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.
ANNUAL REVIEW 2008-2009
Download our Annual Review here. Find out about all the achievements, developments and milestones for the AONB and it's many projects, including the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project, from the last 12 months.
Partner organisations
Partnership Committee Membership
Chairman: Councillor Neil Burden.
Cllr. Burden has served as Chairman since the AONB’s designation in 1995. He oversaw the creation of the AONB Management Plan and the development of the Tamar Valley AONB Partnership and Service as they are today. Cllr. Burden is a local farmer, serves as a councillor at county and parish levels and serves as present leader of the Independents on the new Cornwall Council.
Cornwall 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 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/
Plymouth City Council
- Link to: www.plymouth.gov.uk
South Hams District Council
- Link to: www.south-hams-dc.gov.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/
Woodland Riders
- Link to: www.woodlandriders.co.uk
Morwellham Quay
- Link to: www.morwellham-quay.co.uk
Westden
- Link to: www.westden.co.uk
Tamar Valley Tourism Association (TAVATA)
- Link to: www.tamarvalleytourism.co.uk
Drawn to the Valley
- Link to: www.drawntothevalley.co.uk
University of Plymouth
- Link to: www.plymouth.ac.uk
The National Trust
- Link to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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