The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB Summer 2013

Mining Heritage Cordiale and Tackling plant Project update beyond invaders Culmination of ten Simon Bates Tamar Invasive years’ hard work reports Group fights back Pages 4-5 Page 16-17 Pages 18-19 Tamar Valley Food Hubs launch at Tavistock College A new way to buy Tamar Valley produce has been launched in Tavistock. Similar to a veg box scheme and online supermarket, its range is growing to include fresh veg, meat and fish, locally made crisps, fudge, puddings, cakes, juices and cordials, flowers and gifts. Household items, fairtrade and organic wholefoods are also supplied by Essential Trading co-operative.

Members can place an order bee-keeping and orchard online or over the phone for their management. weekly shop. The order is ready to collect on Fridays from 3.00pm Tamar Valley Food Hubs to 4.30pm at Tavistock College, has been generously funded where there will be a mixed by the Tamar Valley AONB’s produce stall for buying last Cordiale project. For further minute items and trying out new details, to sign up as a customer products. The aim is to shorten or find out more about supplying the supply chain between the project, visit www.tamar producer and consumer and valleyfoodhubs.org.uk ■ reduce costs for shoppers, as the group will be buying as whole. Find out more about Tamar Grow Local’s activities on Free delivery is available to pages 22-23. Harrowbarrow and Metherell (see the website for all delivery *The Cordiale project was selected under the European Cross-border information). There will also be Cooperation Programme INTERREG opportunities for members to IV A France (Channel) – England, visit producers and take part in and co-funded by the ERDF. food-related courses such as The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

Welcome

The sun shone on lots of smiling The most poignant event for me in faces at the official opening of the those 10 years was when the HLF Tamar Trails Centre, grandees visited… Gulworthy, on 28th March. Contents We met at Kilworthy Park in Tamar Valley Food Hub 1 A celebration after 10 years of hard Tavistock, and we played it low Welcome 2 work, frustration and delivery of the key… in fact very low key, as we Your local Tamar Valley Centre 3 mammoth Tamar Valley Mining Heritage knew that overdoing it with the HLF Ten-year Mining Heritage Project. For the Tamar Valley AONB can be suicidal. We then headed to Project opens up Valley for all 4 team and all involved, it was a real Morwellham for lunch. It was a cold, Spring Trail Festival 5 sense of ‘We’ve done it!’, with the dull, December day and we were all TVAONB Management Plan 6 papers approved and signed off by sat around the large kitchen table New views of the Tamar 7 the Heritage Lottery Fund. eating beef stew (no veggie option Coombe Trenchard - in those days) and boiling hot red a model estate 8 The ironic thing for me was how cabbage. We did not talk about the Port Eliot’s heritage award 9 few of those initially involved with Project, but the rare three-sided Heritage exhibition on tour 9 the Project were there to celebrate rush, the Heath Fritillary butterfly and the Greater Horseshoe bat whose Saving the Heath Fritillary 10 this completion; the question was asked and, of the 70 gathered, only colony had been recently found by Events Calendar 11 around 4 of us raised our hands. Rosemary Teverson ¾ mile Local Train Times 14 underground in an adit! Supporting our valued The idea was actually mooted when volunteers 15 Alison Sherrell was Countryside So, in tribute to absent friends and Cordiale and beyond 16 Officer, and then taken forward by colleagues; without their input, there Tackling plant invaders 18 Tim Selman with staff seconded from would have been no Project. You Invasive Plant Facts 19 Cornwall and Devon Councils. Much were missed and remembered for Landscapes For Life encouragement also came from a your efforts and the huge amount of Conference 2013 20 great range of local groups who set volunteering. My Environment website 20 the positive need for such a scheme. Shamrock’s voyages of This was well supported by West Such input turned the heads of the orchard discovery 21 Devon’s Council Members, Christine HLF and now we have access, new Fieldwalking in the Valley 21 Grills and Robin Pike, followed by facilities and a fascinating area to Friends of the Tamar Valley 21 the huge push of the Cornish Mining explore, enjoy and celebrate in what Tamar Grow Local 22 WHS inscription led by Barry ever way you find suits your needs, Sally has her nose to the Gamble and Deborah Boden. from tree surfing to cycling, horse grindstone at Cotehele Mill 24 riding to dog walking, or just soaking New book helps children up what was and is now. Please partake and encourage others to do so. discover wildlife 24 More from us... As ever, Produced by Tamar Valley AONB – Sign up to receive monthly e-bulletins 01822 835030 from the Tamar Valley AONB – a great Charlotte Dancer, way to keep up-to-date with progress of [email protected] projects and calls for volunteers in Editorial support: Rowena Millar, between issues of The Valley newsletter. Natural Word Please visit www.tamarvalley.org.uk Design: PED - Paul Eustice Design Print: Pepper Communications Ltd. and click on ‘News’ to sign up This newsletter has been printed on Follow us: 100% recycled paper. Please pass this Cllr Neil Burden newsletter on to a friend before recycling. TVAONB @TVAONB Chair, Tamar Valley AONB Partnership

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Your local Tamar Valley Centre Fantastic exhibition opportunities are on offer at the Centre at Drakewalls, near Gunnislake. Would you like to hire this space? The home of the Tamar Valley from the AONB and surrounding while the windows and doors let in AONB offices, Calstock Parish area wherever possible. large amounts of natural light. Council and Calstock Parish The Centre was designed as a low A meeting room is also available Archive also has a beautiful energy, zero fossil emission to hire, with full conferencing exhibition area where artists and building and meets the Zero facilities. ■ photographers can exhibit their Emission Development (ZED) work. standards. All exhibitions are charged on a commission basis. For room hire Set in attractive natural Inside is a unique and interesting charges, please contact Becki by surroundings, the Tamar Valley space to exhibit both traditional emailing bookings@tamarvalley. Centre is a modern building for and modern artwork. White panels org.uk. Visit www.tamarvalley. a modern age. The robust can be set up to provide a clean, org.uk for further information. materials used, both inside and fuss-free background, allowing out, were sourced and supplied viewers to flow around exhibitions,

Events at the Tamar Valley Centre this summer Cornwall Open Studios variety of projects. Suitable for all levels of Drawn to the Valley Sat 25th May – Sun 2nd June experience, you will be inspired and guided Open Studios 10am – 4pm, FREE to create something spectacular by local Sat 31st August - Artists and craftspeople from jewellery designer/maker Karen Gronow. Sun 8th September all over Cornwall throw open the doors Cost includes all materials and refreshments 11am – 4pm, FREE to their studios for a week at the start of (please bring lunch). Booking essential: This event allows local summer. The event showcases the best email [email protected] or call artists to profile their art the county has to offer, breaking the (01822) 835030. new work. The Centre will once again mould of traditional Cornish art, with host the work of four local artists. This is visitors able to see a range of Peninsular Imaging – a regular feature in the regional calendar, contemporary work from the diverse Photographic Exhibition in which art lovers can meet artists within pool of resident artists. Sat 20th July – Sun 28th July their studios or exhibition space to An opportunity to admire a discuss their work. Jewellery Workshop great selection of photographs Sat 8 June inspired by the local landscape 10.30am – 4pm, and local people. £45 per person Make your own jewellery, choosing from a

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Ten-year Mining Heritage Project has opened up the Valley for all

The opening of the new Tamar Trails Centre at Gulworthy on by a specially made bridge), 28th March marked the culmination of a massive ten year adits, shafts, wheel pits and programme of conservation, renovation and interpretation former leats. As well as mining work; the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project. The result features, the route affords of the £7 million project is that people of all ages can enjoy dramatic views over the Tamar. 25km of trails through this part of the Valley, which incorporates historic sites and exciting leisure activities. The Devon Great Consols Trail continues south to Morwell Rock The tracks and trails remaining structures around the and Morwellham Quay. A new track Extensive work along the Tamar arsenic processing complex at the leading down to the Tavistock Canal Trails has made spectacular vistas, centre of the site (now a Scheduled provides a link for cyclists and horse fascinating historical remains and Monument) have been consolidated riders from Morwell Rock to natural heritage accessible, from and made accessible, and the former Morwellham Quay and on to Scrub Tor south of Horsebridge mine office houses an interpretation Maddacleave, via a new bridge down to Morwellham and Weir Quay. display. spanning a dry section of the Tavistock canal bed. A car park The Devon Great Consols mine The large tips at Devon Great created at Maddacleave Wood complex was once the largest Consols were re-worked as recently serves the southern end of the trails producer of copper – and later as the1970s. Some show interesting network and a new track connects arsenic – in the world. The Devon mineral stratifications and have it to Sheepridge. A short on-road Great Consols trail includes sections been weathered into dramatic section can be avoided by walkers of the former railway that carried forms by wind and rain. Drainage using a newly created footpath. mineral ores to Morwellham Quay, work has diverted surface water and passes the dramatic ruins of and reduced erosion. The banks of the Tavistock canal a railway tunnel and the restored and Shillamill aqueduct have stone over-bridge at Wheal Emma. The mine workings around the benefited from the project, which Modern features, such as an Tamar Trails Centre form part of has also restored the lock-gate underpass beneath the A390, have the Bedford United Mine, where and bridge north of Shillamill and been specially constructed, while extensive conservation and safety improved the towpath. An arts trail old features, such as impressive work has been carried out. A new has been created along the towpath water wheel pits, have been fortified. footpath, the Bedford United Trail, based around poetry written by winds down a wooded slope and local schoolchildren. At Weir Quay, After most mining activities ceased, passes close to many interesting access has been provided to a many of the mine buildings were mining features including 18th viewing point over the river at South razed to the ground. Important century open workings (now spanned Tamar Mine and parking has been

4 www.tamarvalley.org.uk Unveiling the Tamar Trails plaque

Enjoying the Tamar Trails,© Simon Burt Tamar Trails spring event improved. A new trail guide is Quay, including the stabilisation of the available on the ‘Tamar Trails’ page Great Dock walls, which were collapsing Spring Trail of the Tamar Valley AONB website in to the Tamar – a major engineering at www.tamarvalley.org.uk (explore, operation. Morwellham Quay has since Festival - our out & about). been sold and now operates as a private site (separate entrance charges apply). best yet… Places to visit Morwellham Chapel was acquired The Tamar Valley AONB team Tamar Trails Centre by the Devon Historic Buildings would like to thank everyone The Tamar Trails Centre is the main Trust and leased to the Mining who was involved in this year’s gateway to the trails, just off the Heritage Project. Repairs have been Spring Trail Festival, helping to A390 between Gunnislake and carried out and a display tells the make it our most successful to Tavistock. It includes a car park and story of Methodism and the Cornish date, with over 1,800 people café with indoor and outdoor seating, mining diaspora. joining in over the 11 days. information on sites, trails and local activities plus live wildlife web cams Gawton Gravity Hub With 31 events to choose from, and scenic views across the Valley. Gawton Gravity Hub is one of the and all of the AONB’s events best downhill mountain bike courses fully booked, there was The Centre is run by Tamar in the country. It is managed by something to suit everyone’s Adventures, whose activities include the Woodland Riders – visit www. interests. the exhilarating Tree Surfers high gawtongravityhub.co.uk. We are hoping to run our annual wire ropes course and tree jump Autumn Trail Festival to build high in the canopy, canoeing trips, Events along the Tamar Trails on this success and enthusiasm. archery and childrens’ outdoor Discover more about the many Please visit our website and activity days. Bicycles for hire and an aspects of the Tamar Trails by Facebook page nearer the time all-terrain mobility scooter (for joining in with organised events. for confirmation and full details if advance hire) provide direct access See our Events Calendar on pages we go ahead. to the trail network on wheels. 11–14 for this summer’s activities. Details of all facilities can be found If you have ideas of events and at www.tamartrails.co.uk. Follow the activities you would like us to engine arrange, please contact Becki Morwellham Quay and Chapel house… or Charlotte at the Tamar Valley In the early stages of the project, AONB, tel 01822 835030, extensive restoration and conservation [email protected] works were carried out at Morwellham www.tamarvalley.org.uk 5 The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

It’s time for the Tamar Valley AONB team to produce the next Management Plan for the Valley. It’s a crucial document, establishing an agreed vision and setting out the direction of work of the AONB team over the next 5 years (2014-2019). Management plan - the next five years

We are undertaking this exercise on The AONB team is supported and so far in this process. behalf of Cornwall, Devon County, directed by a Partnership Committee West Devon Borough and South representing a number of During these initial exercises, Hams District Councils, which are organisations that are involved people identified the following required to work together to in a range of interests across the changes within the Valley: produce a Plan. Our overall aim designated area. Have a look at • an increase in recreational use of is to ensure that we conserve and our website www.tamarvalley.org. the area by the general public enhance the important qualities of uk/partnership to find out who’s • the loss of local shops, post the Tamar Valley landscape and that involved. offices and rural services the Valley remains a vibrant place in • shifts in the local population which to live and work. The Plan will The AONB team began reviewing demographic towards an older re-affirm what is important about the current Plan at the end of last age group the Valley and set out what actions year and aim to finish by December. • development pressure, including the AONB Partnership Committee We have so far taken two new houses and renewable will undertake to maintain and opportunities to consult with Tamar energy installations. enhance its special character. Valley communities about issues and concerns that need to be covered We also have to reflect changes in The government has provided by the next Plan. We had a very national policy, especially with various guidance documents setting lively and engaged consultation regard to the National Planning out what an AONB Management in the evening part of the Annual Policy Framework and renewable Plan should be and how it should be Conference at the Tamar Valley energy installations. produced. Plans should: Centre (TVC) at which about 50 people participated in a ‘carousel’ For further information about the • Be informed by evidence; brainstorming session. Management Plan review process, • Be subject to broad consultation please contact Corinna Woodall, and engagement; We also took the opportunity to Tamar Valley AONB Manager, at • Set out clearly the distinctive consult 40 people on ‘river issues’ at [email protected] or on features of the AONB; a special evening reflecting on the 01822 835030. • Set out clear vision, policies, Tamar Project, focusing on river art objectives and measures of (again at the TVC), alongside success; experts who talked about different • Include an action programme; aspects of the rivers and water in • Reflect the needs and aspirations the Valley. The Tamar Valley AONB for the AONB as a whole, team have been delighted with rather than of any one the support that the community organisation or sector. and our Partners have given us

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New views of the Tamar Exploring the River’s role in our past, present and future

The Tamar Project is a cultural initiative reconnecting our one with Adam in the kayak, communities with the River Tamar. It is all about exploring new ways directing their journey to him as of using this significant waterway, from its rural tidal reaches to the they went, and recording their urban centre of Plymouth. Tamar Valley AONB is one of the individual responses to the life of participating network of organisations and communities along the the river. Tamar, together with Plymouth University’s Peninsula Arts. The Tamar Project is currently The project is supported by the and visually from the oarsman applying for funding for its next big University’s Marine Institute and the behind, while a mounted video venture: an international river film School of Art and Media. Its River- camera creates a record of each festival, ‘It’s All About the River’, based activities aim to create a hive unique journey. as part of Plymouth’s Ocean City of activity leading to social, cultural Festival in September 2014. and economic development. From June to December 2012, Contemporary artists will be Adam reconfigured the kayak commissioned to create new, site- In April 2012 the Tamar Project especially for the River Tamar. specific films about the River Tamar, secured funding for its first major His reworking of ‘Ghost’ explores showcasing them as part of an commission by international artist themes of death and entropy, outdoor festival on the banks of the Adam Chodzko. ‘Ghost’, a unique exemplified by the silting of the river from Calstock to Plymouth. hand-crafted 22-foot wooden River’s upper tidal reaches, its For more information see website: kayak, was originally created to ferry disused quays, and the www.tamarproject.org.uk members of the public, one by one, downgrading of the Royal Navy to Deadman’s Island off the Isle of Dockyard – issues that represent Sheppey in Kent. Described as ‘a contemporary challenges for the sculpture of a vessel’, it was built City of Plymouth and Tamar by Whitstable-based Glyn Edwards communities. They also point Kayaks from strips of Alaskan yellow towards the wider issues of cedar, Fijian mahogany, oak, ash, environmental and social use of the olive and walnut. ‘Ghost’ carries a River and the need to find attractive rower at the back and a member and sustainable solutions. During of the public at the front. The the summer, the artist explored four passenger lies flat in the vessel, at areas along the river: Saltash, water level, with his or her head Devonport, Calstock and Bere slightly raised. A dome on deck Alston. Participants from these separates the passenger physically places were invited to travel one by Seth and Adam ghost trip www.tamarvalley.org.uk 7 The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

Coombe Trenchard - a model estate

Sarah and Philip Marsh introduce us to their restoration project: a magnificent Edwardian property that now provides accommodation, open days and events for the public.

Imagine you are a young, wealthy a large kitchen garden with a heated which caused quite a stir recently recently married Edwardian glasshouse, their own water supply when featured on BBC Spotlight. gentleman, keen on country sports and a facility to manufacture gas and wanting to settle down in style. for lighting. The gardens would be Our dream has been to re-establish You might look for an existing in the latest William Robinson or the gardens and buildings to their estate in good hunting country, near Gertrude Jekyll style and be appointed Edwardian glory and maintain the some decent trout fishing. But given with medieval objets d’art estate on a sustainable, low-carbon your interest in architecture and (preferably Italian), streams, ponds, basis. Our Edwardians were there your wife’s passion for gardening, waterfalls, fountains, viewpoints, first with their Arts & Crafts ideology why not create your own estate bridges, and miles of paths. and self-sufficiency. We are following from scratch? on with the best of what the All this was achieved, although no modern day has to offer – solar PV In 1905/6 that is exactly what records exist of the bill! By early and solar-thermal – as well as Henry Sperling and his new wife, 1907 the happy couple took continuing to follow organic Mary, decided to do. They possession of Coombe Trenchard practices and growing our own acquired 116 acres from Sabine and spent the next five decades timber for fuel. Baring-Gould’s Lewtrenchard living the dream. estate, appointed the London- By opening the gardens to the based Arts & Crafts architect, In 2007 we discovered Coombe public and holding arts events Walter Sarel, and then set about Trenchard for ourselves and fell in and weddings, we hope we can designing their own ‘model estate’. love. Much of the detail was missing gradually cover the costs Prerequisites included an or simply hidden under half a associated with the restoration. ■ architecturally fascinating house, century’s worth of grass, brambles sweeping driveways, parkland and or worse; but the hard features, the ‘Invitation to View’ Days: woodland for stalking, fabulous house and the gardens nearest to June and July. gardens and terraces for it, were intact. We have enjoyed Open Garden, ‘Sculptural’ Event: June and July (see page 11 for details). entertaining, stabling for the discovering incredible architectural Bed & Breakfast: horses, garaging for the Rolls, and design features, including Available throughout the year. a substantial dove loft, yards and buffalo-hide wall coverings and an www.coombetrenchard.co.uk buildings for the rare-breed poultry, apparently unique ‘disappearing wall’

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Port Eliot wins heritage award Port Eliot, St Germans, was named Port Eliot is the oldest continually Catherine St Germans said “We are Best Picnic Spot at the Hudson inhabited dwelling in the UK and pleased to open our home to new Heritage Awards 2012, held in is famous for its arts festival, which visitors, particularly at a time when London last November. restarts in 2014. This year, Port Eliot the festival is having a year off and will be open for 100 days, from 11th we’re able to organise new events.” The annual awards were launched March to 6th June and from 10th in 2011 to celebrate achievements June to 15th July. Visitors can roam More details including opening in the UK heritage industry and to the woodland and the park, created times and admissions are available promote tourism in the UK. The by landscape gardener Humphry on the website www.porteliot.co.uk, criterion for judging Best Picnic Repton, which stretches down to or by emailing [email protected] Spot was: ‘Somewhere in your park a secret estuary of the river Lynher or telephoning 01503 230211. ■ or garden where picnicking creates flowing beneath Brunel’s railway memories’. viaduct. Heritage exhibition on tour ‘Uncovering the Past’, an Centre, together with the exhibition’s exhibition showcasing the display boards, in January. Over 300 Calstock Parish Heritage Project, people came along, and gave very has gone on tour! positive feedback about the exhibition and the project as a whole. Since The project began in November January, ‘Uncovering the Past’ has 2010 following a successful been touring the Valley (minus the £35,000 Your Heritage grant bid Roman fort finds). A further 60 portable and quick and easy to put to the Heritage Lottery Fund. The people attended at Bere Alston in up. For more information please people of Calstock parish were April, and the exhibition visited the contact Sam Barnes on 01822 able to explore the history of their new Tamar Trails Centre over the 835032, or email sbarnes@tamar- area in depth, uncovering Easter weekend, and the Manor valley.org.uk fascinating facts and stories. Some House Inn, Rilla Mill, at the end of members of the community also May. If you haven’t seen it yet, then Confirmed dates so far: got their hands dirty excavating keep an eye out as it may come Calstock Village Hall; the Roman fort. Some of the your way! Sat 1st June 10am - 3pm The Old Chapel, Calstock; Sun 2nd - significant finds were kindly loaned Tue 4th June, daily 11.00am - 5.00pm. by The Royal Cornwall Museum The exhibition is available to hire for Rilla Mill Village Hall; and put on show at the Tamar Valley your event or organisation, is fully Sat 29th June (times tbc) www.tamarvalley.org.uk 9 The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

Heath Fritillary © Caroline Kelly, Saving the Heath Fritillary Butterfly Conservation Becki Lumbis describes how one of our rarest butterflies has been surviving, thanks to the efforts of conservationists. The Tamar Valley provides a home Reintroductions occurred in 2006 to the rare heath fritillary, Melitaea at Greenscombe wood and in 2007 athalia. This butterfly is restricted at Blanchdown wood. The former to just a few remaining strongholds reintroduction has been a in Britain, including Blean woodlands tremendous success to date. recommendations will be available in Kent, sheltered heathland at the end of year. The next combes on Exmoor, woodland In 2012 the population at challenge will be to get the in Essex and the Lydford Valley Greenscombe wood continued coppice cycle right so that it results in Devon. One of the smaller and to expand into recently managed in an expansion of the the heath darker-coloured of the handsome areas, which are funded through fritillary population into other Valley fritillaries, heath fritillaries are seen a Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) woodlands. ■ flying close to the ground, gliding ‘Special project’. It is now and flitting in warm, open areas. considered to be large in size with For more information, please Our local acid soils support its more than 250 adults recorded in a contact Becki Lumbis on foodplants, such as common cow- day, compared to 2007 when only (01822) 835030 or email: wheat and ribwort plantain, but like 49 adults were recorded. However, [email protected] many other species in the Valley, as Greenscombe wood is the only heath fritillaries are dependent remaining site in the Tamar Valley, the upon the continuation of traditional species remains under threat of land management practice of extinction, as there could be a woodland coppicing which creates localised catastrophe (for example, Discovery Trail suitable clearings where the extreme weather or disease). foodplants can thrive. Challenge Historic records show sites within This year’s Discovery Trail A project was initiated in 2005 by the Valley that were once occupied Challenge, our 30.5 mile charity Butterfly Conservation and the by heath fritillaries. Due to land walk, supported the work being Tamar Valley AONB, in co-operation management funded through carried out by Butterfly with other local partners (Natural HLS agreements, there has been an Conservation in the Tamar Valley. England and Duchy of Cornwall), increase in the amount of potentially Keep an eye on our Facebook as well as local landowners. The aim suitable habitat. Butterfly page or website to see how much was to restore former heath Conservation, with the support of we have raised! If you would fritillary habitat to suitable the Tamar Valley AONB, is like to donate, please visit www. conditions to encourage natural revisiting sites to survey their justgiving.com/TamarValley/. recolonisation and for reintroduction. condition. Results and

10 The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB events Encouraging you to Explore and Discover your AONB

Here’s a selection of guided Venue: Calstock Arts, The Old the heritage of the former Arsenic About the events walks and events for you to Chapel, Calstock Mines. Enjoy nature walks and enjoy throughout the Tamar Organiser: Tamar Valley AONB explore the Native American Tipi Dress for the weather Valley. New events and guided Information: 01822 835030, Campsite of tamarvalleytipis. Layers are often best in our walks are being added all the [email protected] Meet: Deer Park Farm Education changeable climate. Wear stout time to our Events Calendar (Sam Barnes) Centre, Luckett. shoes or boots. Field guides and on-line. Visit www.tamarvalley. Notes: ample parking, sorry no binoculars are always useful, but org.uk and follow the link for 7th, Friday, 7:00pm dogs due to livestock. not essential. your up-to-date guide. Nightjars at Devon Information: 01579 370292 Great Consols Children Join local bird enthusiast, Richard 10th – 15th July, 2:00pm – We welcome and encourage Hibbert, for an evening talk, hot 6:00pm (last admission 5:00pm) children at most events, but JUNE soup & rolls and a walk along the Port Eliot Open Days they must be accompanied by Tamar Trails to hopefully Roam the woodland gardens and an adult who will be responsible Until 2nd, 10:00am – 4:00pm experience the nightjar’s unique park, created by landscape gar- for them. Cornwall Open Studios call & see them in flight. dener Humphry Repton, and visit the Artists and craftspeople Cost: £5 per person (includes house. Marking the Line: Ceramics Access throughout Cornwall open their soup & roll) and Architecture exhibition, Most events are accessible for studio doors, showcasing the best Meet: Tamar Trails Centre, workshops & tours continues. any reasonably active person, art the county has to offer. The Gulworthy Cost: House & Gardens - Adult £8, but unfortunately many are Tamar Valley Centre is pleased to Organiser: Tamar Valley AONB Child £4 (children are free during not suitable for pushchairs or host just some of these talented Booking: essential - 01822 exhibition). Gardens only: Adult wheelchairs. Please always check artists; Tessa Jane, Clare Law 835030, bookings@tamarvalley. £5, Child £2. beforehand if you are unsure. and Sophy White, for their show org.uk Venue: Port Eliot, St Germans ‘Glimpses’. Information: 01503 230211, Booking Venue: Tamar Valley Centre, 8th, Saturday, 10:30am – 4:00pm [email protected] It is essential to book in advance Drakewalls, nr Gunnislake Jewellery Making Workshop where stated. Information: 01822 835030, An opportunity to make your own 13th, Thursday, 12:15pm [email protected] jewellery choosing from a variety Bere Ferrers Guided Walk Cost of projects. Suitable for all levels Clive Charlton will lead the walk, Unless a cost is stated, all events 1st, Saturday of experience, you will be inspired following lunch (optional, 12:15pm) are free of charge, although Discovery Trail Challenge and guided to create something on the Tamar Belle. donations would be appreciated. Cheer along this year’s walkers, spectacular by local jewellery Meet: Tamar Belle, Bere Ferrers Station as they aim to complete the designer/maker Karen Gronow. Organiser: Friends of the Tamar Valley Dogs challenging 30-mile Tamar Valley Cost: £45 per person, including all Booking: Essential for the meal, Please check with the organiser Discovery Trail from Tamerton materials and refreshments (please otherwise join the group at 1:45pm. to find out if dogs are allowed, Foliot to Lifton, whilst raising funds bring lunch). Call 01822 834964 (Jane Kiely) and if they need to be kept on for Butterfly Conservation. Venue: Tamar Valley Centre, a lead. Organiser: Tamar Valley AONB Drakewalls, nr Gunnislake 14th, Friday, 7:30pm (doors & Information: 01822 835030, Organiser: Tamar Valley AONB bar open), 8:30pm music begins Map References [email protected] Booking: essential, 01822 835030, A Gallery Bar Special These refer to OS Explorer maps [email protected] Peter and Li, plus guest singer nos 108 (Tamar Valley and 1st – 31st July, weekends only Marianne, Calstock’s own jazz duo Plymouth) or 112 (Launceston (or by appointment) 8th, Saturday, 11:00am start featuring Peter on piano and Li on and Holsworthy). Sculptural 2013 Adventurers in Music clarinet and sax, are now a trio! The best of contemporary British This theatrical performance Well known jazz standards as well Transport sculpture and design. Those celebrates the rich history of as three new songs composed and Please help to ease the already announced include Walter mining communities and their performed for the “New Songs burden of traffic on the narrow Bailey, Alison Crowther, Eva brass and silver bands. Jazz Café” during last year’s country lanes. Some events are Masterman, Amy Stephens and Adventurers in Music will involve, Calstock Jazz and Blues Festival. specifically timed to connect with Jo Taylor. Exhibition curators - inspire and entertain audiences Cost: free entry, but donation the scenic Tamar Valley Line and William Benington Gallery. throughout the day at the welcome (raising funds to enhance connecting buses. Otherwise, Cost: £5, children under 14 free beautiful Cotehele Quay. The Old Chapel’s sound system) please try to share cars as much Venue: Coombe Trenchard, Cost: free Venue: Calstock Arts, The Old as possible. Lewtrenchard, EX20 4PW Venue: Cotehele Quay (National Chapel, Calstock Information: 01566 783179 Trust), St Dominick, PL12 6TA Information: 01822 833183, Persons who participate in events Information: 01579 351346, www.calstockarts.org do so at their own risk. Neither 2nd – 4th, Sunday – Tuesday, [email protected] the Tamar Valley AONB team, 11:00am - 5:00pm 15th, Saturday, 7:30pm other organisers, nor landowners Uncovering the Past Exhibition 9th, Sunday 10:30am - 4:00pm Waiting for Godot shall be liable for any death, loss Another chance to see the Open Farm Sunday at Venue: Calstock Playing Fields or damage sustained. exhibition, shown at the Tamar Deer Park Farm (nr Village Hall) Participation in events is at the Valley Centre in January 2013. Free Farm Tractor & Trailer Tours Tickets: CRBO.co.uk, £12 adult, discretion of the leader. No Come and find out about the at 11:00am and 2:00pm. See Cows £10 concession, £8 child responsibility can be taken for community’s experience and & Calves, Ewes & Lambs, Growing Organiser: Miracle Theatre inaccurate information in this results from the Calstock Roman Crops and much more. Story of Company newsletter. fort dig. the ancient Royal Deer Park and www.tamarvalley.org.uk 11 The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

16th, Sunday, 11:00am – 4:00pm talented local artist. Polleny grass 20th, Saturday, 11:00am - 4:00pm Cotehele’s Deer Park fields and expanses of golden corn JULY Family Felting Guided tour with Stephen Docksey gleamed and shimmered on rare Join Claire Packer for a drop in around Cotehele’s Tudor deer sunny days over the last two years, Until 15th, 2:00pm – 6:00pm family workshop where families will park and Danescombe Valley’s allowing Mary to capture the (last admission 5:00pm) be making felt items. industrial archaeology. essence of Summer in the Tamar Port Eliot Open Days Cost: normal admission, plus £3 Notes: please bring packed lunch, Valley. See 10th June for details per child stout shoes/boots and National Venue: West Brendon, St Dominic, Venue: Buckland Abbey, Garden Trust membership card. PL12 6TB. Parking in field behind Until 31st July, weekends only & Estate (National Trust) Meet: outside reception, house so please wear suitable shoes. (or by appointment) Information: 01822 853607, buck- National Trust’s Cotehele House, Information: 01579 350696 Sculptural 2013 [email protected] St Dominick See 1st June for details Organiser: Cornwall 28th, Friday, 6:30pm 20th, Saturday, 2:00pm - 4:00pm Archaeological Society Wine tasting and Sumptuous 7th, Sunday, 10:00am – 4:00pm Butterflies with John Randall Information: 01822 834454 Supper with Charles Steevenson St Luke’s Hospice, Open Gardens Looking at different butterflies on Wines and Food Dreckly - Gunnislake Garden Walkabout the Reserve. 18th, Tuesday, 11:00am Wine tasting led by local wine Enjoy visiting 14 gardens within Notes: Sorry no dogs Woodland Walk merchant, Charles Steevenson Gunnislake village. Meet: meet: Cecil Arms, Saltash, Join our Warden on this guided Wines of Tavistock, followed by Cost: £5 admission - includes entry PL12 4AR (SX417583) walk through the woodland and two-course supper from award- to all gardens, and map. Information: Mary Langworth - learn about woodland winning Food Dreckly. Notes: Money raised will be 01752 843852 management and wildlife. You Cost: £20 per person donated to St Luke’s Hospice, Organiser: Friends of Churchtown might even see some deer. Venue: Calstock Arts, The Old Plymouth. Farm Community Nature Reserve, Cost: normal admission Chapel, Calstock Information: 07795 603067, Saltash. Venue: Buckland Abbey, Garden Booking: 01822 833183, wayne.marshall@stlukes-hospice. & Estate (National Trust) [email protected]. or org.uk 21st, Sunday, 2:00pm start Information: 01822 853607, buck- from Levine’s in Calstock. Forder Community and [email protected] PL18 9QX 13th, Saturday, from 10:00am Conservation Association Fete Discovery Open Day - Stalls, display of model yachts, 22nd, Saturday, 7:00pm (doors 29th, Saturday, Churchtown Farm BBQ, refreshments in the village and bar open), 8:00pm start 10:30am - 12:30pm Country crafts, stalls, falconry hall. To be opened by the Mayor Rabbit Theatre presents Wild Flowers display, guided walks. of Saltash. Great Expectations Identify wild flowers on the Cost: Free Entrance. Venue: The Village Green, Forder, Deft, daft, delightful... and Reserve with Ian Bennallick. Notes: Dogs on Lead welcome. Saltash definitely Dickens! Notes: wear suitable clothing and Meet: Wearde Road entrance to Information: Carole Brown, Some of Dickens’ most footwear. Sorry no dogs. Reserve (SX421582) PL12 4AS 01752 849709 memorable characters are vividly Meet: Wearde Road entrance to Information: Mary Langworth - brought to life as Dave Mynne, Reserve (SX421582) PL12 4AS 01752 843852 24th - 30th August, Cornish-based actor and founder Organiser: Friends of Churchtown Organiser: Friends of Churchtown 11:00am - 5:00pm member of Kneehigh Theatre, Farm Community Nature Reserve, Farm Community Nature Reserve, Summer Fun at Cotehele takes you on a journey that brings Saltash. Saltash. Join us every weekday afternoon you a ‘cast of thousands’ in this Information: Mary Langworth - for family activities. These might skilful, one-man adaptation of 01752 843852 20th, Saturday – 28th, Sunday, include wild sculpture, pond Charles Dickens’ epic novel. 11:00am - 4:00pm dipping, making bee homes and Notes: Suitable for adults and 29th - 30th, Saturday - Peninsula Imaging - more. accompanied children over 8. Sunday, 11:00am Photographic Exhibition Cost: normal admission charges Cost: £9 advance, £10 door. ‘Sconanza Weekend’ and An inspirational opportunity to apply Venue: Calstock Arts, The Old Wet Wet Weekend admire a great selection of Venue: National Trust’s Cotehele, Chapel, Calstock Sconanza photographs, which have been St Dominick, near Saltash Information: 01822 833183 Sample a wide range of scones inspired by the local landscape Information: 01579 351346 Booking: www.calstockarts.org or being baked in our demonstration and local people. Photographers from Levine’s in Calstock. bakery, our own homemade jam Keith Urro, Dave Gordon and John and have a go at making butter. Hooper are all members of the 22nd, Saturday, 10:00pm fire Family games. Tavistock Camera Club lit (entertainment before) Cost: normal admission charges Venue: Tamar Valley Centre, Midsummer Bonfire apply Drakewalls, nr Gunnislake Below: Mary Martin’s painting, Traditional Cornish gathering Venue: National Trust’s Cotehele Information: 01822 835030, Stormy weather in June. See celebrating Midsummer with Mill, St Dominick, near Saltash [email protected] 23rd - 30th June. verses in Cornish and English Wet Wet Events on a water-based before the fire is lit as the sun sets. theme, including model boat Singers and other entertainment. presentation & demonstrations, Notes: wear warm clothing and a ‘Damp & Dash’ race (swim or bring a torch. kayak in the Tamar, then a short Meet: Kit Hill Summit (no parking run round the estate) on Saturday, at summit, please allow time to a static display by the RNLI, walk up from lower car parks) Saltash Marine Cadets, best Information: 01579 370344, keith- dressed pirates competition on [email protected] Sunday, face painting, a bouncy castle, taster sessions with Canoe 23rd – 30th, Sunday – Sunday, Tamar, the British Canoe Union will 11:00am – 6:00pm test your stamina, and more. Mary Martin - Summer Exhibition Cost: Free Eighty paintings, almost all painted Venue: Cotehele Quay, in the last 2 years, by this highly St Dominick, near Saltash Information: 01579 351346

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27th, Saturday, 1:00pm 5th, Monday, 9:30am – 4:30pm 7th, Wednesday, 24th – 26th, Saturday - Monday, Latchley, Chilsworthy & Cox Park Kids Go Wild Adventure Day 9:00am - 12:00noon 10.30am - 5.30pm Horticultural Show - Tree Surfing Guided Walk Medieval Weekend Marquee with local exhibits of Drop the kids off for a day of Join our resident wildlife expert Join the Medieval Free Company vegetables, fruit, craft, art, adventure in the Trees. Activities Richard Hibbert each Wednesday as they take you back to the photography and needlework. include Tree Surfing, Zip wire, Tree morning throughout August for a fifteenth century. Meet archers Dog show, pony show, vintage Jump and Tree Climbing. fabulous guided walk. Explore the and millers, cooks and tavern vehicles, falconry display, childrens’ Cost: £30 per child woodland trails, discover the owners as you take a journey sports and entertainment. Bar, hot Notes: suitable for children aged hidden birds, learn about the through everyday life in years refreshments and cream teas. 8 years and upwards history and archaeology of the gone by. Venue: Showfield, Latchley Venue: Tamar Trails, Gulworthy area. Cost: normal admission Information: 01822 834123 (Rita) Booking: essential - 01822 Cost: £3 per person Venue: Buckland Abbey, Garden or 01822 832109 (Jeff, trade stand 833409, [email protected] Venue: Tamar Trails, Gulworthy & Estate (National Trust) enquiries) Booking: essential: 01822 833409, Information: 01822 853607, 6th, Tuesday, 9:30am - 4:30pm [email protected] bucklandabbey@nationaltrust. 30th, Tuesday, 2:00pm - 4:00pm Kids Go Wild Adventure Day - org.uk Earth Magic Bush Craft 8th, Thursday, 9:30am - 1:00pm Come and explore the wonders of Drop the kids off for a day of Mountain Bike Skills 26th, Monday, 9:30am - 4:30pm the Old Drakewalls mine site. adventure in the Woods. A half-day introduction to Kids Go Wild Adventure Day - Notes: Children must be Bush Craft and Archery – den mountain bike skills in the Tree Surfing accompanied by an adult. Please building, fire starting, camp fire Tavistock Woodlands beside See 5th August for details bring sun cream, hat and cooking plus archery, too. Tree Surfers. Our qualified refreshments. Sorry no dogs. Cost: £30 per child instructors will help build your 27th, Tuesday, 9:30am - 4:30pm Meet: Tamar Valley Centre, Notes: suitable for children aged off road confidence, develop Kids Go Wild Adventure Day - Drakewalls, SX 425 706 8 years and upwards techniques for riding across rough Bush Craft Booking: essential - cornwall. Venue: Tamar Trails, Gulworthy terrain, up and down steep slopes. See 6th August for details gov.uk/countrysideevents, select Booking: essential: 01822 833409, They will also teach you to deal countryside brochure summer, or [email protected] with simple drop offs and general 28th, Wednesday, call 01872 323468 (office hours) single-track techniques. 9:00am - 12:00noon 6th, Tuesday, 2:00pm - 4:00pm Cost: £20 per person Guided Walk 31st, Wednesday, 2:00pm - 4:00pm Pond Dipping & Notes: suitable for age 12 years See 7th August for details Family Walk Mini Beast Safari and upwards, bikes & helmets Join our Warden on an estate walk Come and poot, dip and sweep at supplied. 28th, Wednesday, with families in mind. The estate Kit Hill Country Park and find out Venue: Tavistock Woodlands, 10:00am - 1:00pm looks gorgeous in early summer about a bugs life. Gulworthy Family Activities and you may well spot some Notes: All children must be Booking: essential: 01822 833409, See 7th August for details exciting wildlife. accompanied by an adult. Please [email protected] Cost: normal admission bring sun cream, hat and 28th, Wednesday, Venue: Buckland Abbey, Garden refreshments. Sorry no dogs. 14th, Wednesday, 11:00am - 1.30pm & Estate (National Trust) Cost: £1.50 per child 9:00am - 12:00noon Woodland Walk Information: 01822 853607, buck- Meet: Kit Hill summit car park Guided Walk Join our Warden to discover the [email protected] SX 375 713 See 7th August for details woodlands and wildlife along the Booking: essential - cornwall.gov. banks of the river Tavy. uk/countrysideevents, select 14th, Wednesday, Cost: normal admission AUGUST countryside brochure summer, 10:00am - 1:00pm Venue: Buckland Abbey, or call 01872 323468 (office hours). Family Activities Garden & Estate (National Trust) Until 30th See 7th August for details Information: 01822 853607, Summer Fun at Cotehele 7th, Wednesday, bucklandabbey@nationaltrust. See 24th July for details 10:00am - 1:00pm 14th, Wednesday, org.uk Family Activities 2:00pm - 4:00pm 2nd, Friday, 1:15pm – 4:15pm • Natural Art Drop In session Explore Nature 28th, Wednesday, Guided Canoe Trip – join members of the team to See 7th August for details 2:00pm - 4:00pm Join the Canoe Tamar team for explore nature by collecting Explore Nature a canoe journey from Cotehele natural materials and create 16th, Friday, 11:00am - 4:00pm See 7th August for details Quay, exploring the river past mini-works of art. £1 per child Family Felting Calstock, Rumleigh and Gawton • Panning for copper £1 per child See 20th July for details 29th, Thursday, 9:30am - 1:00pm Quays. • Scavenger Hunt – follow the Mountain Bike Skills Perfect for the whole family. clues, collecting natural 21st, Wednesday, See 8th August for details Cost: Adults - £25, under materials and explore the 9:00am - 12:00noon 18s - £21, under 5s free. woodland trails – Free Guided Walk 31st, Saturday - 8th September Meet: Cotehele Quay, Venue: Tamar Trails, Gulworthy See 7th August for details Drawn to the Valley nr St Dominick Booking: essential: 01822 833409, Open Studios Booking: essential - [email protected] 21st, Wednesday, Open Studios has become a 01822 833409. 10:00am - 1:00pm regular feature in the regional Organiser: Tamar Adventures 7th, Wednesday, Family Activities calendar, where art-lovers can look 2:00pm - 4:00pm See 7th August for details forward to meeting artists within 2nd, Friday, 6:00pm Explore Nature their studios or exhibition space Cargreen Walk Join the wildlife team every 21st, Wednesday, and are able to discuss their work A walk from Cargreen with Wednesday afternoon throughout 2:00pm - 4:00pm with them. optional meal at the Cardinal’s the summer to explore nature, be Explore Nature Venue: various throughout the Hatt. creative and get into the woods. See 7th August for details Tamar Valley area, including Information: 01822 834964 Cost: £5 per child Tamar Valley Centre. (Jane Kiely) Venue: Tamar Trails, Gulworthy Information: Organiser: Friends of the Booking: essential: 01822 833409, www.drawntothevalley.co.uk Tamar Valley [email protected] www.tamarvalley.org.uk 13 The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

SEPTEMBER

Until 8th, Sunday 7th, Saturday, 11:00am 16th – 22nd, Monday – Sunday, Drawn to the Valley Appletrees, Cider and Cheese 11:00am – 5:00pm Open Studios Celebrate our orchards with local ‘Crumble in the Jungle’ Week See 31st August for details cheese and cider producers. Our Sample crumbles, cakes and Victorian cider press will be in biscuits made from garden and 1st, Sunday - 3rd November action; we’ll have childrens’ wild fruits in our demonstration The Great British activities plus lots more. bakery at Cotehele Mill. Walking Festival Cost: normal admission charges Cost: normal admission charges Two months celebrating the apply apply vibrancy and variation of walking Venue: National Trust’s Cotehele, Information: 01579 351346 in Britain. St Dominick, near Saltash Venue: Buckland Abbey, Garden Information: 01579 351346 21st – 22nd, Saturday - Sunday & Estate (National Trust) Wild in the Woods for Adults Information: 01822 853607, 7th, Saturday, 7:30pm A full weekend of countryside [email protected]. Cider hoedown! living. Pitch your tent on the uk or visit www.nationaltrust.org. Join us in the Barn Restaurant for Cotehele Estate and get ready for uk/buckland-abbey/ a hoedown with Fox amongst the nightwalks, bushcraft, workshops Chickens folk/ceilidh band. Cider and much more. Bring your own 6th, Friday, 7:30pm - 9:30pm bar (open from 5.30pm) and hog tents, sleeping bags etc. Friends of the Tamar Valley Talk roast. Cost: Adult £70 - Dr Helen Willson Cost: Adult £10, Child £5 Venue: National Trust’s Cotehele, Dr Helen Willson will enlighten Venue: National Trust’s Cotehele, St Dominick, near Saltash us on the remarkable story of the St Dominick, near Saltash Booking: essential - 08442491895. Pinwill Sisters – ladies before their Booking: advisable, 01579 351346 time! 21st - 22nd, Saturday - Sunday Notes: We look forward to wel- 14th, Saturday, 11:00am South West Downhill coming members to our meetings, Heritage Open Day Championships and also non members with a Your chance to view Cotehele on Venue: Gawton Gravity Hub charge of £2.00. this free entry day. (Maddacleave Woods) Venue: Calstock Village Hall Venue: National Trust’s Cotehele, Information: Information: Jane Kiely, 01822 St Dominick, near Saltash www.gawtongravityhub.co.uk 834964 or janekielyintamarvalley@ Information: 01579 351346 uwclub.net Coming this October… Autumn Trails Festival. Please see website & Facebook nearer Coombe Trenchard, see 1st the time for full details. June - 31st July Walk & Talk Programmes Local Train Times A great way to meet new people, explore your Tamar Valley Line - Gunnislake to Plymouth. area, improve health, and it’s free! For timetable information please call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or visit We currently have two www.carfreedaysout.com. Walk and Talk Groups For Bus Times please call Traveline on 0871 200 22 running in the Tamar 33, or visit traveline.info Valley. Every Monday in Saltash, every Wednesday at Gunnislake & Calstock. Visit www.tamarvalley. org.uk, and click on events, walk & talk

Field to Plate We provide hog or lamb roasts for your event, party or function throughout Devon and Cornwall. Our hand-reared meats will be cooked for you at your venue, and can be served with salad and a choice of breads. Prices start from £575 for a hog and £375 for lamb.

Tel: 01822 832117 • Email: fi[email protected] • www.fieldtoplate.co.uk

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

Far left: Discovery Trail volunteers with Dave Readman

Left: Volunteer co-ordinators on a site visit to La Dragonera, off the coast of Majorca Supporting our valued volunteers Plans are afoot to support and strengthen the teams of volunteers who play such a vital role in the Tamar Valley. Over the years we have built a covered all aspects of working • Helping out at the Tamar Valley significant group of enthusiastic with volunteers, such as planning a Centre during the summer and dedicated volunteers from a project, developing relationships, months, manning reception and variety of backgrounds. In the last improving motivational skills and providing a point of information 18 months over 80 participants effectively gathering feedback. during events and exhibitions. took part in the Calstock Parish • Helping out at annual events, Heritage project’s heritage training By bringing this knowledge back such as the Discovery Trail events. Forty volunteers joined to the Tamar Valley to build on our Challenge and Trails Festivals. the Cordiale project’s significant current work, we feel that we can • Leading walks for our Walk & hedges survey, and numerous give much more to our volunteers. Talk programme. others were involved in our BioBlitz, We will be working with the Tamar Diarykeepers, Harvesting Time, Community Trust and Friends of If you are interested in becoming energy-savers and woodfuel the Tamar Valley to share the valu- a volunteer for the Tamar Valley events. Volunteers have been able knowledge of all the Tamar AONB, then drop an email to developing and maintaining the Valley volunteers. [email protected] footpath at Wacker Quay as well (Becki Lumbis). as helping to clear the Tamar Trails These are some of our aims for for their recent relaunch, as part of the future: the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage • Keep a record of volunteers’ Project. desires so that we can notify the right people when planning Volunteering We value our volunteers and a project; opportunity at couldn’t have completed much of • Produce a guidance document so Warleigh Point our project work without them. that volunteers and staff know what to expect from each other; nature reserve In March this year our Project • Develop a better training Officer Sam Barnes attended a programme, including evaluation On the third Thursday of every three-day training course aimed and feedback processes; month, come and help out at specifically at producing highly • Add a volunteering policy into this glorious coastal oak skilled volunteer co-ordinators in our revised Management Plan. woodland reserve overlooking protected landscapes. The course, the Tamar-Tavy estuary. held in Palma, Majorca, was funded Can you help? We need by, and part of, the EU-Multilateral volunteers for: Contact Jackie Gage, DWT GRUNDTVIG Project, ‘Volunteer • Monitoring elements of the Nature Reserve Officer, Management in European Parks landscape such as habitats (e.g. 01392 279244 or email: 2010 - 13’. Attended by 25 staff hedges), building types and [email protected] from across Europe, training levels of tranquillity. www.tamarvalley.org.uk 15 The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

As the Cordiale sustainable land management project enters the home straight, Simon Bates looks at the tremendous progress made by its nine partners from protected landscapes in the south west of England and the north west of France.

Cordiale and beyond

Woodfuel from woods and hedges management plan has also Going forward, we are interested in Our objective is to create and been produced by Chambre finding and supporting solutions to develop a viable new market for d’Agriculture du Finistère. drive sustainable woodfuel woodfuel in the Tamar Valley, production and to encourage especially from our hedgerows. We We are delighted that the Coryton local use, whether for a woodfuel have seen a fuel price rise of 140% family at Pentillie Castle has processing and storage facility, in the last 8 years as oil reserves installed a woodchip boiler facilitating cooperation in the sector, dwindle and the UK imports more following a feasibility study that establishment of supply agreements gas. The government has set was supported through Cordiale. and sustainable hedge management. targets for reducing greenhouse Increasing the demand for gas emissions and fuel poverty, woodfuel is the first step towards Community engagement with local and in autumn 2012 introduced the our ultimate goal of generating an woods and hedgerows has emerged Renewable Heat Incentive for income for farmers (or saving them as a growing interest through the commercial biomass installations, money) from their hedges and course of this project. In addition to which should be followed with small, unmanaged woods. the tools above, we will be producing an incentive for domestic homes. a handbook for groups interested Good management would also Is woodfuel for you? in taking on the management of improve the health and wildlife local sites – maybe to harvest logs value of the hedges and woods Presently, we have three tools for woodburners, or simply for fresh that make our landscape to help you make a decision: air and enjoyment. Guidance is distinctive. • A ‘Ready Reckoner ‘pictorial provided on practical issues, both guide enables a rapid whole for the volunteers but also very We have conducted a series of farm audit of the sustainable importantly for the landowner too. audits and studies from farm to volumes of wood that could parish scale on the feasibility of be achieved over 15 years. Hedgerow mapping, monitoring developing woodchip in particular • A more detailed spreadsheet and management as an industry in the Tamar Valley enables a more precise Once the demand for woodchip and and Blackdown Hills AONBs, measurement of the total logs increases, we hope that looking at both supply and volume and cost of producing farmers will start supplying the distribution, as well as encouraging woodchip, and the annual and market. Our colleagues in the Parc demand for this fuel. capital costs of installing a Naturel Régional des Marais du woodchip boiler. Cotentin et du Bessin (PNRMCB), Inspiration has come from our • For those contemplating Normandy, have simple tools for French partners through a series switching from oil to wood, categorising hedges digitally to of training visits. In the Crozon we have a template for identify a sustainable wood supply. peninsula, the Parc Naturel collating information so that In return, we will be sharing our Régional d’Armorique (PNRA) are you can get an accurate methods for identifying hedges that sharing what they have learnt quotation for boiler have significant historic and wildlife from establishing woodchip supply installation. value. chains. A helpful hedge

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Inset (left): Exchange visit by Bretagne farmers, Feb 2013, (right): Wood mouse and crowd at BioBlitz 2013.

Local food ‘neighbourhood plans’. quays gives illustrated descriptions of The globalisation of food markets If communities achieve majority their importance in the past and present. led to a severe decline of the Tamar support for their plans, they become Valley’s distinctive market gardens a statutory part of the development To support this process, we have and orchards. However, some planning system. been undertaking some landscape businesses selling produce such as character training days and have run strawberries, apple juice and cut In France, the government has a Neighbourhood Planning Workshop flowers are still trading, and there told our Cordiale partners to give in Buckland Monachorum, to help has recently been a resurgence of more emphasis to the protection of the parish council consider landscape cooperative farming and community landscape in their charters, so they issues in future plans. We are supported agriculture. We know have worked directly with elected planning to run similar workshops that people in the Valley want to members on action plans. for other parishes. buy more local, seasonal food, but it has to be convenient. To this In Dorset, existing maps of Buildings end, Tamar Grow Local has set up semi-natural habitat were used The University of Plymouth and projects linking producers to consumers, to create an ecological network PNRMCB have been working with described on the front cover. for grassland, heath, wetland and schools to understand the woods. This map was then shared relationship between traditional In Brittany, our colleagues have with farmers and resulted in new buildings, local settlements and been working with artisan food habitat creation. Our colleagues in wider landscapes. They have producers to increase cooperation, the North and South Devon AONBs produced a tool to measure and reducing energy and effort wasted have cooperated with our French compare energy use and on travel to markets. They also partners on techniques to help greenhouse gas emissions across helped producers to buy land and people of all ages understand and domestic buildings, notably those buildings for a farm shop, through a take action for local landscapes, made of earth (though not here in community interest company. such as taking landscape the Valley), and a tool to help locate photographs at fixed points and traditional building materials. Valuable experience has been analysing the changes they show The Cordiale project came out of the adoption of the shared between PNRA and Dorset over time. European Landscape Convention, which underlines that all landscapes matter and that there are three main actions – to AONB about branding to boost protect, manage and plan our landscapes. As we reach the end of this funded phase of the project, we can be satisfied sales of quality, traditional food Our own successful use of ‘citizen that what has been achieved does significantly contribute to those aspirations. The outputs and learning from across produced in ways that protect the science’ generated new archaeological the partnership will be brought together at a conference in Brittany in June. We are keen to share our learning here in the environment and enhance data, and saw people in Bere Alston Valley and so we will be organizing a series of events more protected landscapes. digging in their back gardens to locally this summer and autumn. raise awareness about the history Mapping the landscape and development of this silver In the UK, the new National mining town. We have also been The Cordiale project was selected under the Planning Policy Framework has developing an atlas which we hope European Cross-border Cooperation Programme INTERREG IV A France (Channel) – England, and handed more power to parishes will be very useful to decision co-funded by through the production of makers. For example, a map of river the ERDF. www.tamarvalley.org.uk 17 The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB Tackling plant invaders Invasive plants are causing major problems in the Valley, but the Tamar Invasives Group is fighting back. The three main villains in this story are giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam, which are all spreading in our productive local climate. These plants threaten valuable habitats, particularly on the water’s edge, where they take over, shading out native plants and causing riverbanks to erode. Controlling them is the responsibility of landowners, but often people feel at a loss to know what to do.

The Tamar Invasives Group was including details of how to control reducing, but not the Himalayan created specifically to control the plants safely. Advisers were balsam, which they see as a bigger invasive plants in the Tamar river brought in from FWAG (Farming problem as it is highly visible. corridor. The partnership of four and Wildlife Advisory Group) South organisations, Tamar Valley AONB, West, an independent wildlife Project progress Environment Agency, Natural charity with extensive experience of In the 2012 season spring was very England and Cornwall Council, working with Natural England’s warm, leading to early growth. uses contractors to survey the agri-environment schemes. Both the surveyors and contractors locations of the plants and then undertaking treatment were able treat the worst infestations. All giant The Group visited 56 landowners, to take advantage of this and make hogweed sites and knotweed sites contacted a further four by good progress. As the season that are likely to have the most telephone and sent or delivered became wetter, however, there impact are treated. The main focus information packs to 10 more. Of was further growth, most notably of of the control work is on Giant the landowners, 25 were farming, 21 Himalayan balsam. hogweed; as our work in the AONB were managing the land for amenity is vital to stop it spreading into reasons (their own enjoyment, horses, Through the adoption of Higher Cornwall where it is virtually absent. woodland, etc.), two were garden Level Stewardship (HLS) Japanese knotweed has been owners, and the rest were using agreements, further funding has treated, but only where funds allow. the land commercially, including been available in the last two years This year’s funds are short, so the forestry, sites for utilities, factories to treat all three invasives species Group has concentrated their efforts and quarrying. on key land holdings within the on hogweed treatment. project area. This additional funding Of the 56 who were visited, 49 knew has helped to ensure the project Working with landowners where the plants were and 25 were as a whole has been able to treat This year the Group offered already treating them (but mostly the maximum number of plants landowners within the project area Himalayan balsam and Japanese throughout the Valley. a free visit, to assess invasive plants knotweed). Forty-three said they on their land and check the success could treat plants if they had Looking towards the 2013 season, of control methods. Each landowner support in the form of maps of plant significant flooding within the Tamar received a free pack, including an locations, technical information of catchment may have caused seeds aerial photograph showing the last the type that they now have and and rhizomes to be carried to new recorded invasive plant locations timely reminders! Thirty-nine said areas or to become freshly plus other valuable information, that the giant hogweed was exposed.

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In other areas they may have been covered by a thick layer of sediment. It seems that no two years are the Invasive plant facts same, each weather pattern presenting a new situation. Japanese knotweed Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) Community engagement was first brought to Britain in the mid-19th From visiting landowners it has been century as an ornamental garden plant. great seeing the pride people take Since then it has caused serious problems in their bit of the river. We have also in a range of habitats – particularly been able to witness the massive roadsides, riverbanks and derelict land – impact of flooding over the last year by displacing native flora and even on our riverbanks. Over 50 people causing structural damage. In the early took the opportunity recently to spring red/purple shoots grow rapidly, forming canes, with leaves visit Ferry Farm, Calstock in glorious gradually unfurling and turning green. The plants are fully grown by weather to receive free advice, pick early summer and mature canes are hollow with a distinctive purple up some practical tips and to see speckle, forming dense stands up to 3 metres high. demonstrations on different control techniques for Japanese Knotweed, Giant hogweed Giant Hogweed and Himalayan A highly invasive, large member of the balsam. carrot family, brought in as an ornamental plant from south-eastern Europe, giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) looks like giant cow parsley with deeply divided, light green spiky leaves. Its sap is highly toxic and can cause serious skin damage. It appears in March as a rosette of leaves and as the season progresses, a stout stem, often with purplish blotches, pushes up to a height of perhaps 5 metres in July. Each plant can produce up to 50,000 seeds which can survive for up to 15 years. Colonised banks of watercourses are likely to erode more rapidly than those protected by native species.

Himalayan balsam Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is a native of the western Himalayas. Introduced to Britain in 1839, it escaped from gardens and rapidly colonised riverbanks and areas of damp ground, growing up to 3 metres high. The purplish-pink to white slipper-shaped flowers appear in June. When the seed pods mature, they explode when touched, scattering the seed up to Leaflets describing these plants 7 metres away. Seeds are also spread by water and may remain viable and safe methods of control are for up to two years. available from the Tamar Valley Centre, or we will be happy to post them out to landowners. Please contact Becki Lumbis, Tamar Valley AONB, on 01822 835030 or rlumbis@tamarvalley. org.uk www.tamarvalley.org.uk 19 The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

Landscapes for Life Conference 2013

On World Water Day in March, the National Association for Speakers including Defra Minister Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (NAAONB) announced Richard Benyon MP will be joined that the theme of its Landscapes for Life Conference 2013 will by academics and representatives of be ‘Water’. water companies, the Environment Agency, Natural England and the This theme is very relevant to us presentations, discussions and site National Farmers Union. here in the Tamar Valley. Water has visits, conference delegates will shaped our landscape, creating discuss the part that the UK’s Philip Hygate, NAAONB Chairman, fertile slopes, steep gorges and Protected Landscapes have in said, “We look forward to lively wetlands. The rivers Tamar, Tavy ensuring that water systems are well debate and discussion which will and Lynher have been of huge managed and safeguarded for the result in useful practical action importance to our community, future. They will consider the links throughout the UK’s Protected supporting individual livelihoods, between water and natural beauty Landscapes.”. The event takes place the local economy and a wealth of and see how Protected Landscape in Ipswich from 16 to 18th July wildlife as they flow to the estuary teams are working in partnership 2013. For more details, visit www. and Plymouth Sound. with local authorities, government landscapesforlife.org.uk/2013-con- bodies, landowners, utility providers ference.html All life depends upon water, and and others to develop innovative good management of this resource solutions to specific issues. is vital. During three days of

My Environment - a new website A new government website aims to help the public access environmental information online and become better connected with the natural world. Following the Natural Environment White Paper, My Environment is part of a commitment by Defra, Natural England and the Environment Agency to draw together existing information and new ideas offered by local people.

This replaces Natural England’s ‘Nature on the Map’, providing a new web-based interactive map service for adults and children to use. As it develops, My Environment will link to sites such as the Tamar Valley AONB, providing all the information people need to explore, enjoy and protect the natural environment. Visit www.myenvironment.org.uk to add your own suggestions.

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SailTrade’s working sailing boat has been used for the ‘Blossom Run’ to discover lost orchards, and to educate children about local food and environmental issues. Shamrock’s voyages of orchard discovery

In spring 2012, Shamrock was used The area is a vital part of Plymouth’s Since then, SailTrade has teamed to search for apple blossom in the historic hinterland which once up with Celia Stevens, the ‘Orchard Lower Tamar Valley as part of an supplied much of the City’s fruit and Lady’ who is the driving force exercise to map forgotten and vegetables.” behind St Andrews School abandoned orchards. SailTrade, Community Orchard in Buckland who transport local produce along Most sightings began north of Monachorum. Recently, a small the Tamar, were delighted to Cargreen and finished at Cotehele. group of children from the school collaborate with Tess Wilmot, As might be expected, Tess reports visited Shamrock, courtesy of Weir co-ordinator of Dig for Devonport that they were “scattered and Quay Boatyard, as the boat sailed and the annual All Ways Apple fragmentary.” However, she added, upriver to deliver to the Tamar Grow festival, which encourage planting, “They will form an important part Local producers’ market at Calstock. fruit harvesting and the reconnection of an ongoing mapping project and The children enjoyed using the boat of Plymouth with the growing areas provide a baseline for what is hoped as a focus for discussion on issues of the Valley. Tess thought that will be a resurgence of apple such as local food, sustainability and apple trees in the Valley would growing in the Valley. The National environmental protection. SailTrade reveal themselves more readily from Trust has taken a welcome lead in are keen to work further with the river. The lugger made an ideal this by establishing the Tamar teachers interested in developing observation platform, being able Valley’s Mother Orchard at their curriculum to address issues of to move near the banks for a closer Cotehele.” Results will be on show this kind. Contact andy@sailtrade. look. Tess said, “It was a wonderful at the All Ways Apples festival at org and visit www.sailtrade.org. way of mapping the apple trees in Devonport Guildhall on Wednesday that part of the Tamar Valley. 30th October.

Fieldwalking in The Valley Friends of the Tamar Valley

In March 2011 a fieldwalking session was held From September to May, the Friends met on the in fields on the Cotehele estate, as part of the first Friday of each month at the Tamar Valley Calstock Parish Heritage Project. Twenty Centre for talks on a range of interesting local volunteers attended the day, run by Penny topics (non-members always welcome). Cunningham from the University of Exeter. During the summer they plan a visit to Plymouth Fieldwalking is one of the simplest techniques used Citadel, a guided walk around Bere Ferrers and in archaeological fieldwork investigation and the railway carriage lunch with the Tamar Belle, and a participants found pottery, glass flint, bone, clay 4-mile summer evening walk, starting in Cargreen pipe and nails. The finds were probably brought to (see pages 11-14 for details). the field in dock dung from Plymouth, suggesting that pottery from other parts of Britain was being The Friends are “a small group with a passion for used there. If you would like to know more about the Tamar Valley” and help the Tamar Valley AONB fieldwalking or would be interested in taking part wherever they can. To find out more, call Jane Kiely in a session, please contact Sam Barnes, 01822 on 01822 834964 or email janekielyintamarvalley@ 835032, [email protected] uwclub.net www.tamarvalley.org.uk 21 The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB

Tamar Grow Local It’s certainly been a busy few months for Tamar Grow Local! Find out what’s been happening and how you can get involved... Bee-keeping courses equipment needed to extract honey Tamar Grow Local runs courses and offers reduced prices on jars in bee-keeping for complete and other consumables. For further beginners and novices, so if you’ve details, visit www.tamargrowlocal. always wanted to find out more or org and click on ‘Bees’. are keen to understand the practicalities and costs involved in New home for Tamar getting started, then why not come Grow Local and along? Honey Co-op Tamar Grow Local and the Tamar Courses cost just £75 and run on Valley Honey Co-operative have Saturdays over three weeks. They moved to their own premises in are taught by experienced local Callington. The new premises is also beekeepers, focusing on colony the administrative office for new management and husbandry with an project Tamar Valley Food Hubs. emphasis on practical handling and equipment use. The next is in June/ The site at 7–9 in the Pannier July, so to find out more or book a Market houses an approved kitchen place, email simon@tamargrowlo- for bee-keepers and small cal.org producers to use as a honey extraction room or test kitchen to Help with bee-keeping trial new products. This is a perfect equipment location, as the town hosts the Tamar Valley Honey Co-op can loan famous Honey Fair every year. new and existing bee-keepers the

A plot of your own Keen to grow your own veg? There’s only a short wait for plots at Calstock allotments For further details please contact or visit [email protected] www.tamargrowlocal.org/ calstock-allotment

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Harrowbarrow and Metherell Agricultural Society (HAMAS), a local vegetable growing Community Supported Agriculture project, is entering its fifth year. More than just a field full of beans!

After four successful seasons where varieties of oca, a Peruvian tuber members had a lot of fun and some that does not get blight. A botanist good harvests, sometimes with a from Plymouth University is carrying surplus left to sell, they struggled out the trial and trying to breed a with the weather last year, like variety which likes our climate and everybody else. However, this year’s could potentially supplement planting had a brilliant kick-start potatoes as a staple crop. with help from Harrowbarrow School. The growers in HAMAS enjoy fantastic support from James although you can never predict the In the last few years HAMAS have Tancock and his big, red tractor weather, we grow some lovely, fresh grown over 40 vegetable varieties, and the scheme is sufficiently vegetables, which you can pick and but this year they intend to simplify funded to keep going during 2013, eat within minutes. . . there’s things a little, cut costs and grow but could do with some new nothing better!” fewer varieties; mostly things which members. If you would like to join are reliable and store or freeze this great community project then Please contact Sara Rock on easily. you’ll be more than welcome. (01579) 351063 for further details. Members say: “We have had some The group is also taking part in a lovely days working on the land national trial growing different together, learning as we go, and, Calstock hosts a new monthly produce market Tamar Grow Local’s market at from Cawsand for Calstock tamargrowlocal.org/local-markets Calstock Quay was held for the allotments. Andy Whiteford from For further information on Tamar first time on Saturday 6th April, SailTrade said, “I had a few Grow Local, contact Rachael with produce including apple enquiries from Calstock people Forster on 07810 648422. juice, jams and preserves, flowers asking if we would be bringing and smoked fish. seaweed up the river each month. It is a great fertiliser for the garden There was a great turnout by the so we’ll definitely look into public, and market-goers were bringing up more for the May keen to suggest produce they market.” At high tide, Shamrock would like to buy in the future. was loaded up with market produce The market will become a regular and set sail for Royal William Yard in feature in Calstock on the first Plymouth for the Tamar Grow Local Saturday of each month. stall at Sunday’s Good Food Market.

On the launch day, SailTrade’s Tamar Grow Local’s mixed produce Yealm Crabber Shamrock sailed stall will be at Cotehele Quay on the in on the tide to deliver a last Saturday of each month. For a shipment of seaweed gathered full list of dates and locations visit www.tamarvalley.org.uk 23 About Us Sally has her nose to the

The Tamar Valley AONB Partnership grindstone at Cotehele Mill helps to conserve and enhance the Visitors can watch Sally Newton or Roger Varrow natural beauty of the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, milling organic wheat on Tuesdays and Thursdays, by offering advice and assistance to and on most days a volunteer demonstrates how community groups, landowners, to bake delicious treats using Cotehele Mill flour. farmers, residents and visitors. There are 38 AONBs in England and Following 10 years at a National Trust mill in Wales. The Tamar Valley itself covers Cambridgeshire, Sally has been looking after an area of 75 square miles (195 sq Cotehele Mill since 2011. One of only a handful km) and is the youngest of all AONBs, of female millers in Britain, her livelihood depends on the occasional designated in 1995. downpour: “The Morden Stream powers our waterwheel which turns the Tamar Valley AONB mill stone. We aim to mill about seven tonnes of flour every year, so Tamar Valley Centre without rain to top up the stream regularly we’re in trouble.” Cemetery Road, Drakewalls Gunnislake Visitors can also try hand-grinding using a quern and watching a chair- Cornwall PL18 9FE maker and potter at work. Chairs, pots and Cotehele flour can be bought T: 01822 835030 on site (1.5 kilo bags of flour are £2.25). E: [email protected] W: www.tamarvalley.org.uk In addition to the bakers, volunteers help out on the mill reception and Help Us Keep the AONB Special inside the mill answering questions. Anyone with free time wishing to join We hope you enjoy exploring the the team would be very welcome and should get in touch with Cotehele’s Tamar Valley. Please follow The Visitor Services and Volunteer Manager Charmian at charmian.saunders@ Countryside Code when you’re out nationaltrust.org.uk or on 01579 352736. and about, to keep this living, working landscape special. New book helps children discover wildlife Your Valley, Your News If you have a story that you would like A wildlife activity and cartoon to be considered for the next issue book has been published by of The Valley (autumn/winter 2013), Cornwall Wildlife Trust and is on please send details to Charlotte Dancer, sale this year, the 30th Birthday Information & Communications Officer of its children’s section, Fox Club. for the Tamar Valley AONB – [email protected] 01822 835030. The Wildlife Adventures of Super Fox is filled with hand-drawn cartoons If you would like this newsletter in plus wildlife facts and ideas for endorsed by TV naturalist and other formats, please call 01822 author Nick Baker. All proceeds 835030 to discuss your requirements. indoor and outdoor activities. The 56-page book encourages children fund Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Keep In Touch of primary school age to have fun conservation and family activities. Sign up to receive monthly e-bulletins learning to care for the natural from the Tamar Valley AONB – a great world through games, puzzles, The book is on sale from Cornwall way to keep up-to-date with progress colouring, crafts and environmentally Wildlife Trust and bookshops of projects and calls for volunteers in friendly things to do. including Book Stop in Tavistock between issues of The Valley newsletter. Please visit and The Book Shop in Liskeard. www.tamarvalley.org.uk and click on The book was written by local To order a copy online at £5.99 ‘News’ to sign up author and editor Rowena Millar, plus p&p, visit www.cornwallwild- who lives in Kelly Bray. Falmouth lifetrust.org.uk/shop. To find out Follow us: TVAONB artist, sculptor and illustrator Sarah about Fox Club’s family activities, McCartney provided the design visit www.cornwallwildlifetrust. @TVAONB and drawings which has been org.uk/foxclub.

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