Marking the way for a fabulous new heritage trail
Distinctive sign posts to point people in the right direction will be going up as work on the new Saltram and Plym Valley heritage trail gets underway.
Seven waymakers made by Bodmin artists Gary and Thomas Thrussell are being installed over the next couple of weeks along the new route that will link Saltram House with Plym Bridge Woods and onto Efford and Plympton.
Each waymarker has been designed with the help of local schools and community groups including volunteers at Saltram Estate and Plym Bridge Woods, young people in Efford, Plympton St Maurice Civic Society, the Plym Valley Railway Trust, the Plym Peregrine Group as well as Hele’s, Leigham primary, Tor Bridge High and Boringdon primary schools.
The waymarkers have different features to reflect the location and history – such as railway engines, industrial or farming symbols and buildings – along the route and references to nature and famous local families.
The waymarkers are being installed as part of the Council’s goal to restore and improve links between the city and the stunning valley.
Councillor Brian Vincent, Cabinet member for the Environment, said: “These waymarkers are beautiful and give people who walk past them a better understanding of the history and character of where they are.
“The trail is all about getting more Plymothians out there and to enjoy its history. It’s also great to see schools and groups based in neighbourhoods near the trail involved already and to learn something about the unique and special history of the area around them.”
Thomas Thrussell said: “We’ve been very pleased with the enthusiasm and interest from all those who’ve got involved in creating the waymarkers.
“The waymarker designs seem to evolve naturally, with ideas for the images coming from the community groups, who with the Council, are working hard to improve and maintain the valley.
This shows with the number of Plymothians and visitors who enjoy the valley every day. We’re very proud to play a part in this heritage trail which will help improve the valley for the benefit of the city. Plymouth never ceases to inspire our imagination!”
The Council is leading a partnership of organisations to bid for up to £3 million – which has been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund bid. A team from the HLF have already been in the city to look in more detail at the proposal.
