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About the Tamar Valley AONB

The Tamar Valley, bordering Cornwall and Devon, is one of the most beautiful and historically significant areas in the UK.

In 1995, the Tamar Valley was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty  (AONB) making it one of 40 in England and Wales.

An AONB is given protection because of its environmental, geological and wildlife importance and because of its cultural heritage; the primary aim being ‘to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape.’

The Tamar Valley AONB's Outstanding Qualities are;
- a rare valley & water landscape
- a landscape of high visual quality
- a unique wildlife resource
- a remarkable heritage
- a landscape of artistic & public appeal

The rich and diverse landscape of The Tamar Valley AONB covers around 75 square miles (195 square kilometres) and along with the rivers Tamar, Tavy and Lynher, forms one of the last, unspoilt drowned valley river systems in England.

An extensive array of wildlife habitats can be found in the Tamar Valley’s steep gorges, meandering rivers, ancient woodlands and wetlands, and the area is home to number of rare plants and animals, including the Greater Horseshoe bat - one of Britain’s rarest bat species.

In 2006, because of the historical significance of the area’s mining landscape and remains, The Tamar Valley was given World Heritage Status together with nine other sites throughout Cornwall.

There are many things to do and numerous places waiting to be discovered and explored in the Tamar Valley and we hope our website will give you a taste of the special qualities this fascinating and beautiful area of Britain has to offer.

• KEEPING THE VALLEY SPECIAL
  • Natural Assets
  • A Living Landscape
  • Cultural Heritage
  • A Sense of Place
  • Learning Landscapes
  • Working Together
• LOCAL INFO
  • Local Services
  • Bus, Ferry & Train Times
  • Local Funding
  • Volunteering & Jobs
  • Education
  • History
  • People
• THINGS TO DO
  • Places to Visit
  • Recreation
  • Places to Eat
  • Shopping & Markets
  • Events Calendar
  • Where to Stay

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