AN investigative mission to the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site by members of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) came to the Tamar Valley this month.

To ensure that the team of international experts gained a full overview of the varied nature of the extensive World Heritage Site — the UK's largest — the mission followed a detailed itinerary, created by the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape Partnership.

The mission was an important visit for the region as to date almost £95-million has been attracted for regeneration projects within the site.

The principal areas visited included the Tamar Valley Centre, Tavistock, South Crofty near Redruth and Hayle. These mining areas were designated as a World Heritage Site in 2006.

The WHS partnership board welcomed the visit as an opportunity directly to engage with UNESCO's appointed experts.

The mission visited the Tamar Trails Centre at Gulworthy — 25km of new and improved trails which have been created as part of the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project, which forms part of the Cornwall and West Devon World Heritage Site. They open up parts of the Tamar Valley that were previously not accessible to the public.

Deborah Boden, the Cornish Mining WHS co-ordinator, said: 'Planning authorities have to ensure both the safety of and local economic opportunities for residents, whilst also protecting the features that embody the international importance of Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape.

'The planning decisions examined by the UNESCO mission are made by local authorities after detailed consultation with a wide range of interests, which needs to be clearly and accurately communicated to UNESCO.

'The Partnership warmly welcomed the opportunity to speak directly with the members of the UNESCO mission, as did West Devon Borough and Cornwall Councils, who explained the full range of factors they address as part of their decision making process.'

The mission report will be circulated to the next World Heritage Committee meeting in June 2014.