A RECENT meeting to highlight the progress of the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project has sparked offers of help and commitment by a variety of organisations in the area. During the meeting at Gulworthy Parish Hall, Stoke Climsland and District Riding Association (SCADRA) offered to be 'guardian angels on horseback' and act as the eyes and ears on the multi-use trails being opened up in the valley. Other groups, representing walkers and cyclists, have also offered to test the trails before they officially open and record audio 'podcasts' of their different journeys. These will eventually be available to download onto MP3 players from the Tamar Valley website. Following several years of planning, complex land negotiations and legal agreements, work on the ground has now begun and is making exciting progress. Tamar Valley AONB Manager, Tim Selman, said he was delighted with the project so far. Mr Selman said: 'It's great to see the trails shaping up. 'Years of hard work and planning are now paying off, and it will provide a wonderful recreational resource for all who live in, and visit, the Tamar Valley to enjoy.' The most visible part of the trails currently being constructed is the underpass under the A390 at Gulworthy. This will provide a safe link between the trails along the original mineral tramway extending from Devon Great Consols, once the largest copper mine in Europe, to the Bedford and Russell mines and Morwellham Quay. Most of the trails will be for cyclists, riders and walkers — but following concerns raised at the meeting, the AONB team have pledged to try and find safe paths for off-road motorcyclists to follow. This summer the Devon Great Consols trails are due open to the public. The more complex parts of the trails will be open in 2009. Project organisers urge the public to stay away from the trails until they are officially open, for health and safety reasons — this includes the new mountain bike course currently being built, with help from local club, Woodland Riders. As part of the project to celebrate and tell the story of the Tamar Valley's rich mining heritage, work is taking place to conserve many heritage sites along the trails, making them safe for public access. Controlling invasive species and creating habitats to encourage the Heath Fritillary butterfly and to ensure bats can still use the mining buildings for roosting, are also important parts of the work. Anyone who would like to get involved, find out more, or to receive free monthly updates on the project work taking place throughout the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, should call Jemma Sharman on 01579 351904 or email [email protected]">[email protected]
