons seem to come around faster causes some concern to the team, we Cllr Neil Burden, Chair, and faster and summer this year has are not in the giving up mode and still Tamar Valley AONB evaded us, but let’s not get down engaging in many areas. Many of these Partnership hearted. projects and achievements you will find in the following pages. The Cordiale project Hope springs eternal and what a is delivering in a variety of areas, and with wonderful start to the autumn we had many AONB friends and volunteers with Contents when on 27 October, the opening day of their perpetual enthusiasm stimulating the Tamar Trail Festival, we witnessed a and encouraging us, we thank you all for Community dig unearths beautiful crisp invigorating sunny day. your invaluable support. Bere Alston’s medieval roots 1 It was so good to get out and soak up Chairman’s Welcome 2 Work begins on new Trails Centre 3 some of the wonderful environment we We will soon have to produce another Walkers complete first ever are so fortunate to be surrounded by. five year Management Plan. Our Discovery Trail Challenge 4 Partnership afternoon and evening on 28 Volunteer Trail Wardens wanted 5 As many of you already know, Rosemary November was our first get-together and Get involved in the Teverson retired earlier this year. a chance for you to share with the AONB Ancient Tree Hunt 5 We certainly miss her stabilising hand team your vision for the Valley and its Hard at work for the surrounding hinterland for the next five historic environment 6-7 and her knowledge and sound advice, Graft, Sow and Grow in 2013 8 so much sought and appreciated by years and beyond. If you were unable to Bees in The Valley 9 Partners and staff. Rosemary has left attend this event, please communicate Community shop wins Royal award 9 a gap that will take some getting used with us, as all suggestions and ideas will Tamar Grow Local Seed to, but we still wish her well in her be considered. A number of consultation Saving and Exchange 10 retirement. I know that her advice is still events will be arranged soon, where you Events Calendar: being sought and graciously shared. One will have further opportunities to tell us December 2012 – March 2013 11-13 Keeping the Valley special 14 of those red letter days for me was when your thoughts. Cordiale project – we had the Heritage Lottery Fund visit update on trials… 15-17 for the Mining Heritage Project some Please take a few moments to Bridge is jewel in the crown years back. The knowledge shared, the occasionally stand and stare at the of cycle network 18 language of assurance that the HLF team wonder of this creation - our amazing Saltash Celtic Cross nears completion 19 wanted to hear came from Rosemary – landscape - on your very doorstep. Cotehele’s 60 foot Garland a memorable performance, and a most triumphs a year of bad weather 20 Work continues apace at sincere thank you from us all. As ever, the Walled Gardens at Maristow 20 Charcoal at Buckland Abbey, Garden and Estate 21 Bridge Gallery set for a new season 21 Cotehele’s Shamrock recognised for excellence 22 More from us... New Post Office service open in Bere Ferrers 22 more for you... Tamar Community Trust update 22 Sign up to receive monthly e-bulletins from Eating out in the Tamar Valley 23 the Tamar Valley AONB – a great way to Join the Great South West Walk 23 keep up-to-date with progress of projects University volunteer and calls for volunteers in between issues wins National award 24 of The Valley newsletter. Please visit Perfect gifts 24 www.tamarvalley.org.uk and click on Produced by Tamar Valley AONB – 01822 835030 ‘News’ to sign up Charlotte Dancer, [email protected] Editorial Support: Tracey Eustice Cllr Neil Burden Design: PED - Paul Eustice Design, Camborne Follow us: TVAONB Chair, Tamar Valley AONB Partnership Print: Pepper Communications Ltd, Plymouth This newsletter has been printed on 100% recycled paper. @TVAONB Please pass this newsletter on to a friend before recycling.

2 www.tamarvalley.org.uk The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

From left to right: Tish Valva (Tamar Valley AONB), Nils Westman (Architect, Studio OK of ), Jane Musgrave (Mayoress), Robert Plumb (West Devon Borough Council), Robin Musgrave (Councillor and Mayor of West Devon), Neil Burden (Chair of AONB Partnership), Barry Gamble (TVMHP), Corinna Woodall (Manager Tamar Valley AONB), Dave Readman (Tamar Community Trust). Work begins on new Trails Centre The Mayor of West Devon, Cllr Robin Musgrave made the first cut of turf on 27th September at a ground-breaking ceremony, marking the start of work on a new Centre for the Tamar Valley.

The Tamar Trails Centre, Gulworthy, Funding has been provided by West near will become the main hub Devon Borough Council, the Heritage for walkers, cyclists and horse riders to Lottery Fund, and explore the 25km of trails that follow old “Discover the Extraordinary” Rural mineral tramways and railways around Development Programme for England. the former mining landscape, part of the World Heritage Site. Tim Selman, former manager of the Tamar Valley AONB, commented: “We are Speaking at the ceremony, Cllr Musgrave delighted that work on the new Tamar said: “The Centre will help to attract Trails Centre has begun. It will bring huge more people to this truly captivating benefits to the local community and area, where you can take a journey back visitors, in terms of access and use. “We’ve in time to West Devon’s mining past or invested a considerable amount of money enjoy some of the most precious wildlife in the local landscape, and we hope the habitats in the country.” Tamar Valley can take advantage of the new opportunities this brings.” The new Tamar Trails Centre will house an interpretation and education facility, The existing building, which is run by a small café and family friendly facilities, TreeSurfers, a local business offering including an outdoor play area. adventure activities, will be refurbished and extended. It is expected to open in A joint project between West Devon spring 2013. Celebrations for the end of Borough Council and Tamar Valley the Mining Heritage Project are planned AONB, the redevelopment will cost for Thursday 28th March. More details £200,000. coming soon. n www.tamarvalley.org.uk 3 The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

Walkers and volunteers work together on a Congratulations to all walkers who took part in, and successful day which raised approximately completed, our very first Tamar Valley Discovery Trail £2,500 for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust Challenge during the summer. The day was a brilliant © Tamar Valley AONB success and most managed to finish the day blister free. Walkers complete first ever Discovery Trail Challenge

Many people frequently enjoy walking A big thank you, too, to Mike Hooton sections of the Tamar Valley Discovery for ferrying the walkers across the river Trail, but back in July we set the at so they could continue along challenge of completing the whole of our their way. flagship recreational trail, one of the most varied and rewarding routes in the South Walker Mark Fenlon praised Tamar Next Year’s Challenge West. Valley AONB staff and volunteers for making the Challenge such a success and We are looking to repeat the The fastest walkers completed the walk encouraged others to explore the Trail. Discovery Trail Challenge again next from Tamerton Foliot to Lifton in ten and “The scenery and history along the Trail year and the date for your diary is the final walker crossed the finishing line is absolutely wonderful and is well worth 1 June 2013. If you would like to take three hours later; a marathon effort by a visit.” part, applications open in January. everyone that raised approximately £2,500 Please contact Becki Lumbis for more for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust. Extra links to the Discovery Trail are now information e: rlumbis@tamarvalley. open to walkers - The and Lifton org.uk t: 01822 835030. Ruth Charlton and Christine Poole were Link. Kit Hill is an iconic site for the Tamar two of only twenty walkers who completed Valley; its trademark chimneystack We are also looking for nominations of the whole route. They said: “Many on the summit is visible from most parts local charities within the Tamar Valley thanks to all our sponsors who inspired us of the area and is the highest point, at who could benefit next year. Please to keep walking even when the going was 333m above sea level, in the AONB. The contact Becki (details above) tough.” Lifton Link is a waymarked route from for a nomination form. The deadline Milton Abbot to Lifton through stunning for nominations is midnight on Volunteers gave up their Saturday to help countryside in the north of the AONB, 31 January 2013. check in and keep track of our walkers, to linking up with the Two Castles Trail from make the Discovery Trail Challenge a Okehampton to Launceston. In the future The Discovery Walks guide is currently success. Our thanks also to Ginsters for we hope to add even more routes to this being reviewed. Look out for a fresh, the pasties, and Pure Water for Trail, allowing for more circular walks. new, updated version in the New Year! the water supplied at points along the Find out more about this walk at www. Trail. tamarvalley.org.uk n

4 www.tamarvalley.org.uk The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB Volunteers with a passion for the countryside and a penchant for getting involved are needed to form a tribe of Trail Makers in the Tamar Valley AONB. Volunteer trail wardens wanted

The Trail Makers Warden Scheme gives with extensions to Kit Hill and Lifton, and volunteering can help encourage staff to people the chance to help protect, the Tamar Trails which is 10 miles of work together more effectively as well enhance and conserve the Tamar Valley’s off-road walking and multi-use routes as help improve the company’s image environment. encompassing the mining sites near through its corporate social responsibility, . and several companies have embarked on From hands-on tasks like path clearing, to small projects within the Valley. simply monitoring paths or getting involved Mr Readman said: “These are wonderful with activities and fund raising, Trail Makers stretches of countryside. We find that “It’s been a tremendous experience for will make a difference to the AONB and its once people get involved, they realise the companies which have got involved future. volunteering is not just about giving up and has made a big difference, from their time. It’s also very much about clearing out picnic areas, to making safe The Tamar Valley’s walks co-ordinator, enjoying the experience. some paths,” said Mr Readman. Dave Readman, said: “Primarily we need people who can spare a few hours each “It can bring about personal fulfilment If this sounds like something you would month walking a section of the trail and and add a whole new dimension to your like to get involved with, or would like monitoring its condition.” social life and give you an opportunity to further information, please contact use unknown skills and talents.” Dave Readman, Walks Coordinator, The routes in question are the AONB’s t: 01822 835030, flagship trail – the Tamar Valley Volunteers can sign up as a group, with e: [email protected] n Discovery Trail - which stretches about 40 friends or work colleagues, or on their miles from Tamerton Foliot to Launceston own. From an employer’s perspective, Get involved in the Ancient Tree Hunt A pioneering project to record the country’s ancient and most significant trees is appealing for more people to get involved.

The Ancient Tree Hunt, organised by the Armed with notebook and tape measure, Woodland Trust, discovers, records and it is easy and enjoyable to measure and maps ancient, veteran and notable trees record any special trees you come across across the UK. on your walks. You can then put your own discoveries on the Ancient Tree Hunt The Cornwall Ancient Tree Forum has website. Cotehele sweet chestnut, © Tim Kellett been recording trees in the county for the past four years, but there is still more Pentillie Estate has already hosted • When you hover over a tree symbol to discover. So, if you enjoy walking, and successful recording visits, and you can see information appears. love trees, you may like to help. a number of their great trees on the ancient • Click on the tree number to see the tree hunt website. data and view photos. The CATF are looking for more people to • Don’t forget - you can click full screen get involved, and if there is enough If you would like to search out any trees for the bigger map, zoom in and scroll interest, training sessions at Pentillie follow these steps: around the county. Estate will be offered. • Go to the website • If you want to see more, go to the maps www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk menu and see aerial photos, OS or even The oldest tree discovered in Cornwall is • Click on the interactive map - historic maps of the same area. the Darley Oak near Upton Cross, which is eg south west. around 900 years old. Many of these fine • On the “explore” drop down menu If you are interested in recording old trees have been around longer than you can tick ancient, veteran, notable trees, please contact your local our historic houses and some are and unverified trees to view them on tree warden: historically important in their own right. the map. [email protected] www.tamarvalley.org.uk 5 The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

Hard at work for the historic environment All landscapes contain an historical record, however the Tamar Valley AONB possesses a particularly significant and now internationally important cultural landscape.

Historic Environment Project Officer for on our website and also used at an Historic Landscape Analysis the AONB team, Sam Barnes, highlights exhibition showcasing the Calstock To record and understand the wider the work she is involved with and how project, programmed for the New Year. historic landscape of Devon and Cornwall, you can help. Historic Landscape Characterisation of Dr Chris Smart from the University of both counties has been undertaken over Calstock Parish Exeter, who co-ordinated the community the past decade. A more focused excavations on Church Hill, has produced landscape assessment of the Tamar Valley Heritage Project a report of findings from the dig available AONB was recently completed as part of at www.tamarvalley.org.uk (click on the Cordiale project. Supported by money from the Heritage Projects, then Calstock Parish Heritage Lottery Fund, the Calstock Parish Heritage Project). Focusing in even further, the University of Project has organised a number of events Exeter have recently completed an and activities exploring the rich heritage of Historic Routeways Project historic landscape analysis of Calstock the local area. The Tamar Valley AONB team, Calstock Parish, examining the data from these Parish Archive and Calstock Footpath earlier reports and enhancing it with Calstock Roman Fort Society have teamed up for one of the further research. An interpretation board to be installed at final projects in the Calstock Parish the site of the Roman Fort in Calstock is Heritage Project. A group of volunteers, We hope to use this analysis beyond the currently being designed. The board will mainly footpath wardens, are using the Calstock Parish Heritage Project, which tell the story of the archaeological resources available at the Archive to ends in December 2012. We will also add excavations and the discovery of the research the history of the public rights of this information to our online Interactive occupation history of the site from the way and permissive paths across Calstock Map. The report can be viewed at www. Early Bronze Age to medieval times. parish. Walking the routes themselves and tamarvalley.org.uk. A booklet to accompany this is also being recording any interesting features, they produced and will be available from the will then be thinking about the condition Calstock Parish Heritage Tamar Valley Centre. of the paths, how to manage them in Project exhibition future and any potential threats. An exhibition will draw together A series of short films were taken at the The information the volunteers discover everything that has been delivered as part community dig in October last year and will then be added to our Interactive Map of the project. these will be edited together to create an (heritage.tamarvalley.org.uk). informative film. The film will be available

6 www.tamarvalley.org.uk The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

Limekilns Canter along Lower Kelly on the way into Twenty-four walkers joined Sam Barnes Calstock, learning about the limeburning and local resident Stephen Docksey on process and technicalities of the lime a 6 mile ‘canter’ from Cotehele Quay to cycle. Resting at Calstock for a leisurely Gunnislake Newbridge on 22 September, lunch and discussion, the group then discovering the background history, continued past Okel Tor, up to Calstock practice and purpose of the limekilns of church and along the lanes before Calstock Parish. dropping down to Netstakes.

Starting in brilliant sunshine at the Quay, Why not try the walk yourself? It is all on walkers learnt about how limestone was public rights of way and minor roads, brought up the Tamar from quarries in and would be a lovely way to experience Plymouth, and stopped at each limekiln the changing of the Tamar Valley season.

(Above) In-depth plant identification © Tamar Valley AONB, (Inset) A rainbow cast Interactive Maps above the Calstock excavation works © C Smart. Walkers, Limekilns Canter, September 2012 © Tamar Valley AONB Since 2010, there have been 10 training days and events, with around 80 people taking part, plus several research projects Drawing on the success and lessons learned from our Calstock Interactive Heritage and our online Interactive Map – what Map, through the Cordiale project, we are planning to launch three further maps for an achievement! Thank you to everyone the remaining Cordiale parishes – St Dominick, Buckland Monachorum and Bere who has taken part, for their support and Ferrers. enthusiasm. Like the Calstock map, we will invite you to add information about the places you The exhibition will be launched at the value throughout the Tamar Valley. And don’t forget that the Calstock map has its Tamar Valley Centre on 8th January, and own Twitter feed @CalstockMap; discover more about the hidden - and not so will hopefully run until the end of the hidden - historic gems of the parish! month. It will then tour various public venues throughout the year. A full round-up of the latest activity from the Cordiale project can be found on pages 15-17. If you took part in an event we’d like your feedback. What event(s) did you take part More Information in? What did you do? Where did you go? Check our website, sign up for our ebulletin, and keep an eye on our Facebook What did you get out of it? Has it inspired page and Twitter feed to find out more about these projects and events… you to take part in similar AONB activities? and more. If you are interested in getting involved in any of our historic Would you like the AONB to organise environment projects, please contact Sam Barnes (Historic Environment Project n similar activities? Officer) on 01822 835032 or [email protected].

www.tamarvalley.org.uk 7 The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

In March, the second ‘Graft, Sow and Grow’ extravaganza will be held. The two-day event, a collaboration between Tamar Grow Local and National Trust Cotehele, will run from 11am to 4pm on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 March at Cotehele Quay. The event is held at the perfect time of year for grafting apple trees, preparing for the new season of beekeeping and getting fired up for the coming growing season as spring begins. Graft, Sow and Grow in 2013

Grafting workshops will be running Local produce: plant sales, compost, a Tamar Grow Local is a ‘not for profit’ throughout the day and for £5 you can seed swap, garden tools, willow weaving, Community Interest Company set up on graft your own Tamar Valley traditional and local food are all in the market area. co-operative principles for the benefit of variety apple tree to take home. Last the community. Established six years ago year’s event was a great success and 170 Beekeeping: This year the local group to create and manage the allotment site new apple trees were grafted and taken of Cornwall Beekeepers’ Association is at Calstock, the company is an umbrella home by members of the public. If you’re organising a whole marquee dedicated organisation for all sorts of local produce looking for graft material, then there will to beekeeping in the Valley, with projects, including orchards, vegetable be rootstock and scions for sale (roostock information on getting started, courses growing, livestock co-operatives, bee- £2 and scions £1) and, if these don’t mean available, and equipment sales from local keeping and honey production, farmers anything to you, there will be experts on suppliers. There might even be some markets and events, community hand to explain all! honey for sale too! supported agriculture, low-carbon distribution, and of course allotments. Seed swap: Bring your open pollinated Guest speakers in the Tamar Grow Local saved seed and swap with others to stock yurt - full line up for both days is available Tamar Grow Local will be putting on a up for the season. If you’ve not saved any on the Tamar Grow Local website: number of large events, and farmers of your own seed, then come and take www.tamargrowlocal.org n markets this year. Check their website some of the seed swap seed stock in www.tamargrowlocal.org for details of return for a small donation (suggested projects, events and markets that are 50p) - and save some of the seed for next happening near you. year. See page 10 for more on seed saving and exchange.

8 www.tamarvalley.org.uk The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

Bees in The Valley Want to keep bees? Tamar Valley Honey Co-operative Last year the weather made things very difficult for both honey bees, and the beekeepers that look after The Tamar Valley Honey Co-operative them. You can support our honey was founded in 2011. It is a not-for- bee population by buying local profit co-operative initiated by bee- honey where possible, or by keepers for beekeepers primarily, but keeping bees yourself. If you are not exclusively, in the Tamar Valley interested in keeping bees, Tamar (Devon & Cornwall). Grow Local runs a three-day beekeeping course (£75 for the The co-operative has created a regional Students get to grips with a hive on the whole course) taught by brand for Tamar Valley Honey and gives Beekeeping Course © Tamar Grow Local experienced beekeepers in the small-scale beekeepers access to new Tamar Valley and with hands-on markets for honey and bee-related co-operative to buy all the necessary practical beekeeping from day one. products. Members also benefit from equipment for honey extraction and All protective clothing is provided. discounts on materials through bulk bottling. Later this year when honey is The next course dates are 13, 20 purchasing, and can sell their honey harvested, Tamar Grow Local will be able and 27 April. For more information through the honey co-op if their hives to provide a central honey extraction regarding the beekeeping course, are in the Tamar Valley. facility to make the whole process or the Tamar Valley Honey quicker and more convenient, to make Co-operative, contact The Honey Co-op has recently been purchasing sundries cheaper for small [email protected] awarded a grant from BIG Lottery scale beekeepers, and beekeepers’ ‘awards for all’, which will allow the kitchens less sticky at harvest time! n

From left to right, Mike Grimshaw, Mavis Burchall, Frances Gorringe, Cherry Stratton, Lesley Smith, Angela Hooper, Pearl Dawe and Lord Lieutenant of Devon.

Volunteers at the Bere Ferrers Community Shop and Café are celebrating after receiving the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Community shop wins Royal award

Featured in the last issue of The Equivalent to an MBE, the award is The Steering Committee would like to Valley, the shop has been a huge particularly prestigious as it was awarded take this opportunity to thank all the success, dutifully serving the village for in the year of the Queen’s Diamond volunteers for caring enough about the the past six years, selling a wide range Jubilee. The shop also received a village and making the shop and café of food, produce and crafts. A regular certificate signed by Her Majesty and is such a success. meeting place for many people, the now entitled to use the special logo on shop also serves as a lifeline for others. stationery and promotional material. All profits from the shop and café are ploughed back into the village, In recognition of the important role it But, of course, none of this would have helping to fund projects ranging from plays in the community, the shop was been possible without the dedication and the Theatre Lighting Project to presented with the top honour by the commitment of the teams of volunteers providing life jackets for the junior Lord Lieutenant of Devon at a special aged from 21 to 90+ who regularly give team of the Tavy and Tamar Gig ceremony in Exeter in July. their time in the kitchen, making cakes or Club. taking orders. www.tamarvalley.org.uk 9 The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

Did you know?

• We rely on only 12 plant species for 75% of our food and just three crops - rice, wheat and maize - for half the world’s food. • Over 1,500 local varieties of rice have been lost in Indonesia alone. • There are now 4,000 less varieties of potato currently being cultivated. • 96% of UK varieties of vegetable available in 1903 are now extinct according to Garden Organic. • The ten biggest seed companies supply half of the world’s seed supplies and are often closely allied to the chemical companies

Tamar Grow Local Seed Saving and Exchange When we sit by the fire on a winter’s minded people. Many crops are • To prevent varieties of plants evening reading our seed catalogue and extremely easy and obvious to save seed disappearing (genetic erosion) and dreaming of next year’s growing season, from for example salad rocket, calendula, protect the power to choose the food it’s all too easy to imagine that we have peas and beans, while other crops are on our table (food sovereignty). more choice than ever before. In reality, more involved. Some plants like parsnip, the gene pool of our food crops is carrot, parsley and broccoli need to grow How you can get involved becoming dangerously reduced, for a second season to complete their Based around the Calstock allotments threatening our food security. life cycle. The seed savers’ bible is “Back run by Tamar Grow Local, we are in the Garden Seed Saving” by Sue Stickland, process of establishing a seed exchange. Under European law, we are no longer covering general theory and many We aim to save seed from crops that are allowed to sell our own seed; only listed different crops. adapted and successful in our own region seed can be sold, involving costly - the Tamar Valley. registration, certification and monitoring. Why save seed? Commercial seed is bred for uniformity, to • Because people have always done it. If you would like to be included and ripen at the same time, to be strong enough • To save money. contribute to the effort, please email: to survive mechanical harvesting and • To preserve a link with the past. [email protected]. We will have transport to the supermarkets, and to look • To assure a supply of seed that is no a stand at the Cotehele “Graft, Sow and similar, so it is acceptable to the average longer available to buy. Grow” event in March 2013 next to the shopper. • To make a stand against the big seed Tamar Grow Local stall. We cannot sell our companies. For us this is a choice, but seed but we can exchange them or accept So, what can we do? to many subsistence farmers in a small donation. We can grow crops, save the seeds and developing countries it is a matter of then exchange them with other like- life or death.

10 www.tamarvalley.org.uk Events Winter 2012/13 Encouraging you to Explore and Discover your AONB

About the events

Dress for the weather Here’s a selection of guided prepared for the weather! Bring a drink Information: Dave Readman, tel: Layers are often best in our walks and events for you and snack for the rest stop. 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- [email protected] changeable climate. Wear stout to enjoy throughout the Meet: Calstock Quay bus stop. shoes or boots. Field guides and Information: Dave Readman, tel: binoculars are always useful, but Tamar Valley. New events 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- 22nd, Saturday, 11:00am not essential. and guided walks are being [email protected] Let’s Wassail added all the time to our Get out your bright clothes, dig out Children Events Calendar on-line. Visit 15th, Saturday, 10:00am your loud instruments and come and help us scare away the evil spirits in the We welcome and encourage www.tamarvalley.org.uk and Walk in the Woods children at most events, but they 5-mile walk around the woods on the Cotehele Orchards. follow the link for your up-to- Cost: normal admission charges apply must be accompanied by an Cotehele Estate, finishing with lunch date guide. (optional) and a visit to see the famous Information: tel: 01579 351346 or adult who will be responsible for Garland. email: [email protected] them. Cost: normal admission charges apply DECEMBER Booking: essential, tel: 01579 351346 24th, Monday, 10:30am – 12:00 noon Access or email: [email protected] Saltash Walk & Talk - Wacker Quay Most events are accessible for 10th, Monday, 10:30am – 12:00 noon to Antony village any reasonably active person, but Saltash Walk & Talk - Forder Creek to 17th, Monday, 10:30am – 1:30pm A guided walk along the scenic Lynher unfortunately many are not suit- Churchtown Saltash Walk & Talk Plus: Rivers, river using the new trail completed able for pushchairs or wheelchairs. A walk from Forder to Churchtown Railways and Castles by local volunteers on the old military Please always check beforehand if along the creekside to the lower fields A longer walk along creeks to Antony railway and Abbottscourt Lane. Bring you are unsure. of the Reserve and back to Passage, Shillingham and Wiveliscombe change for refreshment break at the St Stephens. before returning past Trematon Castle. Ring o’Bells in Antony before return. Booking Notes: Please wear comfortable Notes: Please wear comfortable Notes: Please wear comfortable It is essential to book in advance clothing, sturdy footwear, and be clothing, sturdy footwear, and be clothing, sturdy footwear, and be where stated. prepared for the weather! Bring a drink prepared for the weather! Bring lunch prepared for the weather! and snack for the rest stop. and drink. Meet: Wacker Quay car park on the Cost Meet: outside St Stephen’s Church, Meet: outside St Stephen’s Church, A374 between Antony and Sheviock, Unless a cost is stated, all events Saltash (No. 1 bus from Plymouth). Saltash (No. 1 bus from Plymouth) Torpoint. (SX 390552) Information: Dave Readman, tel: are free of charge, although Information: Dave Readman, tel: Information: Dave Readman, tel: 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- donations would be appreciated. 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Dogs 12th, Wednesday, 17th, Monday, 10:00am – 3:30pm JANUARY 2013 Please check with the organiser 10:30am – 1:30pm approx Practical Conservation Day at to find out if dogs are allowed, Avocet and Spoonbill Cruises Kit Hill Quarry 2nd, Wednesday, 10:30am – 11:30am and if they need to be kept on 3-hour cruise on rivers Tamar and Clearing vegetation from around some Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - Kit Hill a lead. Lynher with a full commentary by Bruce of the remains of the granite quarry Huge views across the Tamar Valley! Taggart. Improve your bird identification works and associated incline railway. And Louis’ Tea Rooms after for a Map References skills and learn about the ecology of Also Volunteers’ Christmas Party - cuppa and chat. These refer to OS Explorer maps the river. mince pies for everyone, silly Christmas Meet: Kit Hill lower car park (PL17 8AX). nos 108 (Tamar Valley and Cost: Adults £15.00, Children £7.00 hat required! Information: Dave Readman, tel: Plymouth) or 112 (Launceston (minimum age 8 years). Notes: Wear strong footwear and work 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- and ). Bookings are non-refundable and non- clothes. Bring waterproofs, lunch and [email protected] transferable unless cancellation by the drink. There will be extra snacks and hot Transport operator. drinks. Dogs on leads welcome. 4th, Friday, 7:30pm Please help to ease the Notes: please wear warm clothing and Meet: North View car park Kit Hill (on Friends of Tamar Valley Talk – burden of traffic on the narrow suitable footwear. Bring binoculars and right of road to summit) SX377715 Tom Greeves country lanes. Some events are a camera. Information: clemarchant@cormacltd. Tom Greeves will talk about the time Meet: Saltash Town Quay, under specifically timed to connect with co.uk, 01579 370030 (Chrissie Le when Tavistock Abbey was leased to Tamar Bridge existing churches and chapels on the the scenic and Marchant, Kit Hill Country Park) Booking: essential, early booking Isles of Scilly in AD 1120. This talk connecting buses. Otherwise, advisable. tel: 01752 829163, email 19th, Wednesday, explores the archaeological and please try to share cars as much [email protected]. 10:30am – 12:00 noon historical evidence for Christianity on as possible. Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - the islands before that date. 12th, Wednesday, 10:30am – 1:00pm Old Kelly Lane Venue: Tamar Valley Centre, Persons who participate in events do Tamar Valley Walk & Talk Special: A walk along bridleways and quiet , nr Gunnislake. so at their own risk. Neither the Tamar Calstock Circular History Walk lanes down to Calstock for a mince pie Cost: Friends of the Tamar Valley Valley AONB team, other organisers, Guided walk on footpaths, quiet get-together, before catching train or welcome all non-members, at a cost nor landowners shall be liable for any lanes and bridleways taking in the rich bus back. of £2.00 death, loss or damage sustained. history of Calstock with the AONB’s Notes: Please wear comfortable Information: tel: 01822 834964, Participation in events is at the Project Officer. One steep slope up clothing, sturdy footwear, and be Jane Kiely discretion of the leader. but views of the Tamar both ways. prepared for the weather! Bring a drink No responsibility can be taken for Notes: Please wear comfortable and snack for the rest stop. inaccurate information in this newsletter. clothing, sturdy footwear, and be Meet: Gunnislake Station. www.tamarvalley.org.uk 11 7th, Monday, 10:30am – 12:00 noon 17th, Thursday, 10:30am – 3:30pm Meet: Calstock quay bus stop Saltash Walk & Talk - Latchbrook Warleigh Point Volunteer Day FEBRUARY 2013 (PL18 9QA). Walk by the peaceful, wooded Lots of coppicing to be done this Information: Dave Readman, tel: Latchbrook Leat to Forder and back. winter! 1st, Friday, 7:30pm 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- Meet: Ploughboy Inn, Liskeard Road, Notes: all tools and training provided. Friends of Tamar Valley Talk – [email protected] Saltash , PL18 4HG Tea, coffee and biscuits also provided. Peter Kent Information: Dave Readman, tel: People staying the whole day should Peter Kent from Cornwall Wildlife 19th – 21st, Tuesday - Thursday 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- bring a packed lunch. Trust will talk on the East Cornwall Feed the Birds [email protected] Meet: Warleigh Point Nature Reserve Wildlife Reserves which are right on Join the team at Buckland Abbey, entrance, nr Tamerton Foliot, SX 450 our doorstep. Garden & Estate in cooking up a New 9th, Wednesday, 10:30am – 12:30pm 608 Venue: Tamar Valley Centre, Year feast for our feathered friends Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - Information: Jackie Gage, tel: 01647 Drakewalls, nr Gunnislake. and make your own bird feeder to take Chimney Rock 253121, email: jgage@devonwild- Cost: Friends of the Tamar Valley home. Take the disused Morwellham Railway, lifetrust.org welcome all non-members, at a cost Cost: normal admission charges apply part of the Tamar Trails, to the out- of £2.00 Information: tel: 01822 853607, email: standing view point of Chimney Rock. 19th, Saturday, 7:00pm Information: tel: 01822 834964, [email protected] Meet: Gunnislake station for lift share, Wassail at Buckland Abbey Jane Kiely 10.15am, or Bedford Sawmills pay and Enjoy pork and apple hot dogs, cider 20th, Wednesday, 10:00am – 3:30pm display car park (PL19 8JE). (both for sale on the evening) and 4th, Monday, 10:30am – 12:30pm Volunteer Practical Task, Stockwork Information: Dave Readman, tel: possibly some Morris Dancing too in Saltash Walk & Talk Plus: Quarries on Kit Hill 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- our traditional ceremony, held in our Latchbrook, Trematon, Longlands Clearing vegetation and small trees [email protected] orchard around a bonfire. A longer walk on footpaths to from the Stockwork Quarries on the Information: tel: 01822 853607, email: historic Trematon, the high point west side of Kit Hill, to help keep them 14th, Monday, 10:30am – 12:00noon [email protected] of Longlands and back beside the accessible and preserved. Saltash Walk & Talk - Antony Passage peaceful, wooded Latchbrook Leat. Notes: Wear strong footwear and Walk alongside Forder Lake from 21st, Monday, 11:00am Meet: Ploughboy Inn, Liskeard Road, work clothes. Bring waterproofs lunch Forder village to Antony Passage and Saltash Walk & Talk - St Germans Saltash (PL18 4HG) and drink. There will be a hot drink at return. Optional extra walk up steps Extensive views of the Lynher and Information: Dave Readman, tel: end of session. through woods on return. Tiddy as we walk down to the quay 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- Meet: End of track to “old Crumbly” Meet: Outside St Stephen’s Church, and back, with optional longer steeper [email protected] on road to Kit Hill summit SX 375715 Saltash, PL12 4AP. No 1 bus from route to the hilltop above. Return to Information: clemarchant@cormacltd. Plymouth. station for 12.26 or 13.24 return train. 6th, Wednesday, co.uk, 01579 370030 (Chrissie Le Information: Dave Readman, tel: Meet: St Germans Station, PL12 10:30am – 12:00 noon Marchant, Kit Hill Country Park) 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- 5LU 11.00am. Take 10.42 train from Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - Devon [email protected] Plymouth. Great Consols Mine 20th, Wednesday, Information: Dave Readman, tel: Follow the Tamar Trails network on a 10:30am – 12:00 noon 15th, Tuesday, 10:30am 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- circular walk past mines in the woods Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - Tamar Apple Tree Pruning Workshop [email protected] with extensive views. Valley Discovery Trail and Royal Deer An introduction to pruning apple trees Meet: Gunnislake station for lift share, Park Farm Along old bridleways and with hands-on experience from Cote- 23rd, Wedneday, 10:30am – 11:15am 10.15am, or Bedford Sawmills pay and forest tracks to Old Mill and circle back hele’s Orchard Officer Chris Groves. Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - Tamar display car park (PL19 8JE). through historic Deer Park Farm Tools are provided. Valley Discovery Trail at Calstock Information: Dave Readman, tel: Meet: Luckett village car park, Cost: £10 Easy walk by the river, with optional loop 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- (PL17 8NJ). Booking: essential, tel: 01579 351346 to the old mine workings at Okel Tor [email protected] Information: Dave Readman, tel: or email: [email protected] Meet: Calstock Station platform 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- (PL18 9QY). 9th, Saturday, [email protected] 16th, Wednesday, Information: Dave Readman, tel: 11.15am – 2:15pm approx 10:30am – 12:30pm 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- Avocet and Spoonbill Cruises 21st, Thursday, 10:30am – 3:30pm Tamar Valley Walk & Talk Plus: Bere [email protected] (See notes for December 12th) Warleigh Point Volunteer Day Alston to Ferry Farm (See notes for January 17th) Through the woods and beside the 28th, Monday, 10:30am – 12:00 noon 11th, Monday, river, with views across the Tamar to Saltash Walk & Talk - Churchtown Farm 10:30am – 12:00 noon 22nd – 24th, Friday - Sunday Calstock. Bring a drink. Explore the local and natural history of the Saltash Walk & Talk - Coombe Park Greenfingers at Buckland Abbey Meet: Bere Alston Station (PL20 7EP) area while walking the fields and paths of Walk up the wooded Coombe Park, Collect your Greenfingers log book Information: Dave Readman, tel: Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve. fine views across to Plymouth at the and start growing. Over the year we’ll 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- Meet: Outside St Stephen’s Church, top and as we complete the circuit grow flowers, vegetables and fruit for [email protected] Saltash. No 1 bus from Plymouth back down by Wearde. you to take home and enjoy. Information: Dave Readman, tel: Meet: The Coombe, bottom end of Cost: Normal admission charges apply 17th, Thursday, 10:30am 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- Coombe Road, Saltash, PL12 4EU. Information: tel: 01822 853607, email: Apple Tree Pruning Workshop [email protected] No 1 bus from Plymouth and walk [email protected] An introduction to pruning apple trees from Fore St with hands-on experience from Cote- 30th, Wednesday, Information: Dave Readman, tel: 24th, Sunday, 9:30am – 12:00 noon hele’s Orchard Officer Chris Groves. 10:30am – 12:00 noon 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- Take Wonderful Winter Photos Tools are provided. Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - [email protected] Come and learn how to get more from Cost: £10 Danescombe Valley your camera and take great wintery Booking: essential, tel: 01579 351346 Walk down the beautiful wooded 13th, Wednesday, photos on Kit Hill. Discover how to or email: [email protected] valley to Calstock, catch train or bus 10:30am – 12:30pm compose a shot and take close-up back. Bring change for fare. Tamar Valley Walk & Talk Plus: and landscape photographs with local Meet: Gunnislake Station (PL18 9DZ). Danescombe & Cotehele Woods photographers Ron and Jean Bushell. Information: Dave Readman, tel: Take footpaths and quiet lanes up the Cost: Adults £2, concessions and 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- wooded Danescombe valley and back under 16’s £1.50, family £6 [email protected] through Cotehele woods.

12 www.tamarvalley.org.uk Notes: Sorry, no dogs. Please bring 4th, Monday, 10:30am – 12:00 noon 20th, Wednesday, Information: Dave Readman, tel: camera and tripod, if you have one. Saltash Walk & Talk - China Fleet 10:00am – 1:00pm 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- Meet: Kit Hill Summit car park On pavement, quiet lanes and Barrows of Kit Hill on the [email protected] SX 375 713 footpaths with wide views across the Spring Equinox Booking: essential, go to www.corn- Tamar estuary. A walk to explore some of the oldest 27th, Wednesday, wall.gov.uk/countrysideevents or call Meet: Brunel Green, under Brunel’s archaeological remains which can 10:30am – 12:00 noon 01872 323468 Bridge, PL12 4EN. No 1 bus from be seen on Kit Hill. Follow in the Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - Plymouth, walk down to riverside. footsteps of these ancient Hill Higher Kelly & Calstock Limekilns 24th, Sunday, Information: Dave Readman, tel: dwellers with the Wardens on the Walk by the limekiln and tramway 11:15am – 2:15pm approx. 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- spring Equinox. remains of past industry, and up the Avocet and Spoonbill Cruises [email protected] Cost: £2 adults, £1.50 concessions wooded Danescombe Valley. (See notes for December 12th) (over 60 and under 16) and £6 family Meet: Calstock Station platform 6th, Wednesday, 10:30am – 12:30pm (2 adults and 3 concessions) (PL18 9QY). 25th, Monday, 11:00am – 1:00pm Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - Cotehele Notes: please wear sturdy footwear, Information: Dave Readman, Saltash Walk & Talk Plus: Around the estate past the chapel and warm clothes, waterproofs, and bring tel: 07792 483669, email: walkscoordi- Port Eliot Estate House through wooded valleys either a drink and a snack. Dogs on leads [email protected] Enjoy a longer ramble through the to Danescombe or past Cotehele Mill. welcome. outer grounds of the Port Eliot estate, Bring a drink. Meet: Kit Hill adit car park (second on return to the station for the 13.24 train Meet: Cotehele Quay car park left on road to summit) SX379714 back to Plymouth (PL12 6TA). Booking: essential, go to www.corn- Meet: Outside St Germans Station Information: Dave Readman, tel: wall.gov.uk/countrysideevents or call PL12 5LU. 10.42 train from Plymouth. 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- 01872 323468 Information: Dave Readman, tel: [email protected] 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- 20th, Wednesday, [email protected] 13th, Wednesday, 10:30am – 1:00pm 10:30am – 12:00 noon Tamar Valley Walk & Talk Plus: Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - 27th, Wednesday, Calstock Circular Walk Old Kelly Lane 10:30am – 12:00 noon Walk on footpaths, quiet lanes and Bridleways and quiet lanes down to Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - bridleways taking in the rich history of Calstock, before catching train or bus Calstock Church Calstock. back Quiet lanes and bridleways past the Meet: Calstock quay bus stop Meet: Gunnislake Station (PL18 9DZ). church to Harewood, an optional last (PL18 9QA). Information: Dave Readman, tel: section on riverside trail, and finishing Information: Dave Readman, tel: 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- in Calstock. Catch train or bus back, 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- [email protected] bring change for fare. [email protected] Meet: Gunnislake Station (PL18 9DZ). 21st, Thursday, 10:30am – 3:30pm Information: Dave Readman, tel: 17th, Sunday, Warleigh Point Volunteer Day Local Train Times 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- 10:00am – 1:00pm approx Lots of coppicing to be done this [email protected] Try Dowsing winter! Have a go at the ancient art of Notes: all tools and training provided. Tamar Valley Line - MARCH 2013 Dowsing under the guidance of Alan Tea, coffee and biscuits also provided. Gunnislake to Neal on Kit Hill near . We will People staying the whole day should 1st, Friday, 7:30pm look for water, archaeological remains, bring a packed lunch. Plymouth. Friends of Tamar Valley Talk – minerals, ley-lines and more. Walk will Meet: Warleigh Point Nature Paul Rendell be over rough ground. Reserve entrance, nr Tamerton For timetable Paul Rendell – War Horse – the story Notes: Please wear sturdy footwear, Foliot, SX 450 608 behind the Dartmoor locations. Visit warm clothes, waterproofs, bring drink Information: Jackie Gage, tel: 01647 information please some of the locations used in the film and a snack. Dogs on leads welcome. 253121, email: jgage@devonwild- call National Rail and learn about some of the tricks Meet: Kit Hill adit car park (2nd on left lifetrust.org Enquiries on 08457 behind the filming as well as the history on roads to summit) SX379714 of the locations. Cost: £2 Adults, £1.50 under 16 and 23rd – 24th, Saturday – Sunday, 48 49 50 or visit www. Venue: Tamar Valley Centre, concessions, £6 family 11:00am carfreedaysout.com. Drakewalls, nr Gunnislake. Booking: essential, go to www.corn- Cotehele’s Daffodil Weekend Cost: Friends of the Tamar Valley wall.gov.uk/countrysideevents or call Come and see the wonderful welcome all non-members, at a cost 01872 323468 collection of daffodils grown on the For Bus Times please of £2.00 Cotehele Estate. Displays, walks and call Traveline on 0871 Information: tel: 01822 834964, 18th, Monday, 10:30am – 12:00 noon talks. Jane Kiely Saltash Walk & Talk - Forder Creek to Cost: normal admission charges apply 200 22 33, or visit Churchtown Information: tel: 01579 351346 or traveline.info 2nd – 3rd, Saturday-Sunday, From Forder to Churchtown along the email: [email protected] 11:00am – 4:00pm creekside to the lower fields of Graft, Sow and Grow Churchtown Farm Nature reserve and 25th, Monday, 10:30am – 1:30pm This popular event returns to Cotehele back to St Stephens. Saltash Walk & Talk Plus: Rivers, for a second year. Two days of work- Meet: Outside St Stephen’s Church, Railways and Castles shops, talks by experts, sharing and Saltash, PL12 4AP. No 1 bus from A longer walk along creeks to learning how to graft your own apple Plymouth. Antony Passage, Shillingham and tree and take it home. Information: Dave Readman, tel: Wiveliscombe before returning past Information: tel: 01579 351346 or 07792 483669, email: walkscoordina- Trematon Castle. Bring lunch and email: [email protected] [email protected] drink Meet: Outside St Stephen’s Church, Saltash, PL12 4AP. No 1 bus from Plymouth www.tamarvalley.org.uk 13 The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

In the last issue, we welcomed Corinna Woodall as the new Manager of the Tamar Valley AONB. Now, six months into the position, in an interview with Tish Valva (Visitor Services Officer), we find out more about the person behind the job and discover her plans for the Tamar Valley… Keeping the Valley special

Corinna grew up in Hornsea on the East Growing up opposite Hornsea Mere Corinna is inspired to bring her Yorkshire Coast with her English father RSPB reserve, a Site of Special Scientific conservation and landscape background and German mother until she moved to Interest played its part too as well as to support, promote and continue to Manchester to do a degree in biology summer holidays in Germany or at a develop the work of the Tamar Valley and geography. She’s lived in various family friend’s in the Finnish archipelago AONB. parts of the UK working in the as her father worked for a Scandinavian environmental field ever since. Shipping Company. “We’d go foraging She wants to continue to raise awareness for mushrooms and bilberries and catch of why the Tamar Valley is special. “As Corinna attributes her love of the fish. Up there if you didn’t forage, you we go forward,” she says, “I want to find outdoors to both sets of grandparents. didn’t eat,” she laughs. out what people who live, work and play “My English grandma was a real country here value and see if we can work woman and a great inspiration to me,” Since writing her dissertation about together to maintain these special she recounts. “When I stayed with her blanket bog in Connemara, Ireland, qualities and help conserve and sustain in Sussex we’d walk the dogs and she’d Corinna has worked in nature and the landscape.” know all the plants in the hedgerows and landscape conservation across the UK for the fields. My grandma was also very over 23 years, working for English Nature, Corinna also hopes to make people aware of environmental issues; she HLF and LEADER for a sister AONB. aware that the Tamar Valley AONB helps belonged to several conservation to bring extra resources into the area in organisations and was a committed Here on the border between Cornwall the current financial climate. volunteer in her community.” and Devon, Corinna acknowledges that she is a long way from home, but says she “We now have to look forward and Her German grandfather was also a big likes her new patch very much. identify what the potential opportunities influence. “He was interested in fungi are for continuing and supporting some and enjoyed foraging in the woods in “Sometimes when I’m getting lost in the of the things we’ve started. We have a northern Germany,” said Corinna. “He lanes, I’ll find myself in a small landscape challenging time ahead, but everybody was also very good at herbal medicine, with high hedges where I can’t see has been incredibly welcoming, which he passed on to my mum. When anywhere,” she says. “All of a sudden enthusiastic, friendly and supportive. I was growing up we would pick berries I see a gateway and through it the I’m very excited to be here.” n and leaves and turn them into herbal landscape just opens up and I can see for teas.” miles. I quite like that contrast.”

14 www.tamarvalley.org.uk The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

Cordiale project – This work is part of the EU-funded project ‘Cordiale’ - selected under the European update on trials... Cross-border Cooperation Programme INTERREG IV A France (Channel) – England, and co-funded by the ERDF.

(Above) Brentswood as it is today and (inset) as it looked back in 1970 © Tamar Valley AONB

The Cordiale project is now well into the ‘field trial’ phase, where learning from French and English partners will be applied. The project have been running four trials and here you will find out what the project hopes to achieve, progress to date and how you can continue to play your part. Simon Bates, Project Officer, explains more…

Developing a land use plan Wales were hit by drought conditions in optimise production of food, fuel Our ‘holy grail’ is for parish communities winter 2011/spring 2012. (focused on woodfuel and other biomass) to endorse a land use plan that, if and conservation of the natural and implemented, would mean people and ‘Peak oil’ is defined as the point at which historic environment. In the spring, these their landscapes would be resilient to the world oil production reaches a maximum. sub-groups would bring their maps back pressing environmental, economic and Optimistic predictions give 2020 as the to a full workshop, when a final land use social issues of the day, namely climate date for peak oil; pessimists say that plan would be drafted. We welcome your change, peak oil and the leakage of we are already there. We need to start ideas. money and jobs from rural economies. adapting for a future less reliant on fossil fuels. Woodfuel It’s worth reflecting on these subjects for In our woodfuel trial, our goal is to a while. Since the global recession began, Our first priority in developing a land use establish a group, either to supply logs, climate change has slipped right off the plan is to speak with parishes, land chip or pellet from woods and hedges political agenda. But, we know from managers and local authority planners to within the Valley, or to store and ‘Diarykeepers’ (see page 17) that the gain their support for the plan. process that wood. Ideally, we would like weather passed nobody by this summer. to achieve both. The Met Office confirmed that it was the We have a loosely defined approach at wettest June across the UK since records present because it’s important that the We took nine people from the industry began in 1766. Clearly, our weather is community shapes it. We will hold an to Brittany in July to look specifically at becoming more extreme. For example, initial public workshop early in the New the organisation of wood fuel supply the intensity of rainfall in winter has Year to set the context and gain chains: Energy Supply Company and increased in the last 100 years, yet, agreement on how the plan should be other community business models; how despite this, many parts of England and produced. We propose forming three cooperatives work within farms and sub-groups to produce maps that www.tamarvalley.org.uk 15 The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB communities; the organisation and content of woodfuel supply contracts; and firewood log sales and auctions.

Dr Rob Wolton and Dr Faye Davey have completed their research and concluded that the potential annual energy yield from all hedges and accessible small woodlands in each of the parishes is: Bere Ferrers 3,614 MWh (mega watt hours), Buckland Monachorum 4,244 MWh, Calstock 4,916 MWh and St Dominick 2,551 MWh. If 50% of hedges and 75% of small woods are managed for fuel, there could be enough energy to heat 111 average houses in Bere Ferrers, 130 in Buckland Monachorum, 159 in Calstock and 77 in St Dominick.

These figures are based on a number of assumptions that still need to be tested. Nicola Crabb won the overall Harvesting Time prize for her experimental collaboration with Jez Ralph and Chris Clare from the other artists, courtesy of Tessa Clarke Silvanus Trust have almost completed twelve farm wood fuel audits and have so please register your interest with We are truly grateful for the dedication produced a simple tool that allows land Simon Platten from Tamar Grow Local and good humour of all our volunteers, managers to estimate the total volumes (see page 9 for contact details, and an but we would like to give special thanks of timber in hedges and woodlands. update of other work Tamar Grow Local to Nick Sleep, Jane Hart, Carolyn Collett, Approximately 6 km of hedge needs to are involved with). Sue Robinson, and Jean Croft. They have be managed on a 15-year rotation to surveyed the ‘fieldfare’s share’ of hedges provide enough fuel to heat an average Mapping wild and historic assets to a very high standard. In addition, local farmhouse with a demand of 30 MWh historian Dave Williams and botanists per year. Hedge survey Martin Summers, Frances Howard, With more than forty volunteers on board Claire Roper and Anne Harvey have We do hope that readers are intrigued and our French partners eager to learn enthusiastically passed on their by this analysis, and will write in with from our approach, the hedge survey knowledge. their views. is already a highlight for Cordiale.

Sam Whatmore from Forest Fuels has been assessing whether a facility could be built to store and process wood fuel products derived from the Tamar Valley. Local companies gave their views at a workshop. Simultaneously, Forest Fuels and Kevin Lindegaard of Crops 4 Energy have been completing woodfuel audits for institutions and estates.

Local food Peter Sainsbury (working with Cheryl Scott and Jenny Tunley-Price) has made excellent progress on a database of local food producers for five parishes, with more than 60 identified so far. The information is being uploaded to the Tamar Grow Local website.

We will shortly be launching the establishment of food buying groups - a collective of people who regularly buy food together in bulk to benefit from convenience, affordability and the local (Above) Diary keeper, Sally Dickson, at the play in Roy economy. We know from our research Clarke’s greenhouse © Tamar Valley AONB, and (inset) that many of you want to buy local food, Joseph Snell © Phyllis Morrish.

16 www.tamarvalley.org.uk The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

Can you help? With fieldwork at a close for this season, we now need to appoint somebody to help with analysis. If you live locally and can input data accurately into a spread- sheet, why not give us a call?

The main output from this survey will be a map showing ‘important hedges’, which gain statutory protection under the Hedgerow Regulations 1995. They will be made available to planners, land managers and Defra/Natural England. Another output will be the survey method and guidance notes; we believe our assessment of the natural, historic and cultural value of hedges is unique.

BioBlitz - September 2012 What a fantastic turn out we had for our first BioBlitz! A BioBlitz helps us to understand more about the state of our environment, by finding as many species as possible in a set location and time period. The BioBlitz recipe is proving to be wholesome; add passionate and knowledgeable naturalists, adventurous children, a promising venue for wildlife, sunshine, and give them a mission to find Children from Landulph School search for pond creatures, BioBlitz September 2012 © Tamar Valley AONB as many new species as possible.

Pentillie Castle was chosen as the venue, having a good range of habitats, great facilities, a stunning setting and generous Planning for the future hosts in the Coryton family. We are also indebted to our volunteers Jean and Diarykeepers Ray Croft, Phillip Luscombe and Pauline Between 1914 and 1938 Tamar Valley resident Joe Snell kept a daily Watkins. handwritten diary of his life in the Valley. The diaries give a fascinating, personal and often poetic, amusing account of the comings and goings of Valley life, The tally for Pentillie was 300 people, 200 e.g. “Over 1000 bunches of flowers for Devonport Market”, and “Very hot girls species, and one very rare bat! hoes the higher field”.

To celebrate this wonderful record of time passing and to share what it’s like to live in the Tamar Valley now, we invited people to keep a diary in June 2012. More than 90 people did! A play was then staged in one of Roy Clarke’s glasshouses at St Dominick, with diarykeepers acting, all under the expert direction of artists Anne-Marie Culhane and Ruth Ben-Tovim. Emilio Gonzalez will now produce two short films, one about the play, and another as an entrée to our more formal winter workshops. We’d like to produce a beautiful community diary, too.

Harvesting Time Exhibition Our collaboration with artists from Drawn to the Valley, and Tessa Clarke in particular, was a huge success. In October, ten artists exhibited diverse pieces Team News ranging from sculptures to woollen clothing. Children from Gunnislake Primary We wish Nolwenn Baot (Cordiale Project School created ‘postcards from the future’, and we ran two new films; ‘Cousin Manager) all the very best as she begins Jack’, about mining and migration, produced by Callington Community College, maternity leave with her first baby, and ‘Harvesting Time – recollections of life in the Tamar Valley’. Juliette. We warmly welcome Alex Midlen to the team, who will steer the work of Keep in Touch the Cordiale project until Nolwenn’s For further information on the Cordiale project, or to share your thoughts and return. Alex works part-time and can be ideas, please contact Simon Bates, Cordiale Project Officer, t: 01822 835033, contacted on t: 01822 835030, e: [email protected] e: [email protected] www.tamarvalley.org.uk 17 The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

Photo © Ben Naylor, Pilot: John Doswell, Devon County Council

A new pedestrian and cycle bridge is at the heart of an inspiring project to establish better tourism links between the South West of England and France. Bridge is jewel in the crown of cycle network

The £2.1million Gem Bridge, which particularly following the success of the crosses the Walkham Valley, has been London Olympics and Bradley Wiggins developed by Devon County Council becoming the first British rider to win the as the centrepiece of the Drake’s Trail Tour de France. This Trail represents our cycling and walking route. commitment to making Devon a premier Directions to Bedford destination for cycling tourism. Local Bridge Car Park The 200-metre long and 24 metre high families and visitors will be able to enjoy Gem Bridge is the largest piece of a leisurely cycle in the tranquil Directions from Tavistock: infrastructure built as part of the surroundings of one of Devon’s most Take the A386 towards Plymouth. European funded CYCLE WEST project, scenic trails.” Travel through Grenofen, past the which has developed a cross-channel Halfway House pub and continue for network of routes covering 750 miles. CYCLE WEST is an inspiring project, approximately one mile until you reach which has connected cycle routes to link Bedford Bridge. About 50 metres after Devon County Council Chairman , Brittany, and crossing the bridge take a sharp Councillor Jerry Brook, who officially Normandy. All three of CYCLE WEST’s turning on the right, which will lead to opened the Trail in September, said: cross -channel routes take in the South Bedford Bridge car park. “Gem Bridge provides spectacular views West, enabling cyclists to explore across the Walkham Valley and the entire breath-taking and diverse scenery on Directions from Horrabridge: route can showcase the natural beauty both sides of the English Channel. Take the A386 towards Tavistock, about of Devon and could potentially attract 200 metres after passing a campsite on thousands of visitors.” For information on CYCLE WEST routes the right hand side and 50 metres visit www.cycle-west.com or before crossing Bedford Bridge, there Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County www.velodyssey.com. For further will be a turning on the left which will Council Cabinet Member for Highways information about cycling in Devon go to lead you to Bedford Bridge car park. and Transportation, said: “The popularity www.cycledevon.info. n of cycling is continuing to grow,

18 www.tamarvalley.org.uk The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

(Above) Cross fabrication and (insets) 3D model and the Piling Rig courtesy of Joe Ellison

A three-year project to erect a giant modern Celtic Cross at the Cornwall end of the Tamar Bridge is nearing completion, with an official national launch planned before Christmas. Saltash Celtic Cross nears completion

The £550,000 project is funded by the community involvement will be managed National Lottery Community Spaces by Saltash Waterfront Residents’ programme, with financial support from Association (SWRA) in conjunction with Cornwall Council and Saltash Town Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Meanwhile, Council, and is rated by the Lottery as fabrication of the Cross is well advanced one of the most important projects in at the RAF St Mawgan factory of the UK. Gateguards UK, better known for their full scale replicas of WW II Spitfires and Led by Saltash Waterfront Residents’ Mustangs. Association, the project started life as a Woodland Clearing Volunteers courtesy of way of opening up two acres of The Cross, on a similar scale to the Angel Joe Ellison neglected woodland at the Gateway to of the North, is built using advanced Cornwall. Vice Chair Joe Ellison says, boat building glass and carbon fibre “Although the Lottery supported the technologies. Although it weighs less idea, they said it needed a “Wow” factor. than three tonnes, the sheer scale of the We then remembered the design for Cross means it will need to be a 20 metre modern Celtic Cross created transported to the prepared piled base by Cornish sculptor Simon Thomas. alongside the Tamar Bridge via the A30 With strong support from Eden founder to Exeter. Tim Smit and Cornwall Council Chief Executive Kevin Lavery, the project began The installation should be a truly nearly three years ago, and is endorsed spectacular event. Joe Ellison says, “The by financial support from HRH Prince Cross will be the first thing visitors to Charles, Duke of Cornwall”. Cornwall see, and it has the potential to bring enormous economic benefits to the Work on the woodland has now almost area as an iconic tourist destination.” n finished, and maintenance and future www.tamarvalley.org.uk 19 The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB Cotehele’s 60 foot Garland triumphs a year of bad weather

National Trust staff, volunteers and Paper Daisy, Paper rose and Statice. until 31st December, except 25th and members of the public at Cotehele in 26th December. Cornwall, are nearing the end of the Visitors observed and took part in the meticulous process of creating the Garland’s construction during November. For more information: longest Christmas garland at any tel: 01579 351346, Trust property in the country. The spectacular result can be seen daily email: [email protected]

Although a really tough growing year has meant that only 20,000 flowers have been picked this year rather than the usual 30,000, the team involved are confident the garland will look as stunning as ever.

The flowers are picked and dried in the garden at Cotehele; usually flower picking begins in May but this year due to the poor growing season it didn’t start until July. Each flower will now be added one by one to create a stunning 60ft garland - which forms an integral part of the Christmas display at the property.

The flowers include; Ornamental Grasses, Everlasting Sand Flower, Straw Flower, Cotehele’s Christmas Garland © National Trust

A labour of love to restore three acres of neglected gardens in Maristow, Devon is progressing well. Here we catch up with the latest developments. Work continues apace at the Walled Gardens at Maristow

Back in 2009, Jenny Tunley Price and her The old Apple House is being rebuilt as a St Luke’s Hospice. children moved into the walled kitchen forge, and two local part-time blacksmiths garden at Maristow with a mission to are going to set up in there, making the The refurbishment of the Forties, a group tackle more than 60 years of overgrown hinges, brackets and wall nails needed for of buildings containing a Mushroom House, wilderness and restore the gardens, the restoration work. They will also be potting sheds and storage rooms is now Victorian glasshouses and the magnificent producing a range of garden items for also almost complete. This will provide a stone and brick walls to their former glory. a new shop that will be opening in the fully functioning classroom space for spring. horticulture students, community groups Three and a half years later the fruits of and specialist courses who come to many hours of hard labour are starting to Links with a variety of community groups Maristow to learn about growing food, reap rewards. Restoration work on the old have formed an important part of the garden design, using plants for dyeing Vine House has now begun and it’s hoped project. Work is continuing with Devon & natural yarns, willow weaving and horticulture. to be completed before spring next year, Cornwall Probation Trust, with groups of while repairs to the garden’s walls are offenders assisting with the ongoing Watch this space for further updates in the continuing apace. restoration of the gardens three times a future. week. Landscaping of the North Garden has To find out more or to get involved, started, with tonnes of soil being Over the summer, Jenny and her team check out the Facebook page “The barrowed back up the slope after years held three Open Days, which proved to Walled Gardens at Maristow” or email of it sliding down hill, and the first of the be a resounding success, with over 250 Jenny at jenny@maristowwalledgardens. paths has now been laid. visitors helping to raise around £1,300 for co.uk n

20 www.tamarvalley.org.uk The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB Charcoal at Buckland Abbey, Garden and Estate

Today most people think charcoal is only used for summer barbeques or artists’ pencils, but it is still a valuable source of heat. So, as temperatures fall this winter why not consider charcoal as an alternative fuel for your open fire or log burner?

Medieval roots In earth clamps and ring kilns some of the Charcoal has been produced at Buckland wood is burned to heat the rest, and the Abbey, Garden and Estate, the National burn speed kept slow by regulating the Trust Property near Yelverton since flow of air – too hot and you’ll burn all the medieval times. wood and get ash; too slow and it won’t convert to charcoal. When ready, the air There are six recorded charcoal burning is cut off completely to stop the charcoal platforms dating from the medieval or itself burning. The kiln is then totally Grading and bagging charcoal post-medieval periods in Great North sealed to extinguish the fire and left to © Andrew Wrayford Wood on the Buckland Abbey estate. cool for a day before opening.

How is charcoal made? The charcoal is graded, bagged and sold Wood is converted into charcoal by in Buckland Abbey’s shop. n For more information: heating it to remove water and impurities. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bucklandabbey

Bridge Gallery set for a new season

An exciting local art and craft gallery, displaying the work of a select group of local artists, opened its doors for the first time earlier this year in April. The artists are looking forward to another successful year and welcoming you to look around.

The Bridge Gallery, located on the road from Harrowbarrow to Cotehele, was opened with the help and support of local people. It will not only display works of art, but hopes also to provide various workshops for pottery/ceramics, felting, painting and much more.

On display and for sale is a lovely selection of beautiful gifts and Please come along, browse and enjoy the The Bridge Gallery appealing artwork, including paintings, work of these local artists; one of them is Bartletts Bridge ceramics, cards, wood carvings, always in the Gallery and will look forward Callington jewellery and textiles. to seeing you. PL17 8BP

As well as works by resident artists, The Bridge Gallery is open Wednesday to Tel: 01576 351499 the Gallery is keen to encourage other Sunday from 11.00am to 5.00pm. Email: [email protected] artists to get involved and display their www.thebridgegallerycornwall.co.uk work to ensure displays remain fresh and exciting. www.tamarvalley.org.uk 21 The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB Cotehele’s Shamrock recognised for excellence New Post Office

Shamrock, Cotehele’s traditional Tamar sailing barge has received a prestigious award for the quality of its restoration. service opens in

The weighty glass trophy was presented at the Bere Ferrers Plymouth Classic Boat Rally at Sutton Harbour to People in the village of Bere Ferrers will still be able Shamrock’s ships keeper to send letters, tax their car and buy foreign currency Shaune Blight and his thanks to the outreach service provided by team of volunteers in Gunnislake Post Office. recognition of their excellent conservation Known as a ‘core branch’, Gunnislake can provide Post work on this unique and Office services in other communities. Bere Ferrers, historic craft. where the existing branch was due to close, is Gunnislake’s 11th outreach village. Shamrock, built in 1899, is the last fully restored barge of its kind to survive, and is now PO services at enjoying her retirement on Cotehele Quay in villages near you south east Cornwall.

Last winter Shaune and • MAVIS, Milton Abbot – 9am-1pm Monday, shipwright John Habgood Cotehele’s 1899 Tamar sailing barge 1-5pm Friday ‘Shamrock’ © Jeremy Flooks replaced several hull • Bere Ferrers Church Hall – Tuesday morning planks on the starboard • The Old Smithy, Chillaton – 9am-12noon Tuesday, side and the beam shelf. Using local larch, this plank was rough 2-5pm Thursday cut to shape as much as possible, manhandled on board, • Quethiock Pavilion – Wednesday morning roughly positioned in place, steam fitted and finally pushed and • St Ive Village Hall – Wednesday morning manoeuvred into position using props and jacks. • Commonmoor – visits to customers’ homes – Wednesday morning “It’s all about keeping her alive”, says Shaune, “She’s not a boat • Calstock Village Hall – 1-5pm Tuesday, unless she’s in the water living. She’s the last fully rigged Tamar 9am-1pm Thursday sailing barge. We’re very proud of her.” • Venn House, Lamerton – Friday morning • St Michael’s Church, Lawhitton – Friday morning He says that receiving the award in Sutton Harbour was an added bonus. “Sutton Harbour is only a short sail down river For more information, contact Gunnislake Post Office from where she was built at Hawke’s Yard in 1899.” on 01822 832297.

The 58ft ketch-rigged barge made the trip down the river to Plymouth several times in 2012 and plans are afoot for her to make some repeat voyages in 2013.

Tamar Community Trust

Since our last update, the Tamar community. Progress continues with the importantly its link with its funding Community Trust has been focusing introduction of longer-term proposals bodies. on its short and medium term Business such as hydro development, wood fuel Plan. hub, education and creative tourism, The Trust is also keen to explore its community supported woodlands, land community role and is planning an The short-term plan is to get the Trust management and trading. open day in the new year to outline its involved in the community-led projects, proposals. similar to the work undertaken at The link between the Trust and its Wacker Quay, which has now been up partners continues to develop and John Page, Chairman of the Tamar and running for six months, and is emphasises the need to establish a long- Community Trust. Tel: 01579 370884 proving to be a real asset to the local term working relationship, and Email: [email protected]

22 www.tamarvalley.org.uk The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

Eating out in the Tamar Valley

Images: (Above and inset) Hotel Endsleigh and its beautiful dining room courtesy of TAVATA

There are some great restaurants and Tamar Valley line from Gunnislake to pubs in the Tamar Valley, and most Plymouth, with on-board commentary of have joined the Tamar Valley Tourism the passing sights. Association (TAVATA) as a good way of promoting themselves. At the Glassblowing House in Plymouth, a delicious lunch was complemented with The TAVATA committee decided to meet waterfront views over Sutton Harbour, up for lunch at different members’ venues while The View Restaurant, Millbrook on to experience the range of eateries the Rame Peninsula offered the best around the Valley. As John Marshall, locally caught fresh fish and a unique view Chairman of TAVATA explains, “When a over this stunningly beautiful part of the visitor asks where to eat locally, it’s good Cornish coastline. to be able to recommend somewhere you know personally.” To end the year, the Arundell Arms in Fine dining at The Horn of Plenty Lifton played host to TAVATA members. courtesy of TAVATA The first lunch was held at The Horn of The lunches have certainly been voted a Plenty, Gulworthy, one of the first huge success, and we are looking forward members to join TAVATA. A delicious to planning the next dates and venues for meal was enhanced by stunning views 2013. over the Valley. Lunch at Hotel Endsleigh in Milton Abbot followed a few months For further information on membership later and guests were treated to a lively and events, contact TAVATA talk about the history of the estate and its Ambassadors Caroline & Peter celebrity visitors. Hammond at Updown Cottage (email: [email protected]) or Jill Price For something completely different, the (email: [email protected]) next lunch was part of a train trip on the or see our website http://www.tavata.co.uk/

The event next April/May aims to Join the Great South West Walk... encourage at least 30 walkers each day The activities undertaken by visitors. In recent across a series of sponsored walks, which Association is busy organising a years, however, funding for its maintenance have been split into 56 sections, ranging special event to celebrate their 40th and upkeep has been reduced. from 3 to 18 miles, and will be completed anniversary next spring, with the aim in relay to cover the entire 630-mile path. of funding improvement projects To raise funds for improvement projects Each section will be led by a local expert. along the route. along the Coast Path, to make the walks Walkers will be asked to raise £50 in you enjoy even better, the SWCPA team sponsorship. The South West Coast Path is estimated are launching “The Great South West to generate over £300 million for the Walk – putting 40 years of love back into For more information, or to sign up, region’s economy each year, with the Coast Path!” please visit www.GreatSouthWestWalk. walking one of the most popular co.uk www.tamarvalley.org.uk 23 About Us The Tamar Valley AONB Partnership helps to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, by offering advice and assistance to community groups, landowners, farmers, residents and visitors.

There are 38 AONBs in England and Wales. The Tamar Valley itself covers an area of 75 square miles (195 sq km) and is the youngest of all AONBs, designated in 1995.

Tamar Valley AONB Tamar Valley Centre Cemetery Road, Drakewalls A student volunteer from Plymouth University has won second Gunnislake place at the National Community Rail Awards in the category of Cornwall PL18 9FE Best Community Rail Image. T: 01822 835030 E: [email protected] W: www.tamarvalley.org.uk Plymouth University volunteer Help Us Keep the wins National award AONB Special Dan Hollidge from Plymouth took the The National Community Rail Awards is We hope you enjoy exploring the Tamar picture while volunteering at an event an annual event that celebrates the work Valley. Please follow The Countryside Code organised by the Devon and Cornwall Rail being done to promote and enhance when you’re out and about, to keep this Partnership, Coast and the Tamar Valley Britain’s local and rural railways around living, working landscape special; AONB to encourage more people to use the country. • Be safe – plan ahead and follow the train from Plymouth to Gunnislake to any signs visit the Tamar Valley. The Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership • Leave gates and property as you works to promote the six rural branch lines find them The picture was nominated by Rebecca in two counties and is a non-profit • Protect plants and animals, take Catterall from the Devon and Cornwall partnership between local authorities, your litter home Rail Partnership who said, “ Dan managed including Devon County Council, • Keep dogs under close control to capture the joy on a passenger’s face Cornwall Council, Plymouth City Council, • Consider other people when travelling around the area, or when at being entertained by local musicians, the University and the rail industry. using any of the public rights of way, the Kit Hillbillies, on board the train, and it footpaths or trails within the Valley. obviously caught the judges eye as well!” For more information contact Rebecca Dan Hollidge said, “I am thrilled to have Catterall, Devon & Cornwall Rail won this award and to have been involved Partnership on 01752 233094. n Your Valley, Your News with the event.” If you have a story that you would like to be considered for the next issue of The Valley (spring/summer 2013), please send details to Charlotte Dancer, Information & Perfect gifts Communications Officer for the Tamar Valley AONB – [email protected] If you’re struggling to find the perfect 01822 835030. gift for a special occasion, consider a You might also consider ‘Sovereigns, visit to the Tamar Valley Centre, Madams and Double Whites’, an evocative If you would like this newsletter in other book of photographs and text, interweaving formats, please call 01822 835030 to discuss offering a selection of books from local the lives, voices and stories of the market your requirements. authors for you to buy. gardeners of the Tamar Valley. Keep In Touch The award-winning ‘Silver River’, by Virginia Spiers charts life in the Tamar The ‘Seriously NOT Boring Tamar Trails Sign up to receive monthly e-bulletins from Valley through the seasons and is Book’ is a must for families. The book the Tamar Valley AONB – a great way to keep illustrated by local artist Mary Martin. features 5 activity trails for children and their up-to-date with progress of projects and calls families. Call the Tamar Valley AONB team for volunteers in between issues of The Valley For art enthusiasts, ‘Turner in the Tamar on 01822 835030 for further information on newsletter. Please visit www.tamarvalley.org. Valley’, follows the footsteps of JMW these books, opening times for the Centre, uk and click on ‘News’ to sign up Turner; readers can see today what the and how you could use the Centre for artist saw and recorded 200 years ago. meetings and exhibitions for your group. Follow us: TVAONB

@TVAONB 24 www.tamarvalley.org.uk