Tamar Valley

Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty protects 195 square kilometers of historic landscapes straddling the Cornwall-Devon border in southwest England. Designated in 1995, the protected area follows the Tamar River and its tributaries from tidal estuary to rural headwaters, encompassing diverse habitats and distinctive cultural landscapes. The valley's steep wooded slopes descend to meandering rivers creating dramatic scenery where ancient mining heritage meets productive farmland. Historic market gardens and orchards testify to the area's agricultural importance, while abandoned mine workings and associated structures reveal industrial heritage from metal mining that once rivaled Cornwall's tin industry. The tidal lower valley supports important wildlife including otters, kingfishers, and spawning fish, while upper reaches flow through pastoral countryside of small fields and hedgerows. Ancient woodland fragments contain rare lichens and fungi, protected from modern agriculture by steep topography. The landscape reflects centuries of human endeavor, from medieval field systems to Victorian engineering works including the Royal Albert Bridge spanning the Tamar estuary.

The Tamar Valley's history encompasses geological formation, industrial exploitation, and agricultural development creating its distinctive character. The river has formed a natural boundary since Saxon times, with the Tamar marking the border between Cornwall and Devon. Medieval communities developed agriculture and fishing, with wealthy merchants building substantial estates. The discovery of rich copper and arsenic deposits in the 18th century transformed the valley into a major mining district. Victorian investment brought sophisticated mining technology and infrastructure including railways, canals, and quays facilitating ore export. At its peak, the Tamar Valley mining industry employed thousands, with landscapes dramatically altered by excavations, spoil heaps, and processing facilities. Declining metal prices in the late 19th century ended mining, with agriculture resuming dominance. Market gardening exploited the mild climate and fertile soils, with steamboat services transporting produce to urban markets. Recognition of the valley's unique industrial heritage and scenic qualities led to AONB designation in 1995. Subsequent conservation efforts have balanced heritage protection with landscape restoration and sustainable land management supporting rural communities.

Tamar Valley is accessible from Plymouth and other Devon-Cornwall towns via road and rail networks. The Tamar Valley Line railway offers scenic journeys from Plymouth to Gunnislake, following the river through dramatic landscapes with stations providing access to villages and trails. Major roads including the A388 serve the valley, though many destinations require navigating narrow country lanes. Calstock and Gunnislake serve as popular bases offering accommodation and visitor services. Several walking trails explore different aspects of the valley, including the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail following disused railway lines and riverside paths. The Tamar Trails Centre near Gunnislake provides mountain biking routes and walking paths suitable for families. River cruises operate from Plymouth, offering perspectives on estuary landscapes and historic quays. Heritage sites include restored mine buildings, the stunning Cotehele estate with medieval house and gardens, and Morwellham Quay, a restored Victorian river port with living history demonstrations. Local orchards and vineyards offer tastings showcasing traditional apple varieties and modern wine production. Spring brings blossom to orchards and woodlands carpeted with wildflowers, while autumn offers dramatic colors and fruit harvests.

Conservation in Tamar Valley addresses unique challenges of protecting industrial heritage within working rural landscapes. The integrated approach recognizes relationships between mining history, agriculture, and natural habitats, managing these elements cohesively. Industrial archaeology conservation stabilizes mine buildings, preserves technological artifacts, and interprets mining heritage through trails and interpretation. Habitat management balances preservation of mining-associated species including rare metallophyte plants colonizing spoil heaps with restoration of degraded areas. River quality monitoring addresses historical metal contamination and modern agricultural runoff impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Woodland conservation protects ancient semi-natural woods while managing invasive species threatening native biodiversity. Traditional orchard restoration preserves heritage fruit varieties and supports rare insects dependent on old orchards. Sustainable farming initiatives promote environmentally sensitive agriculture maintaining the valley's characteristic small-scale field patterns. Climate change adaptation includes natural flood management reducing downstream flood risk while creating wetland habitats. Community engagement programs involve local residents in conservation through volunteering, traditional skills training, and heritage recording. Economic development initiatives support tourism and local food production providing livelihoods compatible with landscape conservation.