WALKERS are being invited to step up to the challenge of walking the 30-mile Tamar Valley Discovery Trail, from Tamerton Foliot to Lifton, while raising money for Butterfly Conservation.

Many people enjoy walking sections of the trail, but the Tamar Valley AONB team is setting the challenge of completing the route in just one day on Saturday, June 1, safe in the knowledge that regular refreshment points will be available along the way.

First Aid will also be on hand if needed and transport will take weary walkers back to the start at the end of the walk.

Becki Lumbis from Tamar Valley AONB said: 'The huge sense of achievement and determination on the faces of last year's walkers — together with sheer exhaustion — as they crossed the finish line was great to see.

'The challenge brought everyone together and gave people the opportunity to see parts of the area of outstanding natural beauty they may not have seen before.'

Caroline Kelly, from Butterfly Conservation, said: 'The Health Fritillary, one of the UKs rarest butterflies was once abundant in the Tamar Valley but due to habitat loss and change it can now only be found at just one site in the valley.

'Thanks to our partnership working with Natural England, the Duchy of Cornwall and the Tamar Valley AONB, this site has been secured for the time being but much more work is required to restore this beautiful butterfly to its former glory in Cornwall.

'All the funds raised will help us in this vital work.'

This year's challenge is sponsored by Pure Dartmoor Water, Tamar Grow Local, Ginsters and Coombe Trenchard.

Anyone who would like to find out more, or to get sponsorship forms and a welcome pack, contact the Tamar Valley AONB team on 01822 835030 or email [email protected]">[email protected]