Community dig unearths Bere Alston s medieval roots

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1 Winter 2012 Walkers complete first ever Discovery Trail Challenge Volunteers raise 2,500 for Devon Air Ambulance Trust Page 4 Cordiale Project - Update on trials Updates on four important projects for the region Pages Saltash Celtic Cross nears completion 550,000 project almost ready for Christmas unveiling Page 19 Wet and muddy, but exciting archaeology at Bere Alston Primary School Tamar Valley AONB. Community dig unearths Bere Alston s medieval roots The incredible discovery of fragments of medieval pottery has shed new light on the origins of the village of Bere Alston. In July 2012, archaeologists, schoolchildren and volunteers took part in a community dig to investigate the earliest settlement of this west Devon village. Bere Alston was thought to be the first planned mining settlement in Britain, established as a borough by the lord of the manor of Bere Ferrers, Reginald de Ferrers, some time between 1295 and However, previous work by the University of Exeter s Department of Archaeology suggested this might not be the case. Head of the project, Dr Chris Smart explains, our earlier analysis of the settlement pattern of the area suggested there may have been a pre-existing medieval settlement, so we were eager to take a closer look. Pupils from Bere Alston Primary School and members of the local community excavated a total of ten test pits in various places throughout the village. Within the agricultural soil they discovered fragments of chert-tempered pottery, manufactured on the Blackdown Hills in East Devon, and dating back to the 11th-12th century. Remarkably, these sherds pre-date the foundation of the Reginald de Ferrers borough at the end of the 13th century, and, therefore, provide strong evidence that there was indeed a pre-existing settlement and field system in Bere Alston. A range of later medieval pottery from around , along with a vast quantity of post-medieval artefacts, including a rare early 17th-century clay pipe bowl were also found. One test pit, in a garden to the rear of Cornwall Street, uncovered a well-made cobbled yard surface where nineteenth-century pottery sherds and iron-working waste was found. The recording of this plot as house and court in the 1845 Tithe survey suggests that this may have been used as an agricultural yard. The most remarkable discovery of the event was a single fragment probably dating back to the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age the earliest find from the parish. For a full report on the findings, please visit (click on Projects, then Cordiale). n The project, organised by the Tamar Valley AONB and led by Dr Chris Smart, was funded through CORDIALE, selected under the European Cross-border Cooperation Programme INTERREG IV A France (Channel) - England, and co-funded by the ERDF.

2 Contents Cllr Neil Burden, Chair, Tamar Valley AONB Partnership Community dig unearths Bere Alston s medieval roots 1 Chairman s Welcome 2 Work begins on new Trails Centre 3 Walkers complete first ever Discovery Trail Challenge 4 Volunteer Trail Wardens wanted 5 Get involved in the Ancient Tree Hunt 5 Hard at work for the historic environment 6-7 Graft, Sow and Grow in Bees in The Valley 9 Community shop wins Royal award 9 Tamar Grow Local Seed Saving and Exchange 10 Events Calendar: December 2012 March Keeping the Valley special 14 Cordiale project update on trials Bridge is jewel in the crown of cycle network 18 Saltash Celtic Cross nears completion 19 Cotehele s 60 foot Garland triumphs a year of bad weather 20 Work continues apace at the Walled Gardens at Maristow 20 Charcoal at Buckland Abbey, Garden and Estate 21 Bridge Gallery set for a new season 21 Cotehele s Shamrock recognised for excellence 22 New Post Office service open in Bere Ferrers 22 Tamar Community Trust update 22 Eating out in the Tamar Valley 23 Join the Great South West Walk 23 Plymouth University volunteer wins National award 24 Perfect gifts 24 Produced by Tamar Valley AONB Charlotte Dancer, cdancer@tamarvalley.org.uk Editorial Support: Tracey Eustice Design: PED - Paul Eustice Design, Camborne Print: Pepper Communications Ltd, Plymouth This newsletter has been printed on 100% recycled paper. Please pass this newsletter on to a friend before recycling. Welcome Like me, you no doubt feel that the seasons seem to come around faster and faster and summer this year has evaded us, but let s not get down hearted. Hope springs eternal and what a wonderful start to the autumn we had when on 27 October, the opening day of the Tamar Trail Festival, we witnessed a beautiful crisp invigorating sunny day. It was so good to get out and soak up some of the wonderful environment we are so fortunate to be surrounded by. As many of you already know, Rosemary Teverson retired earlier this year. We certainly miss her stabilising hand and her knowledge and sound advice, so much sought and appreciated by Partners and staff. Rosemary has left a gap that will take some getting used to, but we still wish her well in her retirement. I know that her advice is still being sought and graciously shared. One of those red letter days for me was when we had the Heritage Lottery Fund visit for the Mining Heritage Project some years back. The knowledge shared, the language of assurance that the HLF team wanted to hear came from Rosemary a memorable performance, and a most sincere thank you from us all. More from us... more for you... Sign up to receive monthly e-bulletins from the Tamar Valley AONB a great way to keep up-to-date with progress of projects and calls for volunteers in between issues of The Valley newsletter. Please visit and click on News to sign up Follow us: As the pressure of decreasing budgets causes some concern to the team, we are not in the giving up mode and still engaging in many areas. Many of these projects and achievements you will find in the following pages. The Cordiale project is delivering in a variety of areas, and with many AONB friends and volunteers with their perpetual enthusiasm stimulating and encouraging us, we thank you all for your invaluable support. We will soon have to produce another five year Management Plan. Our Partnership afternoon and evening on 28 November was our first get-together and a chance for you to share with the AONB team your vision for the Valley and its surrounding hinterland for the next five years and beyond. If you were unable to attend this event, please communicate with us, as all suggestions and ideas will be considered. A number of consultation events will be arranged soon, where you will have further opportunities to tell us your thoughts. Please take a few moments to occasionally stand and stare at the wonder of this creation - our amazing landscape - on your very doorstep. As ever, Cllr Neil Burden Chair, Tamar Valley AONB Partnership 2

3 From left to right: Tish Valva (Tamar Valley AONB), Nils Westman (Architect, Studio OK of Okehampton), Jane Musgrave (Mayoress), Robert Plumb (West Devon Borough Council), Robin Musgrave (Councillor and Mayor of West Devon), Neil Burden (Chair of AONB Partnership), Barry Gamble (TVMHP), Corinna Woodall (Manager Tamar Valley AONB), Dave Readman (Tamar Community Trust). Work begins on new Trails Centre The Mayor of West Devon, Cllr Robin Musgrave made the first cut of turf on 27th September at a ground-breaking ceremony, marking the start of work on a new Centre for the Tamar Valley. The Tamar Trails Centre, Gulworthy, near Tavistock will become the main hub for walkers, cyclists and horse riders to explore the 25km of trails that follow old mineral tramways and railways around the former mining landscape, part of the World Heritage Site. Speaking at the ceremony, Cllr Musgrave said: The Centre will help to attract more people to this truly captivating area, where you can take a journey back in time to West Devon s mining past or enjoy some of the most precious wildlife habitats in the country. The new Tamar Trails Centre will house an interpretation and education facility, a small café and family friendly facilities, including an outdoor play area. A joint project between West Devon Borough Council and Tamar Valley AONB, the redevelopment will cost 200,000. Funding has been provided by West Devon Borough Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Devon County Council and Discover the Extraordinary Rural Development Programme for England. Tim Selman, former manager of the Tamar Valley AONB, commented: We are delighted that work on the new Tamar Trails Centre has begun. It will bring huge benefits to the local community and visitors, in terms of access and use. We ve invested a considerable amount of money in the local landscape, and we hope the Tamar Valley can take advantage of the new opportunities this brings. The existing building, which is run by TreeSurfers, a local business offering adventure activities, will be refurbished and extended. It is expected to open in spring Celebrations for the end of the Mining Heritage Project are planned for Thursday 28th March. More details coming soon. n 3

4 Congratulations to all walkers who took part in, and completed, our very first Tamar Valley Discovery Trail Challenge during the summer. The day was a brilliant success and most managed to finish the day blister free. Walkers complete first ever Discovery Trail Challenge Walkers and volunteers work together on a successful day which raised approximately 2,500 for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust Tamar Valley AONB Many people frequently enjoy walking sections of the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail, but back in July we set the challenge of completing the whole of our flagship recreational trail, one of the most varied and rewarding routes in the South West. The fastest walkers completed the walk from Tamerton Foliot to Lifton in ten and the final walker crossed the finishing line three hours later; a marathon effort by everyone that raised approximately 2,500 for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust. Ruth Charlton and Christine Poole were two of only twenty walkers who completed the whole route. They said: Many thanks to all our sponsors who inspired us to keep walking even when the going was tough. Volunteers gave up their Saturday to help check in and keep track of our walkers, to make the Discovery Trail Challenge a success. Our thanks also to Ginsters for the pasties, and Dartmoor Pure Water for the water supplied at points along the Trail. A big thank you, too, to Mike Hooton for ferrying the walkers across the river at Calstock so they could continue along their way. Walker Mark Fenlon praised Tamar Valley AONB staff and volunteers for making the Challenge such a success and encouraged others to explore the Trail. The scenery and history along the Trail is absolutely wonderful and is well worth a visit. Extra links to the Discovery Trail are now open to walkers - The Kit Hill and Lifton Link. Kit Hill is an iconic site for the Tamar Valley; its trademark chimneystack on the summit is visible from most parts of the area and is the highest point, at 333m above sea level, in the AONB. The Lifton Link is a waymarked route from Milton Abbot to Lifton through stunning countryside in the north of the AONB, linking up with the Two Castles Trail from Okehampton to Launceston. In the future we hope to add even more routes to this Trail, allowing for more circular walks. Find out more about this walk at www. tamarvalley.org.uk n Next Year s Challenge We are looking to repeat the Discovery Trail Challenge again next year and the date for your diary is 1 June If you would like to take part, applications open in January. Please contact Becki Lumbis for more information e: rlumbis@tamarvalley. org.uk t: We are also looking for nominations of local charities within the Tamar Valley who could benefit next year. Please contact Becki (details above) for a nomination form. The deadline for nominations is midnight on 31 January The Discovery Walks guide is currently being reviewed. Look out for a fresh, new, updated version in the New Year! 4

5 Volunteers with a passion for the countryside and a penchant for getting involved are needed to form a tribe of Trail Makers in the Tamar Valley AONB. Volunteer trail wardens wanted The Trail Makers Warden Scheme gives people the chance to help protect, enhance and conserve the Tamar Valley s environment. From hands-on tasks like path clearing, to simply monitoring paths or getting involved with activities and fund raising, Trail Makers will make a difference to the AONB and its future. The Tamar Valley s walks co-ordinator, Dave Readman, said: Primarily we need people who can spare a few hours each month walking a section of the trail and monitoring its condition. The routes in question are the AONB s flagship trail the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail - which stretches about 40 miles from Tamerton Foliot to Launceston with extensions to Kit Hill and Lifton, and the Tamar Trails which is 10 miles of off-road walking and multi-use routes encompassing the mining sites near Gunnislake. Mr Readman said: These are wonderful stretches of countryside. We find that once people get involved, they realise volunteering is not just about giving up their time. It s also very much about enjoying the experience. It can bring about personal fulfilment and add a whole new dimension to your social life and give you an opportunity to use unknown skills and talents. Volunteers can sign up as a group, with friends or work colleagues, or on their own. From an employer s perspective, volunteering can help encourage staff to work together more effectively as well as help improve the company s image through its corporate social responsibility, and several companies have embarked on small projects within the Valley. It s been a tremendous experience for the companies which have got involved and has made a big difference, from clearing out picnic areas, to making safe some paths, said Mr Readman. If this sounds like something you would like to get involved with, or would like further information, please contact Dave Readman, Walks Coordinator, t: , e: dreadman@tamarvalley.org.uk n Get involved in the Ancient Tree Hunt A pioneering project to record the country s ancient and most significant trees is appealing for more people to get involved. The Ancient Tree Hunt, organised by the Woodland Trust, discovers, records and maps ancient, veteran and notable trees across the UK. The Cornwall Ancient Tree Forum has been recording trees in the county for the past four years, but there is still more to discover. So, if you enjoy walking, and love trees, you may like to help. The CATF are looking for more people to get involved, and if there is enough interest, training sessions at Pentillie Estate will be offered. The oldest tree discovered in Cornwall is the Darley Oak near Upton Cross, which is around 900 years old. Many of these fine old trees have been around longer than our historic houses and some are historically important in their own right. Armed with notebook and tape measure, it is easy and enjoyable to measure and record any special trees you come across on your walks. You can then put your own discoveries on the Ancient Tree Hunt website. Pentillie Estate has already hosted successful recording visits, and you can see a number of their great trees on the ancient tree hunt website. If you would like to search out any trees follow these steps: Go to the website Click on the interactive map - eg south west. On the explore drop down menu you can tick ancient, veteran, notable and unverified trees to view them on the map. Cotehele sweet chestnut, Tim Kellett When you hover over a tree symbol information appears. Click on the tree number to see the data and view photos. Don t forget - you can click full screen for the bigger map, zoom in and scroll around the county. If you want to see more, go to the maps menu and see aerial photos, OS or even historic maps of the same area. If you are interested in recording trees, please contact your local tree warden: valerietaplin@btopenworld.com 5

6 Hard at work for the historic environment All landscapes contain an historical record, however the Tamar Valley AONB possesses a particularly significant and now internationally important cultural landscape. Historic Environment Project Officer for the AONB team, Sam Barnes, highlights the work she is involved with and how you can help. Calstock Parish Heritage Project Supported by money from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Calstock Parish Heritage Project has organised a number of events and activities exploring the rich heritage of the local area. Calstock Roman Fort An interpretation board to be installed at the site of the Roman Fort in Calstock is currently being designed. The board will tell the story of the archaeological excavations and the discovery of the occupation history of the site from the Early Bronze Age to medieval times. A booklet to accompany this is also being produced and will be available from the Tamar Valley Centre. A series of short films were taken at the community dig in October last year and these will be edited together to create an informative film. The film will be available on our website and also used at an exhibition showcasing the Calstock project, programmed for the New Year. Dr Chris Smart from the University of Exeter, who co-ordinated the community excavations on Church Hill, has produced a report of findings from the dig available at (click on Projects, then Calstock Parish Heritage Project). Historic Routeways Project The Tamar Valley AONB team, Calstock Parish Archive and Calstock Footpath Society have teamed up for one of the final projects in the Calstock Parish Heritage Project. A group of volunteers, mainly footpath wardens, are using the resources available at the Archive to research the history of the public rights of way and permissive paths across Calstock parish. Walking the routes themselves and recording any interesting features, they will then be thinking about the condition of the paths, how to manage them in future and any potential threats. The information the volunteers discover will then be added to our Interactive Map (heritage.tamarvalley.org.uk). Historic Landscape Analysis To record and understand the wider historic landscape of Devon and Cornwall, Historic Landscape Characterisation of both counties has been undertaken over the past decade. A more focused landscape assessment of the Tamar Valley AONB was recently completed as part of the Cordiale project. Focusing in even further, the University of Exeter have recently completed an historic landscape analysis of Calstock Parish, examining the data from these earlier reports and enhancing it with further research. We hope to use this analysis beyond the Calstock Parish Heritage Project, which ends in December We will also add this information to our online Interactive Map. The report can be viewed at www. tamarvalley.org.uk. Calstock Parish Heritage Project exhibition An exhibition will draw together everything that has been delivered as part of the project. 6

7 Limekilns Canter Twenty-four walkers joined Sam Barnes and local resident Stephen Docksey on a 6 mile canter from Cotehele Quay to Gunnislake Newbridge on 22 September, discovering the background history, practice and purpose of the limekilns of Calstock Parish. Starting in brilliant sunshine at the Quay, walkers learnt about how limestone was brought up the Tamar from quarries in Plymouth, and stopped at each limekiln along Lower Kelly on the way into Calstock, learning about the limeburning process and technicalities of the lime cycle. Resting at Calstock for a leisurely lunch and discussion, the group then continued past Okel Tor, up to Calstock church and along the lanes before dropping down to Netstakes. Why not try the walk yourself? It is all on public rights of way and minor roads, and would be a lovely way to experience the changing of the Tamar Valley season. (Above) In-depth plant identification Tamar Valley AONB, (Inset) A rainbow cast above the Calstock excavation works C Smart. Walkers, Limekilns Canter, September 2012 Tamar Valley AONB Since 2010, there have been 10 training days and events, with around 80 people taking part, plus several research projects and our online Interactive Map what an achievement! Thank you to everyone who has taken part, for their support and enthusiasm. The exhibition will be launched at the Tamar Valley Centre on 8th January, and will hopefully run until the end of the month. It will then tour various public venues throughout the year. If you took part in an event we d like your feedback. What event(s) did you take part in? What did you do? Where did you go? What did you get out of it? Has it inspired you to take part in similar AONB activities? Would you like the AONB to organise similar activities? n Interactive Maps Drawing on the success and lessons learned from our Calstock Interactive Heritage Map, through the Cordiale project, we are planning to launch three further maps for the remaining Cordiale parishes St Dominick, Buckland Monachorum and Bere Ferrers. Like the Calstock map, we will invite you to add information about the places you value throughout the Tamar Valley. And don t forget that the Calstock map has its own Twitter discover more about the hidden - and not so hidden - historic gems of the parish! A full round-up of the latest activity from the Cordiale project can be found on pages More Information Check our website, sign up for our ebulletin, and keep an eye on our Facebook page and Twitter feed to find out more about these projects and events and more. If you are interested in getting involved in any of our historic environment projects, please contact Sam Barnes (Historic Environment Project Officer) on or sbarnes@tamarvalley.org.uk. 7

8 In March, the second Graft, Sow and Grow extravaganza will be held. The two-day event, a collaboration between Tamar Grow Local and National Trust Cotehele, will run from 11am to 4pm on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 March at Cotehele Quay. The event is held at the perfect time of year for grafting apple trees, preparing for the new season of beekeeping and getting fired up for the coming growing season as spring begins. Graft, Sow and Grow in 2013 Grafting workshops will be running throughout the day and for 5 you can graft your own Tamar Valley traditional variety apple tree to take home. Last year s event was a great success and 170 new apple trees were grafted and taken home by members of the public. If you re looking for graft material, then there will be rootstock and scions for sale (roostock 2 and scions 1) and, if these don t mean anything to you, there will be experts on hand to explain all! Seed swap: Bring your open pollinated saved seed and swap with others to stock up for the season. If you ve not saved any of your own seed, then come and take some of the seed swap seed stock in return for a small donation (suggested 50p) - and save some of the seed for next year. See page 10 for more on seed saving and exchange. Local produce: plant sales, compost, a seed swap, garden tools, willow weaving, and local food are all in the market area. Beekeeping: This year the local group of Cornwall Beekeepers Association is organising a whole marquee dedicated to beekeeping in the Valley, with information on getting started, courses available, and equipment sales from local suppliers. There might even be some honey for sale too! Guest speakers in the Tamar Grow Local yurt - full line up for both days is available on the Tamar Grow Local website: n Tamar Grow Local is a not for profit Community Interest Company set up on co-operative principles for the benefit of the community. Established six years ago to create and manage the allotment site at Calstock, the company is an umbrella organisation for all sorts of local produce projects, including orchards, vegetable growing, livestock co-operatives, beekeeping and honey production, farmers markets and events, community supported agriculture, low-carbon distribution, and of course allotments. Tamar Grow Local will be putting on a number of large events, and farmers markets this year. Check their website for details of projects, events and markets that are happening near you. 8

9 Bees in The Valley Tamar Valley Honey Co-operative The Tamar Valley Honey Co-operative was founded in It is a not-forprofit co-operative initiated by beekeepers for beekeepers primarily, but not exclusively, in the Tamar Valley (Devon & Cornwall). The co-operative has created a regional brand for Tamar Valley Honey and gives small-scale beekeepers access to new markets for honey and bee-related products. Members also benefit from discounts on materials through bulk purchasing, and can sell their honey through the honey co-op if their hives are in the Tamar Valley. The Honey Co-op has recently been awarded a grant from BIG Lottery awards for all, which will allow the Students get to grips with a hive on the Beekeeping Course Tamar Grow Local co-operative to buy all the necessary equipment for honey extraction and bottling. Later this year when honey is harvested, Tamar Grow Local will be able to provide a central honey extraction facility to make the whole process quicker and more convenient, to make purchasing sundries cheaper for small scale beekeepers, and beekeepers kitchens less sticky at harvest time! n Want to keep bees? Last year the weather made things very difficult for both honey bees, and the beekeepers that look after them. You can support our honey bee population by buying local honey where possible, or by keeping bees yourself. If you are interested in keeping bees, Tamar Grow Local runs a three-day beekeeping course ( 75 for the whole course) taught by experienced beekeepers in the Tamar Valley and with hands-on practical beekeeping from day one. All protective clothing is provided. The next course dates are 13, 20 and 27 April. For more information regarding the beekeeping course, or the Tamar Valley Honey Co-operative, contact simon@tamargrowlocal.org From left to right, Mike Grimshaw, Mavis Burchall, Frances Gorringe, Cherry Stratton, Lesley Smith, Angela Hooper, Pearl Dawe and Lord Lieutenant of Devon. Volunteers at the Bere Ferrers Community Shop and Café are celebrating after receiving the prestigious Queen s Award for Voluntary Service. Community shop wins Royal award Featured in the last issue of The Valley, the shop has been a huge success, dutifully serving the village for the past six years, selling a wide range of food, produce and crafts. A regular meeting place for many people, the shop also serves as a lifeline for others. In recognition of the important role it plays in the community, the shop was presented with the top honour by the Lord Lieutenant of Devon at a special ceremony in Exeter in July. Equivalent to an MBE, the award is particularly prestigious as it was awarded in the year of the Queen s Diamond Jubilee. The shop also received a certificate signed by Her Majesty and is now entitled to use the special logo on stationery and promotional material. But, of course, none of this would have been possible without the dedication and commitment of the teams of volunteers aged from 21 to 90+ who regularly give their time in the kitchen, making cakes or taking orders. The Steering Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers for caring enough about the village and making the shop and café such a success. All profits from the shop and café are ploughed back into the village, helping to fund projects ranging from the Theatre Lighting Project to providing life jackets for the junior team of the Tavy and Tamar Gig Club. 9

10 Did you know? We rely on only 12 plant species for 75% of our food and just three crops - rice, wheat and maize - for half the world s food. Over 1,500 local varieties of rice have been lost in Indonesia alone. There are now 4,000 less varieties of potato currently being cultivated. 96% of UK varieties of vegetable available in 1903 are now extinct according to Garden Organic. The ten biggest seed companies supply half of the world s seed supplies and are often closely allied to the chemical companies Tamar Grow Local Seed Saving and Exchange When we sit by the fire on a winter s evening reading our seed catalogue and dreaming of next year s growing season, it s all too easy to imagine that we have more choice than ever before. In reality, the gene pool of our food crops is becoming dangerously reduced, threatening our food security. Under European law, we are no longer allowed to sell our own seed; only listed seed can be sold, involving costly registration, certification and monitoring. Commercial seed is bred for uniformity, to ripen at the same time, to be strong enough to survive mechanical harvesting and transport to the supermarkets, and to look similar, so it is acceptable to the average shopper. So, what can we do? We can grow crops, save the seeds and then exchange them with other likeminded people. Many crops are extremely easy and obvious to save seed from for example salad rocket, calendula, peas and beans, while other crops are more involved. Some plants like parsnip, carrot, parsley and broccoli need to grow for a second season to complete their life cycle. The seed savers bible is Back Garden Seed Saving by Sue Stickland, covering general theory and many different crops. Why save seed? Because people have always done it. To save money. To preserve a link with the past. To assure a supply of seed that is no longer available to buy. To make a stand against the big seed companies. For us this is a choice, but to many subsistence farmers in developing countries it is a matter of life or death. To prevent varieties of plants disappearing (genetic erosion) and protect the power to choose the food on our table (food sovereignty). How you can get involved Based around the Calstock allotments run by Tamar Grow Local, we are in the process of establishing a seed exchange. We aim to save seed from crops that are adapted and successful in our own region - the Tamar Valley. If you would like to be included and contribute to the effort, please claire@wildbydesign.co.uk. We will have a stand at the Cotehele Graft, Sow and Grow event in March 2013 next to the Tamar Grow Local stall. We cannot sell our seed but we can exchange them or accept a small donation. 10

11 Events Winter 2012/13 Encouraging you to Explore and Discover your AONB About the events Dress for the weather Layers are often best in our changeable climate. Wear stout shoes or boots. Field guides and binoculars are always useful, but not essential. Children We welcome and encourage children at most events, but they must be accompanied by an adult who will be responsible for them. Access Most events are accessible for any reasonably active person, but unfortunately many are not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Please always check beforehand if you are unsure. Booking It is essential to book in advance where stated. Cost Unless a cost is stated, all events are free of charge, although donations would be appreciated. Dogs Please check with the organiser to find out if dogs are allowed, and if they need to be kept on a lead. Map References These refer to OS Explorer maps nos 108 (Tamar Valley and Plymouth) or 112 (Launceston and Holsworthy). Transport Please help to ease the burden of traffic on the narrow country lanes. Some events are specifically timed to connect with the scenic Tamar Valley Line and connecting buses. Otherwise, please try to share cars as much as possible. Persons who participate in events do so at their own risk. Neither the Tamar Valley AONB team, other organisers, nor landowners shall be liable for any death, loss or damage sustained. Participation in events is at the discretion of the leader. No responsibility can be taken for inaccurate information in this newsletter. Here s a selection of guided walks and events for you to enjoy throughout the Tamar Valley. New events and guided walks are being added all the time to our Events Calendar on-line. Visit and follow the link for your up-todate guide. DECEMBER 10th, Monday, 10:30am 12:00 noon Saltash Walk & Talk - Forder Creek to Churchtown A walk from Forder to Churchtown along the creekside to the lower fields of the Reserve and back to St Stephens. Notes: Please wear comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear, and be prepared for the weather! Bring a drink and snack for the rest stop. Meet: outside St Stephen s Church, Saltash (No. 1 bus from Plymouth). 12th, Wednesday, 10:30am 1:30pm approx Avocet and Spoonbill Cruises 3-hour cruise on rivers Tamar and Lynher with a full commentary by Bruce Taggart. Improve your bird identification skills and learn about the ecology of the river. Cost: Adults 15.00, Children 7.00 (minimum age 8 years). Bookings are non-refundable and nontransferable unless cancellation by the operator. Notes: please wear warm clothing and suitable footwear. Bring binoculars and a camera. Meet: Saltash Town Quay, under Tamar Bridge Booking: essential, early booking advisable. tel: , tamarwildlife@btinternet.com. 12th, Wednesday, 10:30am 1:00pm Tamar Valley Walk & Talk Special: Calstock Circular History Walk Guided walk on footpaths, quiet lanes and bridleways taking in the rich history of Calstock with the AONB s Project Officer. One steep slope up but views of the Tamar both ways. Notes: Please wear comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear, and be prepared for the weather! Bring a drink and snack for the rest stop. Meet: Calstock Quay bus stop. 15th, Saturday, 10:00am Walk in the Woods 5-mile walk around the woods on the Cotehele Estate, finishing with lunch (optional) and a visit to see the famous Garland. Cost: normal admission charges apply Booking: essential, tel: or cotehele@nationaltrust.org.uk 17th, Monday, 10:30am 1:30pm Saltash Walk & Talk Plus: Rivers, Railways and Castles A longer walk along creeks to Antony Passage, Shillingham and Wiveliscombe before returning past Trematon Castle. Notes: Please wear comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear, and be prepared for the weather! Bring lunch and drink. Meet: outside St Stephen s Church, Saltash (No. 1 bus from Plymouth) 17th, Monday, 10:00am 3:30pm Practical Conservation Day at Kit Hill Quarry Clearing vegetation from around some of the remains of the granite quarry works and associated incline railway. Also Volunteers Christmas Party - mince pies for everyone, silly Christmas hat required! Notes: Wear strong footwear and work clothes. Bring waterproofs, lunch and drink. There will be extra snacks and hot drinks. Dogs on leads welcome. Meet: North View car park Kit Hill (on right of road to summit) SX Information: clemarchant@cormacltd. co.uk, (Chrissie Le Marchant, Kit Hill Country Park) 19th, Wednesday, 10:30am 12:00 noon Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - Old Kelly Lane A walk along bridleways and quiet lanes down to Calstock for a mince pie get-together, before catching train or bus back. Notes: Please wear comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear, and be prepared for the weather! Bring a drink and snack for the rest stop. Meet: Gunnislake Station. 22nd, Saturday, 11:00am Let s Wassail Get out your bright clothes, dig out your loud instruments and come and help us scare away the evil spirits in the Cotehele Orchards. Cost: normal admission charges apply Information: tel: or cotehele@nationaltrust.org.uk 24th, Monday, 10:30am 12:00 noon Saltash Walk & Talk - Wacker Quay to Antony village A guided walk along the scenic Lynher river using the new trail completed by local volunteers on the old military railway and Abbottscourt Lane. Bring change for refreshment break at the Ring o Bells in Antony before return. Notes: Please wear comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear, and be prepared for the weather! Meet: Wacker Quay car park on the A374 between Antony and Sheviock, Torpoint. (SX ) JANUARY nd, Wednesday, 10:30am 11:30am Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - Kit Hill Huge views across the Tamar Valley! And Louis Tea Rooms after for a cuppa and chat. Meet: Kit Hill lower car park (PL17 8AX). 4th, Friday, 7:30pm Friends of Tamar Valley Talk Tom Greeves Tom Greeves will talk about the time when Tavistock Abbey was leased to existing churches and chapels on the Isles of Scilly in AD This talk explores the archaeological and historical evidence for Christianity on the islands before that date. Venue: Tamar Valley Centre, Drakewalls, nr Gunnislake. Cost: Friends of the Tamar Valley welcome all non-members, at a cost of 2.00 Information: tel: , Jane Kiely 11

12 7th, Monday, 10:30am 12:00 noon Saltash Walk & Talk - Latchbrook Walk by the peaceful, wooded Latchbrook Leat to Forder and back. Meet: Ploughboy Inn, Liskeard Road, Saltash, PL18 4HG 9th, Wednesday, 10:30am 12:30pm Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - Chimney Rock Take the disused Morwellham Railway, part of the Tamar Trails, to the outstanding view point of Chimney Rock. Meet: Gunnislake station for lift share, 10.15am, or Bedford Sawmills pay and display car park (PL19 8JE). 14th, Monday, 10:30am 12:00noon Saltash Walk & Talk - Antony Passage Walk alongside Forder Lake from Forder village to Antony Passage and return. Optional extra walk up steps through woods on return. Meet: Outside St Stephen s Church, Saltash, PL12 4AP. No 1 bus from Plymouth. 15th, Tuesday, 10:30am Apple Tree Pruning Workshop An introduction to pruning apple trees with hands-on experience from Cotehele s Orchard Officer Chris Groves. Tools are provided. Cost: 10 Booking: essential, tel: or cotehele@nationaltrust.org.uk 16th, Wednesday, 10:30am 12:30pm Tamar Valley Walk & Talk Plus: Bere Alston to Ferry Farm Through the woods and beside the river, with views across the Tamar to Calstock. Bring a drink. Meet: Bere Alston Station (PL20 7EP) 17th, Thursday, 10:30am Apple Tree Pruning Workshop An introduction to pruning apple trees with hands-on experience from Cotehele s Orchard Officer Chris Groves. Tools are provided. Cost: 10 Booking: essential, tel: or cotehele@nationaltrust.org.uk 17th, Thursday, 10:30am 3:30pm Warleigh Point Volunteer Day Lots of coppicing to be done this winter! Notes: all tools and training provided. Tea, coffee and biscuits also provided. People staying the whole day should bring a packed lunch. Meet: Warleigh Point Nature Reserve entrance, nr Tamerton Foliot, SX Information: Jackie Gage, tel: , jgage@devonwildlifetrust.org 19th, Saturday, 7:00pm Wassail at Buckland Abbey Enjoy pork and apple hot dogs, cider (both for sale on the evening) and possibly some Morris Dancing too in our traditional ceremony, held in our orchard around a bonfire. Information: tel: , bucklandabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk 21st, Monday, 11:00am Saltash Walk & Talk - St Germans Extensive views of the Lynher and Tiddy as we walk down to the quay and back, with optional longer steeper route to the hilltop above. Return to station for or return train. Meet: St Germans Station, PL12 5LU 11.00am. Take train from Plymouth. 23rd, Wedneday, 10:30am 11:15am Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - Tamar Valley Discovery Trail at Calstock Easy walk by the river, with optional loop to the old mine workings at Okel Tor Meet: Calstock Station platform (PL18 9QY). 28th, Monday, 10:30am 12:00 noon Saltash Walk & Talk - Churchtown Farm Explore the local and natural history of the area while walking the fields and paths of Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve. Meet: Outside St Stephen s Church, Saltash. No 1 bus from Plymouth 30th, Wednesday, 10:30am 12:00 noon Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - Danescombe Valley Walk down the beautiful wooded valley to Calstock, catch train or bus back. Bring change for fare. Meet: Gunnislake Station (PL18 9DZ). FEBRUARY st, Friday, 7:30pm Friends of Tamar Valley Talk Peter Kent Peter Kent from Cornwall Wildlife Trust will talk on the East Cornwall Wildlife Reserves which are right on our doorstep. Venue: Tamar Valley Centre, Drakewalls, nr Gunnislake. Cost: Friends of the Tamar Valley welcome all non-members, at a cost of 2.00 Information: tel: , Jane Kiely 4th, Monday, 10:30am 12:30pm Saltash Walk & Talk Plus: Latchbrook, Trematon, Longlands A longer walk on footpaths to historic Trematon, the high point of Longlands and back beside the peaceful, wooded Latchbrook Leat. Meet: Ploughboy Inn, Liskeard Road, Saltash (PL18 4HG) 6th, Wednesday, 10:30am 12:00 noon Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - Devon Great Consols Mine Follow the Tamar Trails network on a circular walk past mines in the woods with extensive views. Meet: Gunnislake station for lift share, 10.15am, or Bedford Sawmills pay and display car park (PL19 8JE). 9th, Saturday, 11.15am 2:15pm approx Avocet and Spoonbill Cruises (See notes for December 12th) 11th, Monday, 10:30am 12:00 noon Saltash Walk & Talk - Coombe Park Walk up the wooded Coombe Park, fine views across to Plymouth at the top and as we complete the circuit back down by Wearde. Meet: The Coombe, bottom end of Coombe Road, Saltash, PL12 4EU. No 1 bus from Plymouth and walk from Fore St 13th, Wednesday, 10:30am 12:30pm Tamar Valley Walk & Talk Plus: Danescombe & Cotehele Woods Take footpaths and quiet lanes up the wooded Danescombe valley and back through Cotehele woods. Meet: Calstock quay bus stop (PL18 9QA). 19th 21st, Tuesday - Thursday Feed the Birds Join the team at Buckland Abbey, Garden & Estate in cooking up a New Year feast for our feathered friends and make your own bird feeder to take home. Cost: normal admission charges apply Information: tel: , bucklandabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk 20th, Wednesday, 10:00am 3:30pm Volunteer Practical Task, Stockwork Quarries on Kit Hill Clearing vegetation and small trees from the Stockwork Quarries on the west side of Kit Hill, to help keep them accessible and preserved. Notes: Wear strong footwear and work clothes. Bring waterproofs lunch and drink. There will be a hot drink at end of session. Meet: End of track to old Crumbly on road to Kit Hill summit SX Information: clemarchant@cormacltd. co.uk, (Chrissie Le Marchant, Kit Hill Country Park) 20th, Wednesday, 10:30am 12:00 noon Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - Tamar Valley Discovery Trail and Royal Deer Park Farm Along old bridleways and forest tracks to Old Mill and circle back through historic Deer Park Farm Meet: Luckett village car park, (PL17 8NJ). 21st, Thursday, 10:30am 3:30pm Warleigh Point Volunteer Day (See notes for January 17th) 22nd 24th, Friday - Sunday Greenfingers at Buckland Abbey Collect your Greenfingers log book and start growing. Over the year we ll grow flowers, vegetables and fruit for you to take home and enjoy. Cost: Normal admission charges apply Information: tel: , bucklandabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk 24th, Sunday, 9:30am 12:00 noon Take Wonderful Winter Photos Come and learn how to get more from your camera and take great wintery photos on Kit Hill. Discover how to compose a shot and take close-up and landscape photographs with local photographers Ron and Jean Bushell. Cost: Adults 2, concessions and under 16 s 1.50, family

13 Notes: Sorry, no dogs. Please bring camera and tripod, if you have one. Meet: Kit Hill Summit car park SX Booking: essential, go to or call th, Sunday, 11:15am 2:15pm approx. Avocet and Spoonbill Cruises (See notes for December 12th) 25th, Monday, 11:00am 1:00pm Saltash Walk & Talk Plus: Port Eliot Estate Enjoy a longer ramble through the outer grounds of the Port Eliot estate, return to the station for the train back to Plymouth Meet: Outside St Germans Station PL12 5LU train from Plymouth. 27th, Wednesday, 10:30am 12:00 noon Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - Calstock Church Quiet lanes and bridleways past the church to Harewood, an optional last section on riverside trail, and finishing in Calstock. Catch train or bus back, bring change for fare. Meet: Gunnislake Station (PL18 9DZ). MARCH st, Friday, 7:30pm Friends of Tamar Valley Talk Paul Rendell Paul Rendell War Horse the story behind the Dartmoor locations. Visit some of the locations used in the film and learn about some of the tricks behind the filming as well as the history of the locations. Venue: Tamar Valley Centre, Drakewalls, nr Gunnislake. Cost: Friends of the Tamar Valley welcome all non-members, at a cost of 2.00 Information: tel: , Jane Kiely 2nd 3rd, Saturday-Sunday, 11:00am 4:00pm Graft, Sow and Grow This popular event returns to Cotehele for a second year. Two days of workshops, talks by experts, sharing and learning how to graft your own apple tree and take it home. Information: tel: or cotehele@nationaltrust.org.uk 4th, Monday, 10:30am 12:00 noon Saltash Walk & Talk - China Fleet On pavement, quiet lanes and footpaths with wide views across the Tamar estuary. Meet: Brunel Green, under Brunel s Bridge, PL12 4EN. No 1 bus from Plymouth, walk down to riverside. 6th, Wednesday, 10:30am 12:30pm Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - Cotehele Around the estate past the chapel and House through wooded valleys either to Danescombe or past Cotehele Mill. Bring a drink. Meet: Cotehele Quay car park (PL12 6TA). 13th, Wednesday, 10:30am 1:00pm Tamar Valley Walk & Talk Plus: Calstock Circular Walk Walk on footpaths, quiet lanes and bridleways taking in the rich history of Calstock. Meet: Calstock quay bus stop (PL18 9QA). 17th, Sunday, 10:00am 1:00pm approx Try Dowsing Have a go at the ancient art of Dowsing under the guidance of Alan Neal on Kit Hill near Callington. We will look for water, archaeological remains, minerals, ley-lines and more. Walk will be over rough ground. Notes: Please wear sturdy footwear, warm clothes, waterproofs, bring drink and a snack. Dogs on leads welcome. Meet: Kit Hill adit car park (2nd on left on roads to summit) SX Cost: 2 Adults, 1.50 under 16 and concessions, 6 family Booking: essential, go to or call th, Monday, 10:30am 12:00 noon Saltash Walk & Talk - Forder Creek to Churchtown From Forder to Churchtown along the creekside to the lower fields of Churchtown Farm Nature reserve and back to St Stephens. Meet: Outside St Stephen s Church, Saltash, PL12 4AP. No 1 bus from Plymouth. 20th, Wednesday, 10:00am 1:00pm Barrows of Kit Hill on the Spring Equinox A walk to explore some of the oldest archaeological remains which can be seen on Kit Hill. Follow in the footsteps of these ancient Hill dwellers with the Wardens on the spring Equinox. Cost: 2 adults, 1.50 concessions (over 60 and under 16) and 6 family (2 adults and 3 concessions) Notes: please wear sturdy footwear, warm clothes, waterproofs, and bring a drink and a snack. Dogs on leads welcome. Meet: Kit Hill adit car park (second on left on road to summit) SX Booking: essential, go to or call th, Wednesday, 10:30am 12:00 noon Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - Old Kelly Lane Bridleways and quiet lanes down to Calstock, before catching train or bus back Meet: Gunnislake Station (PL18 9DZ). 21st, Thursday, 10:30am 3:30pm Warleigh Point Volunteer Day Lots of coppicing to be done this winter! Notes: all tools and training provided. Tea, coffee and biscuits also provided. People staying the whole day should bring a packed lunch. Meet: Warleigh Point Nature Reserve entrance, nr Tamerton Foliot, SX Information: Jackie Gage, tel: , jgage@devonwildlifetrust.org 23rd 24th, Saturday Sunday, 11:00am Cotehele s Daffodil Weekend Come and see the wonderful collection of daffodils grown on the Cotehele Estate. Displays, walks and talks. Cost: normal admission charges apply Information: tel: or cotehele@nationaltrust.org.uk 25th, Monday, 10:30am 1:30pm Saltash Walk & Talk Plus: Rivers, Railways and Castles A longer walk along creeks to Antony Passage, Shillingham and Wiveliscombe before returning past Trematon Castle. Bring lunch and drink Meet: Outside St Stephen s Church, Saltash, PL12 4AP. No 1 bus from Plymouth 27th, Wednesday, 10:30am 12:00 noon Tamar Valley Walk & Talk - Higher Kelly & Calstock Limekilns Walk by the limekiln and tramway remains of past industry, and up the wooded Danescombe Valley. Meet: Calstock Station platform (PL18 9QY). Information: Dave Readman, tel: Local Train Times Tamar Valley Line - Gunnislake to Plymouth. For timetable information please call National Rail Enquiries on or visit www. carfreedaysout.com. For Bus Times please call Traveline on , or visit traveline.info 13

14 In the last issue, we welcomed Corinna Woodall as the new Manager of the Tamar Valley AONB. Now, six months into the position, in an interview with Tish Valva (Visitor Services Officer), we find out more about the person behind the job and discover her plans for the Tamar Valley Keeping the Valley special Corinna grew up in Hornsea on the East Yorkshire Coast with her English father and German mother until she moved to Manchester to do a degree in biology and geography. She s lived in various parts of the UK working in the environmental field ever since. Corinna attributes her love of the outdoors to both sets of grandparents. My English grandma was a real country woman and a great inspiration to me, she recounts. When I stayed with her in Sussex we d walk the dogs and she d know all the plants in the hedgerows and the fields. My grandma was also very aware of environmental issues; she belonged to several conservation organisations and was a committed volunteer in her community. Her German grandfather was also a big influence. He was interested in fungi and enjoyed foraging in the woods in northern Germany, said Corinna. He was also very good at herbal medicine, which he passed on to my mum. When I was growing up we would pick berries and leaves and turn them into herbal teas. Growing up opposite Hornsea Mere RSPB reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest played its part too as well as summer holidays in Germany or at a family friend s in the Finnish archipelago as her father worked for a Scandinavian Shipping Company. We d go foraging for mushrooms and bilberries and catch fish. Up there if you didn t forage, you didn t eat, she laughs. Since writing her dissertation about blanket bog in Connemara, Ireland, Corinna has worked in nature and landscape conservation across the UK for over 23 years, working for English Nature, HLF and LEADER for a sister AONB. Here on the border between Cornwall and Devon, Corinna acknowledges that she is a long way from home, but says she likes her new patch very much. Sometimes when I m getting lost in the lanes, I ll find myself in a small landscape with high hedges where I can t see anywhere, she says. All of a sudden I see a gateway and through it the landscape just opens up and I can see for miles. I quite like that contrast. Corinna is inspired to bring her conservation and landscape background to support, promote and continue to develop the work of the Tamar Valley AONB. She wants to continue to raise awareness of why the Tamar Valley is special. As we go forward, she says, I want to find out what people who live, work and play here value and see if we can work together to maintain these special qualities and help conserve and sustain the landscape. Corinna also hopes to make people aware that the Tamar Valley AONB helps to bring extra resources into the area in the current financial climate. We now have to look forward and identify what the potential opportunities are for continuing and supporting some of the things we ve started. We have a challenging time ahead, but everybody has been incredibly welcoming, enthusiastic, friendly and supportive. I m very excited to be here. n 14

15 Cordiale project update on trials... This work is part of the EU-funded project Cordiale - selected under the European Cross-border Cooperation Programme INTERREG IV A France (Channel) England, and co-funded by the ERDF. (Above) Brentswood as it is today and (inset) as it looked back in 1970 Tamar Valley AONB The Cordiale project is now well into the field trial phase, where learning from French and English partners will be applied. The project have been running four trials and here you will find out what the project hopes to achieve, progress to date and how you can continue to play your part. Simon Bates, Project Officer, explains more Developing a land use plan Our holy grail is for parish communities to endorse a land use plan that, if implemented, would mean people and their landscapes would be resilient to the pressing environmental, economic and social issues of the day, namely climate change, peak oil and the leakage of money and jobs from rural economies. It s worth reflecting on these subjects for a while. Since the global recession began, climate change has slipped right off the political agenda. But, we know from Diarykeepers (see page 17) that the weather passed nobody by this summer. The Met Office confirmed that it was the wettest June across the UK since records began in Clearly, our weather is becoming more extreme. For example, the intensity of rainfall in winter has increased in the last 100 years, yet, despite this, many parts of England and Wales were hit by drought conditions in winter 2011/spring Peak oil is defined as the point at which world oil production reaches a maximum. Optimistic predictions give 2020 as the date for peak oil; pessimists say that we are already there. We need to start adapting for a future less reliant on fossil fuels. Our first priority in developing a land use plan is to speak with parishes, land managers and local authority planners to gain their support for the plan. We have a loosely defined approach at present because it s important that the community shapes it. We will hold an initial public workshop early in the New Year to set the context and gain agreement on how the plan should be produced. We propose forming three sub-groups to produce maps that optimise production of food, fuel (focused on woodfuel and other biomass) and conservation of the natural and historic environment. In the spring, these sub-groups would bring their maps back to a full workshop, when a final land use plan would be drafted. We welcome your ideas. Woodfuel In our woodfuel trial, our goal is to establish a group, either to supply logs, chip or pellet from woods and hedges within the Valley, or to store and process that wood. Ideally, we would like to achieve both. We took nine people from the industry to Brittany in July to look specifically at the organisation of wood fuel supply chains: Energy Supply Company and other community business models; how cooperatives work within farms and 15

16 communities; the organisation and content of woodfuel supply contracts; and firewood log sales and auctions. Dr Rob Wolton and Dr Faye Davey have completed their research and concluded that the potential annual energy yield from all hedges and accessible small woodlands in each of the parishes is: Bere Ferrers 3,614 MWh (mega watt hours), Buckland Monachorum 4,244 MWh, Calstock 4,916 MWh and St Dominick 2,551 MWh. If 50% of hedges and 75% of small woods are managed for fuel, there could be enough energy to heat 111 average houses in Bere Ferrers, 130 in Buckland Monachorum, 159 in Calstock and 77 in St Dominick. These figures are based on a number of assumptions that still need to be tested. Jez Ralph and Chris Clare from the Silvanus Trust have almost completed twelve farm wood fuel audits and have produced a simple tool that allows land managers to estimate the total volumes of timber in hedges and woodlands. Approximately 6 km of hedge needs to be managed on a 15-year rotation to provide enough fuel to heat an average farmhouse with a demand of 30 MWh per year. We do hope that readers are intrigued by this analysis, and will write in with their views. Nicola Crabb won the overall Harvesting Time prize for her experimental collaboration with other artists, courtesy of Tessa Clarke so please register your interest with Simon Platten from Tamar Grow Local (see page 9 for contact details, and an update of other work Tamar Grow Local are involved with). Mapping wild and historic assets Hedge survey With more than forty volunteers on board and our French partners eager to learn from our approach, the hedge survey is already a highlight for Cordiale. We are truly grateful for the dedication and good humour of all our volunteers, but we would like to give special thanks to Nick Sleep, Jane Hart, Carolyn Collett, Sue Robinson, and Jean Croft. They have surveyed the fieldfare s share of hedges to a very high standard. In addition, local historian Dave Williams and botanists Martin Summers, Frances Howard, Claire Roper and Anne Harvey have enthusiastically passed on their knowledge. Sam Whatmore from Forest Fuels has been assessing whether a facility could be built to store and process wood fuel products derived from the Tamar Valley. Local companies gave their views at a workshop. Simultaneously, Forest Fuels and Kevin Lindegaard of Crops 4 Energy have been completing woodfuel audits for institutions and estates. Local food Peter Sainsbury (working with Cheryl Scott and Jenny Tunley-Price) has made excellent progress on a database of local food producers for five parishes, with more than 60 identified so far. The information is being uploaded to the Tamar Grow Local website. We will shortly be launching the establishment of food buying groups - a collective of people who regularly buy food together in bulk to benefit from convenience, affordability and the local economy. We know from our research that many of you want to buy local food, (Above) Diary keeper, Sally Dickson, at the play in Roy Clarke s greenhouse Tamar Valley AONB, and (inset) Joseph Snell Phyllis Morrish. 16

17 Can you help? With fieldwork at a close for this season, we now need to appoint somebody to help with analysis. If you live locally and can input data accurately into a spreadsheet, why not give us a call? The main output from this survey will be a map showing important hedges, which gain statutory protection under the Hedgerow Regulations They will be made available to planners, land managers and Defra/Natural England. Another output will be the survey method and guidance notes; we believe our assessment of the natural, historic and cultural value of hedges is unique. BioBlitz - September 2012 What a fantastic turn out we had for our first BioBlitz! A BioBlitz helps us to understand more about the state of our environment, by finding as many species as possible in a set location and time period. The BioBlitz recipe is proving to be wholesome; add passionate and knowledgeable naturalists, adventurous children, a promising venue for wildlife, sunshine, and give them a mission to find as many new species as possible. Pentillie Castle was chosen as the venue, having a good range of habitats, great facilities, a stunning setting and generous hosts in the Coryton family. We are also indebted to our volunteers Jean and Ray Croft, Phillip Luscombe and Pauline Watkins. The tally for Pentillie was 300 people, 200 species, and one very rare bat! Children from Landulph School search for pond creatures, BioBlitz September 2012 Tamar Valley AONB Planning for the future Diarykeepers Between 1914 and 1938 Tamar Valley resident Joe Snell kept a daily handwritten diary of his life in the Valley. The diaries give a fascinating, personal and often poetic, amusing account of the comings and goings of Valley life, e.g. Over 1000 bunches of flowers for Devonport Market, and Very hot girls hoes the higher field. To celebrate this wonderful record of time passing and to share what it s like to live in the Tamar Valley now, we invited people to keep a diary in June More than 90 people did! A play was then staged in one of Roy Clarke s glasshouses at St Dominick, with diarykeepers acting, all under the expert direction of artists Anne-Marie Culhane and Ruth Ben-Tovim. Emilio Gonzalez will now produce two short films, one about the play, and another as an entrée to our more formal winter workshops. We d like to produce a beautiful community diary, too. Team News We wish Nolwenn Baot (Cordiale Project Manager) all the very best as she begins maternity leave with her first baby, Juliette. We warmly welcome Alex Midlen to the team, who will steer the work of the Cordiale project until Nolwenn s return. Alex works part-time and can be contacted on t: , e: amidlen@tamarvalley.org.uk Harvesting Time Exhibition Our collaboration with artists from Drawn to the Valley, and Tessa Clarke in particular, was a huge success. In October, ten artists exhibited diverse pieces ranging from sculptures to woollen clothing. Children from Gunnislake Primary School created postcards from the future, and we ran two new films; Cousin Jack, about mining and migration, produced by Callington Community College, and Harvesting Time recollections of life in the Tamar Valley. Keep in Touch For further information on the Cordiale project, or to share your thoughts and ideas, please contact Simon Bates, Cordiale Project Officer, t: , e: sbates@tamarvalley.org.uk 17

18 Photo Ben Naylor, Pilot: John Doswell, Devon County Council A new pedestrian and cycle bridge is at the heart of an inspiring project to establish better tourism links between the South West of England and France. Bridge is jewel in the crown of cycle network The 2.1million Gem Bridge, which crosses the Walkham Valley, has been developed by Devon County Council as the centrepiece of the Drake s Trail cycling and walking route. The 200-metre long and 24 metre high Gem Bridge is the largest piece of infrastructure built as part of the European funded CYCLE WEST project, which has developed a cross-channel network of routes covering 750 miles. Devon County Council Chairman Councillor Jerry Brook, who officially opened the Trail in September, said: Gem Bridge provides spectacular views across the Walkham Valley and the entire route can showcase the natural beauty of Devon and could potentially attract thousands of visitors. Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: The popularity of cycling is continuing to grow, particularly following the success of the London Olympics and Bradley Wiggins becoming the first British rider to win the Tour de France. This Trail represents our commitment to making Devon a premier destination for cycling tourism. Local families and visitors will be able to enjoy a leisurely cycle in the tranquil surroundings of one of Devon s most scenic trails. CYCLE WEST is an inspiring project, which has connected cycle routes to link South West England, Brittany, and Normandy. All three of CYCLE WEST s cross -channel routes take in the South West, enabling cyclists to explore breath-taking and diverse scenery on both sides of the English Channel. For information on CYCLE WEST routes visit or For further information about cycling in Devon go to n Directions to Bedford Bridge Car Park Directions from Tavistock: Take the A386 towards Plymouth. Travel through Grenofen, past the Halfway House pub and continue for approximately one mile until you reach Bedford Bridge. About 50 metres after crossing the bridge take a sharp turning on the right, which will lead to Bedford Bridge car park. Directions from Horrabridge: Take the A386 towards Tavistock, about 200 metres after passing a campsite on the right hand side and 50 metres before crossing Bedford Bridge, there will be a turning on the left which will lead you to Bedford Bridge car park. 18

19 (Above) Cross fabrication and (insets) 3D model and the Piling Rig courtesy of Joe Ellison A three-year project to erect a giant modern Celtic Cross at the Cornwall end of the Tamar Bridge is nearing completion, with an official national launch planned before Christmas. Saltash Celtic Cross nears completion The 550,000 project is funded by the National Lottery Community Spaces programme, with financial support from Cornwall Council and Saltash Town Council, and is rated by the Lottery as one of the most important projects in the UK. Led by Saltash Waterfront Residents Association, the project started life as a way of opening up two acres of neglected woodland at the Gateway to Cornwall. Vice Chair Joe Ellison says, Although the Lottery supported the idea, they said it needed a Wow factor. We then remembered the design for a 20 metre modern Celtic Cross created by Cornish sculptor Simon Thomas. With strong support from Eden founder Tim Smit and Cornwall Council Chief Executive Kevin Lavery, the project began nearly three years ago, and is endorsed by financial support from HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Cornwall. Work on the woodland has now almost finished, and maintenance and future community involvement will be managed by Saltash Waterfront Residents Association (SWRA) in conjunction with Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Meanwhile, fabrication of the Cross is well advanced at the RAF St Mawgan factory of Gateguards UK, better known for their full scale replicas of WW II Spitfires and Mustangs. The Cross, on a similar scale to the Angel of the North, is built using advanced boat building glass and carbon fibre technologies. Although it weighs less than three tonnes, the sheer scale of the Cross means it will need to be transported to the prepared piled base alongside the Tamar Bridge via the A30 to Exeter. The installation should be a truly spectacular event. Joe Ellison says, The Cross will be the first thing visitors to Cornwall see, and it has the potential to bring enormous economic benefits to the area as an iconic tourist destination. n Woodland Clearing Volunteers courtesy of Joe Ellison 19

20 Cotehele s 60 foot Garland triumphs a year of bad weather National Trust staff, volunteers and members of the public at Cotehele in Cornwall, are nearing the end of the meticulous process of creating the longest Christmas garland at any Trust property in the country. Although a really tough growing year has meant that only 20,000 flowers have been picked this year rather than the usual 30,000, the team involved are confident the garland will look as stunning as ever. Paper Daisy, Paper rose and Statice. Visitors observed and took part in the Garland s construction during November. The spectacular result can be seen daily until 31st December, except 25th and 26th December. For more information: tel: , cotehele@nationaltrust.org.uk The flowers are picked and dried in the garden at Cotehele; usually flower picking begins in May but this year due to the poor growing season it didn t start until July. Each flower will now be added one by one to create a stunning 60ft garland - which forms an integral part of the Christmas display at the property. The flowers include; Ornamental Grasses, Everlasting Sand Flower, Straw Flower, Cotehele s Christmas Garland National Trust A labour of love to restore three acres of neglected gardens in Maristow, Devon is progressing well. Here we catch up with the latest developments. Work continues apace at the Walled Gardens at Maristow Back in 2009, Jenny Tunley Price and her children moved into the walled kitchen garden at Maristow with a mission to tackle more than 60 years of overgrown wilderness and restore the gardens, Victorian glasshouses and the magnificent stone and brick walls to their former glory. Three and a half years later the fruits of many hours of hard labour are starting to reap rewards. Restoration work on the old Vine House has now begun and it s hoped to be completed before spring next year, while repairs to the garden s walls are continuing apace. Landscaping of the North Garden has started, with tonnes of soil being barrowed back up the slope after years of it sliding down hill, and the first of the paths has now been laid. The old Apple House is being rebuilt as a forge, and two local part-time blacksmiths are going to set up in there, making the hinges, brackets and wall nails needed for the restoration work. They will also be producing a range of garden items for a new shop that will be opening in the spring. Links with a variety of community groups have formed an important part of the project. Work is continuing with Devon & Cornwall Probation Trust, with groups of offenders assisting with the ongoing restoration of the gardens three times a week. Over the summer, Jenny and her team held three Open Days, which proved to be a resounding success, with over 250 visitors helping to raise around 1,300 for St Luke s Hospice. The refurbishment of the Forties, a group of buildings containing a Mushroom House, potting sheds and storage rooms is now also almost complete. This will provide a fully functioning classroom space for horticulture students, community groups and specialist courses who come to Maristow to learn about growing food, garden design, using plants for dyeing natural yarns, willow weaving and horticulture. Watch this space for further updates in the future. To find out more or to get involved, check out the Facebook page The Walled Gardens at Maristow or Jenny at jenny@maristowwalledgardens. co.uk n 20

21 Charcoal at Buckland Abbey, Garden and Estate Today most people think charcoal is only used for summer barbeques or artists pencils, but it is still a valuable source of heat. So, as temperatures fall this winter why not consider charcoal as an alternative fuel for your open fire or log burner? The free newsletter of the Tamar Valley AONB Medieval roots Charcoal has been produced at Buckland Abbey, Garden and Estate, the National Trust Property near Yelverton since medieval times. There are six recorded charcoal burning platforms dating from the medieval or post-medieval periods in Great North Wood on the Buckland Abbey estate. How is charcoal made? Wood is converted into charcoal by heating it to remove water and impurities. In earth clamps and ring kilns some of the wood is burned to heat the rest, and the burn speed kept slow by regulating the flow of air too hot and you ll burn all the wood and get ash; too slow and it won t convert to charcoal. When ready, the air is cut off completely to stop the charcoal itself burning. The kiln is then totally sealed to extinguish the fire and left to cool for a day before opening. The charcoal is graded, bagged and sold in Buckland Abbey s shop. n Grading and bagging charcoal Andrew Wrayford For more information: Bridge Gallery set for a new season An exciting local art and craft gallery, displaying the work of a select group of local artists, opened its doors for the first time earlier this year in April. The artists are looking forward to another successful year and welcoming you to look around. The Bridge Gallery, located on the road from Harrowbarrow to Cotehele, was opened with the help and support of local people. It will not only display works of art, but hopes also to provide various workshops for pottery/ceramics, felting, painting and much more. On display and for sale is a lovely selection of beautiful gifts and appealing artwork, including paintings, ceramics, cards, wood carvings, jewellery and textiles. As well as works by resident artists, the Gallery is keen to encourage other artists to get involved and display their work to ensure displays remain fresh and exciting. Please come along, browse and enjoy the work of these local artists; one of them is always in the Gallery and will look forward to seeing you. The Bridge Gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11.00am to 5.00pm. The Bridge Gallery Bartletts Bridge Callington PL17 8BP Tel: thebridgegallery@yahoo.co.uk

22 Cotehele s Shamrock recognised for excellence Shamrock, Cotehele s traditional Tamar sailing barge has received a prestigious award for the quality of its restoration. The weighty glass trophy was presented at the Plymouth Classic Boat Rally at Sutton Harbour to Shamrock s ships keeper Shaune Blight and his team of volunteers in recognition of their excellent conservation work on this unique and historic craft. Shamrock, built in 1899, is the last fully restored barge of its kind to survive, and is now enjoying her retirement on Cotehele Quay in south east Cornwall. Last winter Shaune and shipwright John Habgood replaced several hull planks on the starboard Cotehele s 1899 Tamar sailing barge Shamrock Jeremy Flooks side and the beam shelf. Using local larch, this plank was rough cut to shape as much as possible, manhandled on board, roughly positioned in place, steam fitted and finally pushed and manoeuvred into position using props and jacks. It s all about keeping her alive, says Shaune, She s not a boat unless she s in the water living. She s the last fully rigged Tamar sailing barge. We re very proud of her. He says that receiving the award in Sutton Harbour was an added bonus. Sutton Harbour is only a short sail down river from where she was built at Hawke s Yard in New Post Office service opens in Bere Ferrers People in the village of Bere Ferrers will still be able to send letters, tax their car and buy foreign currency thanks to the outreach service provided by Gunnislake Post Office. Known as a core branch, Gunnislake can provide Post Office services in other communities. Bere Ferrers, where the existing branch was due to close, is Gunnislake s 11th outreach village. PO services at villages near you MAVIS, Milton Abbot 9am-1pm Monday, 1-5pm Friday Bere Ferrers Church Hall Tuesday morning The Old Smithy, Chillaton 9am-12noon Tuesday, 2-5pm Thursday Quethiock Pavilion Wednesday morning St Ive Village Hall Wednesday morning Commonmoor visits to customers homes Wednesday morning Calstock Village Hall 1-5pm Tuesday, 9am-1pm Thursday Venn House, Lamerton Friday morning St Michael s Church, Lawhitton Friday morning For more information, contact Gunnislake Post Office on The 58ft ketch-rigged barge made the trip down the river to Plymouth several times in 2012 and plans are afoot for her to make some repeat voyages in Tamar Community Trust Since our last update, the Tamar Community Trust has been focusing on its short and medium term Business Plan. The short-term plan is to get the Trust involved in the community-led projects, similar to the work undertaken at Wacker Quay, which has now been up and running for six months, and is proving to be a real asset to the local community. Progress continues with the introduction of longer-term proposals such as hydro development, wood fuel hub, education and creative tourism, community supported woodlands, land management and trading. The link between the Trust and its partners continues to develop and emphasises the need to establish a longterm working relationship, and importantly its link with its funding bodies. The Trust is also keen to explore its community role and is planning an open day in the new year to outline its proposals. John Page, Chairman of the Tamar Community Trust. Tel: john_page@hotmail.co.uk 22

23 Eating out in the Tamar Valley Images: (Above and inset) Hotel Endsleigh and its beautiful dining room courtesy of TAVATA There are some great restaurants and pubs in the Tamar Valley, and most have joined the Tamar Valley Tourism Association (TAVATA) as a good way of promoting themselves. The TAVATA committee decided to meet up for lunch at different members venues to experience the range of eateries around the Valley. As John Marshall, Chairman of TAVATA explains, When a visitor asks where to eat locally, it s good to be able to recommend somewhere you know personally. The first lunch was held at The Horn of Plenty, Gulworthy, one of the first members to join TAVATA. A delicious meal was enhanced by stunning views over the Valley. Lunch at Hotel Endsleigh in Milton Abbot followed a few months later and guests were treated to a lively talk about the history of the estate and its celebrity visitors. For something completely different, the next lunch was part of a train trip on the Tamar Valley line from Gunnislake to Plymouth, with on-board commentary of the passing sights. At the Glassblowing House in Plymouth, a delicious lunch was complemented with waterfront views over Sutton Harbour, while The View Restaurant, Millbrook on the Rame Peninsula offered the best locally caught fresh fish and a unique view over this stunningly beautiful part of the Cornish coastline. To end the year, the Arundell Arms in Lifton played host to TAVATA members. The lunches have certainly been voted a huge success, and we are looking forward to planning the next dates and venues for For further information on membership and events, contact TAVATA Ambassadors Caroline & Peter Hammond at Updown Cottage ( stay@updowncottage.co.uk) or Jill Price ( admin@tamarvalleytourism.co.uk) or see our website Fine dining at The Horn of Plenty courtesy of TAVATA Join the Great South West Walk... The South West Coast Path Association is busy organising a special event to celebrate their 40th anniversary next spring, with the aim of funding improvement projects along the route. The South West Coast Path is estimated to generate over 300 million for the region s economy each year, with walking one of the most popular activities undertaken by visitors. In recent years, however, funding for its maintenance and upkeep has been reduced. To raise funds for improvement projects along the Coast Path, to make the walks you enjoy even better, the SWCPA team are launching The Great South West Walk putting 40 years of love back into the Coast Path! The event next April/May aims to encourage at least 30 walkers each day across a series of sponsored walks, which have been split into 56 sections, ranging from 3 to 18 miles, and will be completed in relay to cover the entire 630-mile path. Each section will be led by a local expert. Walkers will be asked to raise 50 in sponsorship. For more information, or to sign up, please visit co.uk 23

24 About Us The Tamar Valley AONB Partnership helps to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, by offering advice and assistance to community groups, landowners, farmers, residents and visitors. There are 38 AONBs in England and Wales. The Tamar Valley itself covers an area of 75 square miles (195 sq km) and is the youngest of all AONBs, designated in Tamar Valley AONB Tamar Valley Centre Cemetery Road, Drakewalls Gunnislake Cornwall PL18 9FE T: E: W: Help Us Keep the AONB Special We hope you enjoy exploring the Tamar Valley. Please follow The Countryside Code when you re out and about, to keep this living, working landscape special; Be safe plan ahead and follow any signs Leave gates and property as you find them Protect plants and animals, take your litter home Keep dogs under close control Consider other people when travelling around the area, or when using any of the public rights of way, footpaths or trails within the Valley. Your Valley, Your News If you have a story that you would like to be considered for the next issue of The Valley (spring/summer 2013), please send details to Charlotte Dancer, Information & Communications Officer for the Tamar Valley AONB cdancer@tamarvalley.org.uk If you would like this newsletter in other formats, please call to discuss your requirements. Keep In Touch Sign up to receive monthly e-bulletins from the Tamar Valley AONB a great way to keep up-to-date with progress of projects and calls for volunteers in between issues of The Valley newsletter. Please visit uk and click on News to sign up Follow us: TVAONB A student volunteer from Plymouth University has won second place at the National Community Rail Awards in the category of Best Community Rail Image. Plymouth University volunteer wins National award Dan Hollidge from Plymouth took the picture while volunteering at an event organised by the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, Coast and the Tamar Valley AONB to encourage more people to use the train from Plymouth to Gunnislake to visit the Tamar Valley. The picture was nominated by Rebecca Catterall from the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership who said, Dan managed to capture the joy on a passenger s face at being entertained by local musicians, the Kit Hillbillies, on board the train, and it obviously caught the judges eye as well! Dan Hollidge said, I am thrilled to have won this award and to have been involved with the event. Perfect gifts If you re struggling to find the perfect gift for a special occasion, consider a visit to the Tamar Valley Centre, offering a selection of books from local authors for you to buy. The award-winning Silver River, by Virginia Spiers charts life in the Tamar Valley through the seasons and is illustrated by local artist Mary Martin. For art enthusiasts, Turner in the Tamar Valley, follows the footsteps of JMW Turner; readers can see today what the artist saw and recorded 200 years ago. The National Community Rail Awards is an annual event that celebrates the work being done to promote and enhance Britain s local and rural railways around the country. The Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership works to promote the six rural branch lines in two counties and is a non-profit partnership between local authorities, including Devon County Council, Cornwall Council, Plymouth City Council, the University and the rail industry. For more information contact Rebecca Catterall, Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership on n You might also consider Sovereigns, Madams and Double Whites, an evocative book of photographs and text, interweaving the lives, voices and stories of the market gardeners of the Tamar Valley. The Seriously NOT Boring Tamar Trails Book is a must for families. The book features 5 activity trails for children and their families. Call the Tamar Valley AONB team on for further information on these books, opening times for the Centre, and how you could use the Centre for meetings and exhibitions for your 24