The Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme, led by Tamar Valley National Landscape and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, has delivered £3.2 million of investment across ten projects supporting nature recovery, sustainable tourism, farming, heritage conservation and community wellbeing.

Key achievements of the Scheme include:
•    87-mile Tamara Coast to Coast Way and Circuit of Cornwall walking routes
•    Return of the historic Calstock Ferry as a trial
•    £1.8 million additional for grants and agricultural agreements secured for farmers and land managers
•    420 hectares of habitat created or restored – equivalent to around three Kit Hill Country Parks
•    100,000 trees and 66km of new hedgerows planted 
•    6 new orchards, and over 20 allotments

•    21,000 people took part in events, workshops and training
•    2,500 school children engaged through education programmes
•    15 apprenticeships, internships and traineeship roles leading to employment for many
•    2 historic sites removed from the Heritage at Risk register.

The Tamar Valley National Landscape spans around 190 square kilometres across Devon and Cornwall. The valley’s unique mix of rivers, farmland, woodland and historic mining landscapes forms one of the most distinctive landscapes in southwest England and is also part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Over five years the scheme has worked with farmers, community groups, charities and local businesses to deliver real change on the ground. One of the most significant is the Tamara Coast to Coast Way, an 87-mile long-distance walking route linking Cornwall’s south and north coasts. The trail runs close to the River Tamar from its estuary near Plymouth to its source before continuing to the north coast, allowing walkers to experience the landscapes, wildlife and history of the valley along the way. The route has already attracted walkers from across the UK and overseas, bringing new visitors and economic opportunities to rural communities in the Tamar Valley.

Another standout achievement has been the trial reinstatement of the historic Calstock Ferry, reconnecting communities across the River Tamar. The ferry route dates back hundreds of years, historically linking Devon and Cornwall at this crossing point, and its revival has brought back one of the valley’s oldest river transport routes. Today the ferry offers a sustainable way for walkers, cyclists and visitors to cross the river while experiencing the valley from the water.

Alongside these headline projects, the scheme has supported farmers with advice and funding, helped revive the Tamar Valley’s historic market gardening industry, delivered heritage research and conservation projects, and run hundreds of community events focused on wellbeing, skills and connecting people with nature.

Will Darwall, Manager of the Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme, said:
“It’s been an incredible five years. The Tamara Scheme has brought together farmers, communities, organisations and volunteers to create a brighter future for the Tamar Valley.”

From restoring habitats and supporting local food producers to creating new walking routes and bringing the Calstock Ferry back to life, the impact of the programme can be seen right across the landscape. Most importantly, it has helped thousands of people reconnect with this special place. Thanks to National Lottery players and the collaboration of local partners and communities, the work carried out through the Tamara Scheme will continue to benefit people, nature and the landscape for years to come.”

Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage fund, said: 
“Over the past five years, the Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme has been transformative for both the landscape and the communities that call it home. It has restored vital habitats, strengthened local heritage and created new opportunities for people to explore, enjoy and connect with the heritage on their doorstep. Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re proud to have supported this project and know its legacy will continue to shape and enrich the Tamar Valley for generations to come.”

The scheme was made possible through funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional support from Cornwall Council, Devon County Council and more than 20 partner organisations.