Over 250 volunteers are sought by the Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to support a host of innovative events and create a brighter future for the Tamar Valley and its communities.
The events and activities which will range from yoga for wellbeing to monitoring the water quality of the Tamar Valley and supporting school visits will be a first for the Valley, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) bordering Devon and Cornwall. Although many volunteers already give their time in the AONB, one of the priorities of this new scheme is to improve the wellbeing and job prospects of people living in and around the Valley and an events and activity programme is being developed with that in mind.
Sammy Fraser, Tamara Landscape Partnership Community and Volunteering Officer explains:
“Many volunteers already help to look after the Tamar Valley, but this new broader range of volunteering opportunities and events mean that everyone – children, young people and adults, can get involved with something fun, educational or enriching. The events programme will offer really exciting and quirky opportunities to get involved from art sessions; protecting nature to finding out more about the fascinating heritage of the Valley.’’
It is hoped that in total over 250 volunteers will get involved over the 5 years of the scheme. Currently the Tamara Scheme is recruiting for Walk Leaders, Event Assistants and Citizen Scientists:
- Citizen Scientists will help to look after the rivers in the Tamar Valley, their habitats and wildlife and the water resource by monitoring the river for problem plants to pollution. Full training will be given by the Westcountry Rivers Trust.
- Event Assistants will help with the running of new large-scale festivals and BioBlitz’s, bat walks, film nights, winter talks, yoga sessions and more.
- The Walk Leaders will lead walks designed to improve people’s physical and mental well-being by helping them to reconnect with nature and heritage and to overcome social isolation. These events will take place in affiliation with Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership
For more information visit contact Sammy Fraser, Community and Volunteering Officer Tel: 07522 709 428 /Email: [email protected]
The Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme is working in the Tamar Valley with farmers, landowners and communities to manage and enhance landscapes rich in wildlife, as well as cultural and historic heritage; to help improve access to special places and promote ways for people to enjoy the landscape whilst improving their health and wellbeing. Apprenticeships and internships to improve job prospects and providing support for local businesses is also a key part of the scheme. With match-funding commitments from other partners, the total to be invested across the Tamar Valley landscape is £3.2 million. Through 10 specific projects, at least 250 activity sessions will take place to improve mental and physical health & wellbeing; 50 hectares of woodland will be restored; 10 hectares of trees will be planted and 5 new orchards will be created. Find out more at: www.tamaralandscapepartnership.org.uk