By Lizzie Stroud
We asked the green gurus at Railholiday for their top sustainable tips for visitors coming to the Tamar Valley this autumn. Here’s what they came up with. We think it’s a fabulous list of no newer than seventeen practical and fun things that almost anyone can do. The Tamar Valley is a beautiful place to come on holiday, which is why so many businesses are proud to be green. Why not challenge your family to see how many of these ideas you can put into action next time you visit?
One - Travel green
If you can, arrive by public transport. This isn’t always feasible, but once on holiday try to go by train, bus, bike or foot as much as possible.
For train information visit www.greatscenicrailways.co.uk; here you will find suggestions for day trips and information on rover passes. For buses visit www.firstbus.co.uk
Two - Go on a green ale-trail
Go on a real ale trail on the Tamar Valley Line. Visit pubs, collect stamps, and win a T-shirt when you’ve collected ten stamps. Find out more on the button below.
Three - Get active
Download a walking app or borrow an OS map and explore on foot or bike. This will help you to really appreciate the rich ecology and history of where you are. A good place to start is the Tamara Coast to Coast, a new long distance footpath that traces the course of the River Tamar through the heart of the Tamar Valley. Alternatively, combine the Real Ale Trail with walks centred around railway stations.
Four - Day-trip locally
The Tamar Valley is such a rich area there’s no need to travel far. If you are driving, set yourself a fifteen mile circumference and try and discover as much as you can.
Five - Hire a green guide
There’s nothing quite like local gen. Local tour guide Lucy Daniel will show you all the hidden gems you might not otherwise discover. Lucy specialises in Poldark, Beyond Paradise and Fowey walking tours, but can tailor a bespoke day out according to your interests. Lucy offers a discount for anyone arriving by public transport.
Six - Stay for longer
A longer stay will mean the impact of your journey to and from your holiday becomes more worthwhile.
Seven - Buy local
The Tamar Valley is crammed full of local crafts-people, galleries and local food shops. Rather than buying from a supermarket, why not buy your provisions at a local farm shop or deli? Our local markets are also great places to explore. Buy meaningful gifts from local crafts-people, or second-hand shops. Tavistock Pannier market, crammed full of local micro business traders, many selling locally produced products and food and drink provides a wonderful opportunity to mooch, browse and buy. Eat out at pubs and restaurants that offer a locally sourced menu.
Eight - Support local events
Enjoy the plethora of live music and theatre that can be found in abundance in the Tamar Valley. Many local pubs hold open mic nights and jam sessions, so if you are a musician, do bring an instrument on holiday with you. In the heart of the Tamar Valley, Calstock Arts is a hub for great entertainment, and hosts a lively programme of events all year round.
Nine - Get crafty & learn traditional skills
The Copper Pot campsite host lots of workshops under the cover of its woodland parachute including stick whittling, mead making and bee keeping. Likewise, Harlings Farm host a range of activities for all ages at their sustainable farm.
Ten - Save energy
Turn down the heating when you go out for the day and turn off any lights or electrical appliances you are not needing. This can make a big difference in the energy your holiday expends, and save your holiday provider money too, potentially leading to better value holidays in the future.
Eleven - Use water wisely
Opt for a shower, and turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. If you are staying in a hotel, reuse your towels to reduce the washing load.
Twelve - Go to a #2minutebeachclean
Plastic always makes its way to the sea. If you go to the beach, take a bag and fill it with plastic jetsam. You can help keep landscapes tidy by picking up any loose litter to prevent it from reaching water courses. I keep a bag on me for this purpose.
Thirteen - Carry & reuse a cup & water bottle
Fourteen – Many stalls and cafes now give discount for bringing your own cup; particularly useful when frequenting places such as stalls that would otherwise use disposable cups.
Fourteen - Holiday outside the peak periods
If you are not restricted by school holidays, then holidaying out of season helps to support local businesses and keep them viable. There are advantages too; there is magic on empty beaches or open moorland on a crisp winters day. Few things beat glorious autumn colour, or springtime gardens. Some of the best time-out can be enjoyed in a cosy space, curled up by a fire playing games or reading a book.
Fifteen - Immerse yourself in nature
Enjoy and celebrate wild spaces. Bring some binoculars; take time to sit and observe. The Tamar Valley is a great place to see nature; if you are lucky you might even spot a rare bird, water voles, or beaver activity on the river catchment.
Sixteen - Get active & try something new
Tamar Trails, between Gunnislake and Tavistock, is a fabulous network of paths through a fascinating mining landscape. Apart from the lovely woodland trails, there are also a whole range of low environmental impact activities, including archery, tree surfing and canoeing, all of which come highly recommended.
Seventeen - Take home tips
While on holiday look for green ideas you can take home. You may decide to make a pledge to change your bank (this is one of the most powerful things you can do.) You could be inspired to make a wild patch in your garden, or get involved volunteering in a local project. Being on holiday is a great time to recharge and think about the world you would like to be part of.
So there we have it. Lots of stuff here to think about and incorporate into your next short break. With thanks to Lizzie of Railholiday for pulling this list together. If you’re interested in staying in one of the beautiful restored railway carriages, find out more and book on the button below.
