Rural affairs and biosecurity minister Lord Gardiner of Kimble visited the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty yesterday.

Lord Gardiner he was driven through St Dominick and Bohetherick to see the view across the river Tamar, then down towards the National Trust’s Cotehele Quay.

At Deer Park Farm, Luckett, Lord Gardiner met the AONB team and representatives from local organisations who work together to conserve the Tamar Valley.

Presentations on the Tamar Valley AONB management plan and key projects taking place in the protected landscape were given, highlighting the importance of collaborative working.

Martin Howlett, farmer from Deer Park Farm and NFU representative, discussed with Lord Gardiner the challenges for farming in the Tamar Valley, the pioneering work on woodfuel from hedges and his close working relationship with the AONB team.

At the Tamar Valley Centre, Drakewalls, a locally produced lunch from Tamar Grow Local was given to Lord Gardiner, where he departed for an afternoon with Dartmoor National Park Authority colleagues.

Tamar Valley AONB manager, Corinna Woodall, said: ’It has been wonderful to showcase just some of the many activities and projects taking place in the Tamar Valley. Lord Gardiner has seen first hand the passion we all share for this beautiful landscape and the importance of continuing to conserve and enhance the Valley.’