The £3.2 million Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme was officially launched at an online event earlier this week, to celebrate the Scheme and showcase the array of other projects taking place across the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Devon County Councillor, Philip Sanders, on behalf of the Tamar Valley AONB Partnership, welcomed almost 100 delegates to the AONB Annual Forum and launch event, where an exciting range of projects within the 5-year Tamara Scheme were revealed.

Peter Neal, National Lottery Heritage Fund Committee Member, England, London & South, described Tamara as ‘an excellent project, terrific in proceeding to delivery stage’. The NLHF awarded £2.3 million to Tamara. Peter thanked National Lottery players for enabling such schemes, and was delighted to see over 20 partners involved in Tamara, as ‘building fruitful partnerships is at the heart of all landscape partnerships’.

James Luxton, Scheme Manager for Tamara, described the scheme’s 10 project areas in detail and explained how the Tamar Valley landscape, heritage and communities will all benefit.

Key details of the project include:

• Apprenticeships and internships to improve job prospects and to provide support for local businesses
• Advice and grants for farmers to reinstate landscapes and maintain traditional skills
• Community allotments with training opportunities and reintroduction of heritage varieties
• Social prescribing, including walking, running, art and bush craft
• Opportunities and support for local businesses as the Tamar Valley strives to become the destination for a low-carbon, sustainable holiday
• Benefits for walkers as the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail will be extended to reach the coast.

Luxton said he was particularly excited about working with the towns and cities on the edges of the Scheme area, and will be looking to draw people in to the Tamar Valley from those areas. If you are part of an organisation that would like to be involved in Tamara over the next 5 years, would like to volunteer, or are interested in finding out more, please contact jluxton@tamarvalley.org.uk

The Forum also highlighted the many and varied projects being delivered through the Tamar Valley AONB team. Dan Cooke, AONB Manager, talked about ‘Resourcefulness, Resilience & Partnership’ and how huge strides have already been made in the delivery of the 2019-2024 AONB Management Plan. Dan described the government and partner authority initiatives and forces for change that the AONB is responding to, and the opportunities ahead for nature recovery, enhancement and vibrant communities in the Valley. He also explained how this year’s National Association for AONBs’ Conference, being held online in July, will showcase the fantastic work of all Devon’s AONBs.

Simon Hirsh, Vice Chair for Visit Tamar Valley, gave an informative presentation on opportunities to increase visitor numbers and benefits to this wonderful protected landscape. Visit Tamar Valley provides support to over 200 local tourism businesses through themed marketing campaigns to showcase the landscape and tourism products, helping to increase short break visitors, building a comprehensive events calendar and through their new website and branding.

The Question & Answer and breakout sessions gave the opportunity for plenty of positive discussion. Dan Cooke, AONB Manager, said, “There was so much positive energy within the virtual room; there’s a wealth of talent and passion in the Tamar Valley and a real desire to pull together for the benefit of this beautiful landscape. With so many great ideas from the event, we can feel inspired about the opportunities for the next 5 years and beyond.”

You can follow the progress with the Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme and the work of the Tamar Valley AONB on social media (@TVAONB Facebook and Twitter, tamar_valley_aonb Instagram) or visit tamaralandscapepartnership.org.uk and tamarvalley.org.uk. We look forward to sharing more news and providing plenty of opportunities for you to get involved very soon.

If you were unable to attend the launch event, you can watch the event here.