The Helford River - An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The Helford River has formed part of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) since 1959. The purpose of the AONB designation is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area. In recent years new legislation has re-enforced the protection and importance of the AONB, and along with this has come new funding to improve the conservation and enhancement of the AONB, raise awareness, and support good examples of sustainable development at community level.

This new focus is being taken forward by Cornwall AONB Partnership, which includes Local Authorities, Government agencies, the National Trust, and representatives of farmers and landowners. Together they are working to undertake major enhancement projects across the AONB. They are also attempting to tackle issues such as planning and development control, affordable housing, farm incomes and diversification, as well as encouraging biodiversity and the protection of the historic environment.

The Sustainable Development Fund is a community oriented fund managed by the Cornwall AONB Partnership. This year £6,500 was awarded to the Helford VMCA Group to carry out a range of community based educational activities. The group is an excellent example of the community taking a lead to raise awareness of their local environment and protect it for future generations to visit and enjoy.

For further information contact the Cornwall AONB Office on 01872 322350, or visit www.cornwall-aonb.gov.uk. A local map is available at www.cornwall-aonb.gov.uk/map8.pdf, with information about the local landscape at www.cornwall-aonb.gov.uk/L8.pdf.

Ed Thompson

Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Unit Fal Building, Treyew Road TRURO, Cornwall, TR1 3AY
Tel: 01872 322350 Email: ethompson@cornwall.gov.uk Web: www.cornwall-aonb.gov.uk

Extract from HVMCA newsletter No.32 Spring 2006

Other items that may be of interest:

• The Helford River