About the Tamar Valley AONB
The Tamar Valley, bordering Cornwall and Devon, is one of the most beautiful and historically significant areas in the UK.
In 1995, the Tamar Valley was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) making it one of 40 in England and Wales.
An AONB is given protection because of its environmental, geological and wildlife importance and because of its cultural heritage; the primary aim being ‘to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape.’
The Tamar Valley AONB's Outstanding Qualities are;
- a rare valley & water landscape
- a landscape of high visual quality
- a unique wildlife resource
- a remarkable heritage
- a landscape of artistic & public appeal
The rich and diverse landscape of The Tamar Valley AONB covers around 75 square miles (195 square kilometres) and along with the rivers Tamar, Tavy and Lynher, forms one of the last, unspoilt drowned valley river systems in England.
An extensive array of wildlife habitats can be found in the Tamar Valley’s steep gorges, meandering rivers, ancient woodlands and wetlands, and the area is home to number of rare plants and animals, including the Greater Horseshoe bat - one of Britain’s rarest bat species.
In 2006, because of the historical significance of the area’s mining landscape and remains, The Tamar Valley was given World Heritage Status together with nine other sites throughout Cornwall.
There are many things to do and numerous places waiting to be discovered and explored in the Tamar Valley and we hope our website will give you a taste of the special qualities this fascinating and beautiful area of Britain has to offer.
Partner organisations
Partnership Committee Membership
Chairman: Councillor Neil Burden.
Cllr. Burden has served as chairman for a number of years. He oversaw the creation of the AONB Management Plan and the development of the Tamar Valley Partnership and Service as they are today. Cllr. Burden is a local farmer, and serves as a councillor at district (North Cornwall) and parish levels. He has also been a passionate supporter of the National Health Service for over 20 years.
Caradon District Council
- Link to: www.caradon.gov.uk
Cornwall County Council
- Link to: www.cornwall.gov.uk/
Cornwall Wildlife Trust
- Link to: www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/
Country Land and Business Association
- Link to: www.cla.org.uk/
Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership
- Link to: www.carfreedaysout.com/
Corwall Association of Parish Councils
- Link to: www.captc.co.uk/
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - DEFRA
- Link to: www.defra.gov.uk/
Devon Association of Parish Councils
- Link to: www.dapc.org.uk/
Devon County Council
- Link to: www.devon.gov.uk
Devon Wildlife Trust
- Link to: www.devonwildlifetrust.org/
English Heritage
- Link to: www.english-heritage.org.uk/
Environment Agency
- Link to: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/
Forestry Commission
- Link to: www.forestry.gov.uk/
Government Office South West
- Link to: www.gosw.gov.uk/
National Farmers Union
- Link to: www.nfuonline.com/
Natural England
- Link to: www.naturalengland.org.uk/
North Cornwall District Council
- Link to: www.ncdc.gov.uk/
Plymouth City Council
- Link to: www.plymouth.gov.uk
South Hams District Council
- Link to: www.south-hams-dc.gov.uk/
South West Tourism
- Link to: www.swtourism.co.uk/
Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum
- Link to: www.plymouth.gov.uk/tecf/
Westcountry Rivers Trust
- Link to: www.wrt.org.uk/
West Devon Borough Council
- Link to: www.westdevon.gov.uk/
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