TAMAR VALLEY MINING HERITAGE PROJECT

Read on to learn more about one of our biggest and most ambitious projects in the Tamar Valley.

How will users access the footpaths, bridleways and cycleways in the Tamar Valley that are being built as part of the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project?

There are many different ways of accessing the trails network. The main car parking is at Morwellham Quay and at the Tavistock Sawmill Site on the A390. Horse boxes can currently only be accommodated in the Morwellham Car Park. It is important that users use these main car parks are there are concerns that these new trails will encourage people to park their cars in narrow lanes causing congestion, erosion and litter problems. You can of course walk, ride or cycle to the new trails by using the existing trails network.

There is a lot of talk about changing the car access and parking arrangements at the Morwellham Quay Museum what is happening?

A number of options are being investigated to see if they are feasible or not. Feasibility is being looked at from many angles including impact on the landscape and impacts on the privacy of local residents. The feasibility study will include consultation with local residents.

There seems to be a lot of new interpretation work happening at Morwellham Quay but clearly some other parts of the museum need work when is that going to happen?

There is a clear programme of work that will run over the winter of 2007/2008. This programme will be made available to view by anyone who wants further information.

I have ideas about what needs to be done as part of this project how do I get involved?

We welcome involvement by the local community and the best method to get involved is via the local residents meetings.

There are nightjars nesting near the DGC quarry. What arrangements for protection?

We have an ecological watching brief on the project advising us how to deal with sensitive wildlife issues in the project. We will move trails away from habitats where possible. If not, then we will be providing information notices to walkers to not disturb these areas.

What are the access proposals for Gawton do not want to see an increase in vehicular traffic?

There will be very little promotion of the site as it is a sensitive site with very difficult terrain that does not lend itself to large numbers of people. Work to the site will not take place for another 2 years. There will be no access to this site until that time.

What is the focus of the TVMHP what changes will it deliver?

The project will provide a variety of safe access to areas of the Tamar Valley where there has been previously been none. Safety is important because without the work to make the old mine workings safe, landowners would never allow public access. This represents a big change to access in the Tamar Valley – for local people and visitors alike. The mine workings of the Tamar Valley are part of the new World Heritage Site – these remains have the same significance to the United Nations as the Taj Mahal, Giants Causway and Stonehenge to name a few other World Heritage Sites – it is our duty to stop these mine workings disappearing and being lost forever. The project will also be providing education and other information sources to schools and people of all ages and abilities so that they can enjoy a beautiful landscape that is currently out of bounds. Through the wildlife work of the project, any impacts of extra visitors to the area can be positive rather than negative to wildlife. Extra visitors – local and tourists – will also be an economic boost for the area making local shops, pubs, visitor attractions, restaurants, etc more viable and be able to provide local jobs all year round.

Where can I find a map of the new trails?

As the project is ‘work in progress’ we do not have maps to give out. However, if you do wish to see a current working version, you can view one at the office.

How will the new infrastructure be maintained in the long term, once the funding for setting up has run out?

A new Tamar Trust will be set up that will use money from car parking and other income generating activities to employ a warden who will look after the sites. They will be able to employ local volunteers to help maintain the trails. They will also use income to employ any specialist contractors and buy equipment that is necessary for the upkeep of the trails network.

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