A Sense of Place
For centuries people have lived and worked in the Tamar Valley because of its richness of natural resources. Mining in the area dates back as far as the 13th century with a strong tradition of market gardening in the 18th century.
Nowadays, that tradition lives on and the Tamar Valley is well known for its farmers’ markets and food festivals where quality local produce proves ever popular with locals and tourists alike.
Around 17,000 people live in the towns, villages and hamlets surrounding the Tamar Valley.
Farming and market gardening
Farming and market gardening have been the economic mainstays of the valley economy in the past but are now less and less viable in a fast changing global economy.
At the height of the industry, the valley was covered with apple orchards, cherries, strawberries and daffodils which were produced not only for the area but for the rest of the UK.
The challenge is to evolve systems of working the land that will sustain farm families, supply good local food and other products and provide room for wildlife.
The Tamar Valley AONB can provide advice to land managers on looking after their hedges, orchards and woodlands. We can help obtain funding through Natural England’s Environmental Stewardship Schemes. We can also help to put together projects to look for new ways to support farms and those who work the land.
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