MORE than 150 people braved damp weather to celebrate the opening of the first phase of the Tamar Trails Network last week.

Around 25km of new trails have been created as part of the multi-million pound Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project. One of the landmark achievements of this ambitious project, the trails have opened up parts of the Tamar Valley previously not accessible to the public.

Cllr Neil Burden, chairman of Tamar Valley AONB Partnership, said: 'The Mining Heritage Project has been a real working partnership, steered by the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with the support of many external consultants, staff, contractors and our accountable funding body, West Devon Borough Council.

'The opening of the trails is a great achievement, and testament to the hard work of everyone involved over the last three years.'

Mr Burden, Cllr Alison Clish-Green, mayor of West Devon, and Cllr Debo Sellis from Devon County Council cut the ribbon to officially open the first phase of the Trails Network, which starts at the newly created Bedford Sawmills car park, on the A390 between Gunnislake and Tavistock.

The crowd also got the opportunity to see one of the first local businesses to have sprung up around the trails network — Tree Surfers is a canopy complex of walkways and zip wires that allows visitors to enjoy the views from the tree-tops.

Cllr Clish-Green said: 'This project is about celebrating the mining heritage of the Tamar Valley, and telling stories about people who lived, worked and died here during this episode in the valley's history. It's hard to imagine just how industrial this landscape would have been, now that it is covered by trees.'

The project has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Government Office for the South West, South West Regional Development Agency, Rural Renaissance, Tamar Valley AONB, Devon County Council, South West Water and West Devon Borough Council.

Cllr Sellis said: 'As well as achievements in access and recreation, the project has seen much conservation work within it, including refurbishment of key archaeological features like the calciners and chimneys of Devon Great Consols and habitat restoration for rare species like the greater horseshoe bat and heath fritillary butterfly.'

Linking the 'mines to the quays', the trails take visitors on a journey back in time, while enjoying some of the most precious habitats in the country.

The trails can be used for a variety of activities from walking and cycling to horse-riding. Information boards and new waymarkers guide the way for various users.

Tim Selman, Tamar Valley AONB manager, said: 'Community groups from all areas of the Tamar Valley have come together during the creation of these trails, helping the project team to shape, form and improve the network before the official opening. 

'U3A groups, walking and riding groups, schools and history societies have all had a valuable input into the process.

'The launch marks a milestone moment for the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project. 

'As a tangible and exciting part of the whole scheme, we hope that people will come from near and far to use the Tamar Trails time and again.'

Trails' guides and maps are available to download for free from the Tamar Valley AONB website at http://www.tamarvalley.org.uk">www.tamarvalley.org.uk

During the summer visitors will be able to enjoy a car-free day-out by train and bus, using a new pilot bus service from Callington, St Ann's Chapel and Gunnislake. More details can be found on Morwellham Quay's website at http://www.morwellham-quay.co.uk">www.morwellham-quay.co.uk