VOLUNTEERS are being sought for a new project compiling the history of market gardening in the Tamar Valley.

The Tamar Valley Service and Calstock Development Trust are behind the work, which is funded by the Local Heritage Initiative. It aims to tap into the memories of market gardening in the AONB area — which stretches from Tamerton Foliot on the Devon side and Landulph on the Cornish side of the river to Greystone Bridge.

Spokesperson for the project Nikki Chaplin said the most important areas were around Bere Ferrers and Bere Alston and Calstock. Flower and fruit growing — including the famous mazzard cherries — flourished for about a hundred years but were now in serious decline, she said.

'People involved in the industry — which used to employ a large proportion of people in the valley — will be interviewed to form an oral history archive. The landscape will also be surveyed and all traces of the industry — such as glasshouses, packing sheds and bulb fields — will be recorded.'

Nikki said the project needed volunteers to help with both sides of the work. 'Training will be given and it will be a great opportunity for local people to find out more about the history of the area and making sure vital information is recorded.'

If you are, or have been, involved in the market gardening industry in the past, or if you would like to volunteer to help in the project, contact Nikki Chaplin on 01822 832469, Vanni Cook on 01822 615610 or Joe Selman on 01822 615610.