Exciting things are afoot in the Valley and changes are afoot on the FoLV committee too.
As the end of one year draws nigh it is often the time to reflect on the outgoing year and plan for the next. The Valley is currently benefiting from the funds pledged by Cornwall Council as part of the unsuccessful Heritage Lottery Funding bid and there are more exciting opportunities coming along as money flows from the G7 Legacy Project for Nature Recovery. Engaging with volunteer groups like FoLV will be key in deciding on and delivering the project’s aims. We have long been involved in activities such as otter spotting, and recently members have been working with the Westcountry Rivers Trust testing the water quality of the River Par and reporting to the Environment Agency, but going forward many more working parties will be needed to maintain the newly created habitats and recreation areas as well as the historic buildings and tramways. It is an ideal opportunity to get our younger enthusiasts involved and for families and young people to be part of our activities and projects and so benefit from the Valley’s nature and history.
The FoLV committee comprises 12 people, and after many years of leading the way our Chairman Jim Cleare has decided to step down as chair and our secretary and water sleuth Joan Farmer will also step down from the committee at our next AGM in March 2022. We are therefore looking for new committee members that share our passion for the Valley and are keen to be a part of its future development as well as its protection. We would particularly like to hear from younger members or those with young families as these are currently not so well represented.
The committee meets for a couple of hours every two months (via Zoom lately) and some members represent FoLV on the Valley Partnership Management Group, one comprising all local interest groups such as Cornwall Council managers, local parish and county councillors, the valley ranger, Cornwall Heritage Trust etc and we meet for information dissemination and to discuss how best to manage the Valley.
A committee member role is more rewarding when getting involved in creating events, writing news articles, attending work parties and talks. It’s a good way to get to know other members and see a different side of the Valley. No expertise on the valley is required, only your interest and enthusiasm!
So, if you’re looking for a new, New Year’s Resolution, why not get involved in looking after our amazing and beautiful little corner of Cornwall? For more information, get in touch with any member of the committee or contact us via our website or Facebook page. We would love to hear from you!
