Development of £2.4 million Tame Valley Wetlands Scheme in full flow…
A Partnership of organisations behind an exciting new scheme in the Tame Valley is inviting local people to have their say on proposals before plans are finalised.
The Tame Valley Wetlands Landscape Partnership Scheme aims to restore a 95km² area of the landscape between Tamworth and Birmingham, in North Warwickshire and south-east Staffordshire. An area rich in natural and built heritage, this scheme would result in significant enhancement to the River Tame, its floodplain and the wider landscape, with improvements to access and the provision of training and volunteering opportunities for local people.
The Tame Valley Wetlands Partnership, made up of organisations including the local Wildlife Trusts, RSPB, Environment Agency, Natural England, Canal & River Trust and Borough and County Councils, has already passed the first round of ‘Landscape Partnership’ funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and is currently working towards submitting a second round application. If successful, the area will see the delivery of a four-year, £2.4 million scheme, focussed on the following four aims, which will:
1. Conserve, enhance and restore built and natural heritage features within the landscape – particularly focussed on the river and canal corridor.
2. Increase community participation by providing opportunities for local people to get involved, through events, activities and volunteering.
3. Improve existing access routes along the valley, and provide information and interactive learning resources for people to explore their local area.
4. Provide a wide range of training opportunities – from traditional heritage skills such as hedge-laying and restoring historic buildings, to transferable skills such as team-building and communication.
The Partnership is currently consulting with the local community to find out what people’s views are of the Tame Valley and the projects and activities proposed within the scheme.
Tim Haselden, Development Officer for the Partnership, said “whether you work, live or relax within the Tame Valley, we would love to hear from you over the next few weeks. Your feedback will help us to develop the most suitable and beneficial scheme for both the landscape and people of the area.”
The Partnership will be in attendance at the ‘We Love Tamworth’ summer event this Sunday 11th August, and a short survey has been set up online at www.discovertamevalley.com/have-your-say, where you can also find out more about the scheme. For regular updates follow @thetamevalley on Twitter.