Photographs from the most beautiful parts of the South West will be on show throughout August to help celebrate ten years since the Tamar Valley was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The exhibition, which began its tour of the West Country last April, was part of a campaign to raise awareness about the wide-ranging importance of the region?s finest landscapes. Top quality images celebrating the landscapes, lifestyles and livelihoods found in the South West?s AONBs will be on show in Tavistock and Plymouth next month for all to see. The show features images from a collection of more than 6,000 taken during the 18 months by a team of professional photographers working for the Government?s landscape watchdogs, the Countryside Agency. It was first proposed that the Tamar Valley should be designated an AONB in 1963, but it was not until August 1995 that it was granted. The areas surrounding the rivers Tavy, Tamar and Lynher were recognised as being of outstanding significance due to its rare valley and water landscape, unspoilt estuary, unique wildlife resource and landscape of distinctive heritage. The main aim of the Tamar Valley AONB Service, which works to look after this special area, is to conserve and enhance the landscape. The Tamar Valley is one of 12 AONBs in the South West, and one of 41 throughout England and Wales. It is hoped that the photographic exhibition will emphasise the special qualities of the valley and show how it fits into the wider context of protected landscapes nationwide. Charlotte Maunder, information and communications officer for the Tamar Valley AONB, hopes as many peoples as possible will visit the exhibition. She said: ?The photos are fantastic ? they highlight the quality and diversity of the landscapes within the South West, and the variety of ways in which they are used. ?There?s a great mix of traditional landscape images together with quirky views, interesting people shots and others exploring distinctive features and local products.? The photographic exhibition, entitled Another View, will be on show at the Bookstop Café, Tavistock,and West Park Library, Plymouth and throughout August. For further details and opening times, call 01579 351681. Postcards of many of the images are available at the venues.
