Caradon Hill Area Heritage Project

"The landscape of the Caradon Hill area is of national/international importance for the high concentration of exceptional prehistoric sites, and for its 19th century Cornish mining heritage.

The moorland area is one of the best places in Europe to clearly see the visible layering of archaeological and cultural attributes dating back over 4000 years. From prehistoric times to Victorian mining and quarrying, human activity has left a lasting impact, and created a distinctive landscape of great diversity.

The Project area includes the entire Caradon Mining District, one of 10 areas that comprise the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. There is exceptionally good survival of the 19th century mining landscape, including its associated mine sites and engine houses, urban development, rural settlements, miners' smallholdings, and mineral railways

The fringes of the moorland roll down over farmland to steep-sided strean/river valleys. Within the farmland are found the settlements which developed to meet the labour needs of the mines and quarries of the moorland area, and the market town of Liskeard."

The Vision for the area

We would like to ensure that the Caradon Hill area is an area where:

• the character and important features of the natural and historic environment are conserved and maintained for present and future generations;
• where people share in and benefit from their landscape and heritage through sustainable recreation, agriculture and industry, and learning, interpretation and creative projects;
• and where local communities work together with landowners, farmers and visitors to enjoy, respect and celebrate our shared heritage.

Timetable

Following initial work by Caradon District Council and Cornwall County Council, a Project Planning Group was set up. This group, made up of representatives from many interested organisations, produced a suggested programme of work to be done.

Funding contributions for the project were sought, and received, from Caradon District Council, Cornwall County Council, and the South West Regional Development Agency.

A bid submission was made to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the major part of the funding.

The Stage One bid for £150,000 to cover the detailed project development stage was made to HLF on 31 March 2006, and this was approved on 17 October 2006

The project development work is being carried out during 2008, and a Stage Two bid submission for £1.85 million to cover the implementation stage will be made in November 2008.

The Stage Two funding decision is expected in March 2009, and if it is positive then the implementation will take place over the next three years, to be completed in Spring 2012.

With the basic project plan in place, the Project Planning Group was closed down on 15 February 2006.

To steer the full strategic project programme, the informal Caradon Hill Area Project Partnership Group (CHAHP) was set up, and it held its first meeting on 12 March 2006.

Stuart House Trust is a member of this group which includes representatives from Local Authorities, Landowners and Commoners, Community groups, Mining and Heritage organisations, Museums, and Statutory Bodies.

The Project will focus on delivering the following 5 broad programmes

• Natural Environment Programme
  To conserve and enhance the habitats and natural environment of the Caradon Hill area, increase the knowledge and understanding of key wildlife sites, and facilitate their long-term management.
  
  
• Historic Environment Programme
  To conserve and enhance the key historic sites and landscape features, and improve our knowledge and understanding of them.
  
  
• Mining Heritage Programme
  To conserve the internationally important mining landscape of the Caradon Hill area, and increase opportunities for public enjoyment, involvement and learning.
  
  
• Land Management and Access Programme
  To enable improved management of the area's landscape heritage, and sustainable access to it, and reduce negative aspects of access through education and awareness as well as capital works.
  
  
• Interpretation, Education, and Training Programme
  To provide information, learning and training opportunities about the area's heritage to enhance understanding, increase participation, and develop skills and resources in local communities.
  
  

Full details of the project are found in the Landscape Strategy document which can be viewed in Stuart House and in Liskeard and District Museum