The Tamar Valley National Landscape

The Tamar Valley National Landscape on the Devon & Cornwall border, is a special landscape that is defined and shaped by the rivers Tamar, Tavy and Lynher, and by the human activity focused around them. The area is famous for its mining heritage landscape and market gardening history, and is a haven for wildlife.

A team of dedicated staff and volunteers run projects and coordinate work to conserve and enhance the natural beauty (including flora and fauna, geology and landscape features, archaeology and architecture) of the Tamar Valley, whilst recognising the needs of the local community and economy.

AONBs, along with National Parks, represent the finest examples of countryside in England and Wales. The Tamar Valley was designated as an AONB in 1995 because it is a rare valley and water landscape based around an unspoilt estuary, a unique wildlife resource and a landscape of distinctive heritage.

The exceptional cultural significance of the Cornish mining landscape transcends international boundaries. The permanent protection of this countryside is important to people all over the world. This is why the area has been given World Heritage status.