The Area

The Tamar Valley

The Valley possesses some of the most beautiful and unspoilt scenery in the West country.

The valleys of the Tamar and its tributaries, the Tavy and Lynher, are designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The steep valley sides and huge meanders in the river have made land communication difficult throughout history, and it has been largely bypassed by modern development. But the landscape has been molded by many years of settlement and local industry - including farming, forestry, horticulture and mining. Many of these activities have now ceased, but have left indelible marks adding to the character and beauty of the modern landscape.

The River

The River Tamar has been the official border between Cornwall and Devon since Saxon times. Its importance as a trade route is inextricably linked to the history and development of the area. The river was used to carry agricultural produce from the fertile valley slopes downstream to the markets of Plymouth and beyond, and in return lime and 'dock-dung' were brought to the many small quays dotted along its length. Many traditional Tamar sailing barges worked on the river and shipbuilding thrived in the area. One of these barges - the Shamrock - has been restored and is on show at Cotehele Quay, near St Dominick. The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth also has a display at the Quay where you can find out more about the river trade and related industries. Impressive steamers also brought early tourists to the area on river cruises, including Queen Victoria and her family in 1856.

Our Mining Heritage

Mining thrived here from medieval times, exploiting silver and tin reserves - but it was copper in the 1800's which made the greatest impact. In today's tranquility, it is hard to imagine that at the height of the mining boom there were over 100 mines along the river. Atmospheric chimneys and ruins throughout the valley serve as a reminder of this industrial past. Morwellham grew as an inland port to serve the mines, and today has been brought back to life as a living history museum, offering you a taste of Victorian life.

The river has been the official border between Devon and Cornwall since Saxon times. It was a vital trade link for the mining industry, and for agriculture and horticulture. Produce from the fertile valley slopes was transported to Plymouth and beyond, and returning boats brought lime and "dock dung" back to the many quays dotted along its length, for use on the farms.

Busy Towns and Sleepy Villages

The valley is marked by four ancient towns: Launceston in the North - with its steam railway and Norman castle; Tavistock to the East - gateway to Dartmoor with daily pannier market for food and crafts; Callington in the West - with its unusual mural trail, and Saltash - best known for Brunel's Royal Albert Bridge, now partnered by the impressive road bridge.

Wildlife

The Tamar estuary is also an important habitat for wildlife, and provides a wintering and passage write for birds such as the avocet and little egret.

The estuaries are a particularly important habitat, due to the combination of climate and varied conditions within the estuarine waters.

The Tamar - Tavy Estuary and the Lynher Estuary are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) recognising their importance as large intertidal systems, with extensive mudflats, saltmarsh and reedbeds.

Great numbers of waterfowl use the estuary complex as a wintering site; for example, it is the fourth most important estuary in Britain for its wintering Avocet population. The area is therefore designated as the Tamar Estuaries Complex Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EC Birds Directive.