Tamar image

About the Tamar Valley AONB

Tamar Valley aerial photo

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


Cornwall Wildlife Trust

Country Land and Business Association

Devon County Council

Devon Wildlife Trust

English Heritage

Environment Agency

Forestry Commission

Government Office South West

National Farmers Union

Natural England

Plymouth City Council

South Hams District Council

Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum

Westcountry Rivers Trust

West Devon Borough Council

Woodland Riders


Morwellham Quay


Westden


Tamar Valley Tourism Association (TAVATA)


Drawn to the Valley


University of Plymouth


The National Trust


Tavistock Woodland Estate


Tavistock & Villages Development Forum