Successful Completion of Caradon Hill Area Heritage Project will leave lasting legacies

From the Cornish Guardian

Heritage project set to close after its restoration mission is accomplished

  A HERITAGE project launched in Caradon Hill will leave behind a lasting legacy as its work to conserve the landscape comes to an end.

The Caradon Hill Area Heritage Project (CHAHP), funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund as well as the South West Regional Development Agency, Cornwall Council and other local partners officially concludes next month.

It has worked as a community-focused support organisation for 42 heritage projects in the Caradon Hill area, to recognise, conserve and enhance the area's special character.

It worked on environment and historic heritage projects, repaired mine buildings, set up training and educational initiatives with schools and landscape enhancements.

Iain Rowe, the retiring CHAHP project officer, said: "The response we have had from landowners and local people has been fantastic – it's been a really good community project. "The work we have done with the schoolchildren has been the most influential; they have learned a lot.

"The main thing is to keep the people active to appreciate the area.

"All the buildings that were set out to be restored have all been saved."

The CHAHP took seven years to plan and has been running for three and a half years. It covers 25 square miles, from Liskeard in the south to Golitha Falls and Siblyback Lake in the west, Sharp Tor and Bearah Tor in the north and Rilla Mill and Bicton Woods near Pensilva in the east. This area includes parts of the Bodmin Moor Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and one of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Sites.

South Caradon Mine was picked to be restored by a public vote as part of BBC Two's Restoration programme. Working closely with English Heritage and Natural England, the mining restoration work included the research and repair of 24 structures at Caradon Mines within the World Heritage Site. Tens of miles of walls and fencing were put up to protect County Wildlife Sites, and landowners were trained in a variety of skills to maintain them.

Hundreds of adult education courses were provided at Upton Cross and at the Liskerrett Centre in Liskeard in first aid, food hygiene and walk leading among others.

Mr Rowe said more than 200 walks and talks were provided, including partnership projects at Golitha National Nature Reserve with Natural England which improved access and interpretation at one of the most visited locations in the area.

The Caradon Heritage Partnership (CHP), made up of local groups and project partners, has been set up to carry on certain aspects of CHAHP.

The closure of the project is being marked on March 7 and 8 in Liskeard by the launch of projects that CHAHP is leaving behind as a lasting legacy for the area. For a full timetable of the events visit www.caradonhill.org.uk/news-and-events/latest-news

Read more: http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/Heritage-project-set-close-restoration-mission/story-20705916-detail/story.html#ixzz2uRkS7frM