Goodrich Castle was the scene last week for the launch of the successful £2.8 million heritage lottery project for the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Andrew Blake, Wye Valley AONB Officer, announced that after the successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid, £2.8 million will be allocated to heritage projects in the 'Overlooking the Wye' Landscape Partnership Scheme, which includes 40 projects to improve and promote historic sites throughout the Lower Wye Valley area. Also present at the launch were Ashley Thomas Chairman of Wye Valley AONB Joint Advisory Committee, Herefordshire and Ross Councillor Phil Cutter, and Peter Shirley, Committee Member for Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands. Andrew Blake told The Ross Gazette they had been working towards the scheme for the last five years. "We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has enabled this work to take place. We are looking forward to working with all the partners and community groups who helped develop the scheme, and will be involved in getting the projects off the ground as soon as the formalities are finalised." He explained that the projects covers themes of industrial heritage, the Picturesque movement and viewpoints. The hillfort in the Chase woods, the quayside at the Hope and Anchor and at Wilton as well as the John Kyrle Walk and the Little Doward hillfort views will be enhanced along with other sites from Fownhope to Chepstow. He added "There will also big works going on at Symonds Yat East and West and at Yat Rock where the access will be improved." Councillor Cutter said: "I am very pleased indeed. This is really good news for Herefordshire and the Wye Valley. A significant amount of money will be coming into our local economy. These schemes will be very good for our local heritage, educational opportunities and they will encourage more visitors to the Lower Wye Valley Area. I am very pleased to be appointed chairman of the committee looking at these projects over the next few years." Along with other local Councillors, Councillor Cutter is on the AONB Committee for Herefordshire. An Open Heritage weekend, at Goodrich Castle for the general public to view projects, has been arranged on September 13th and 14th. For further details about individual HLF projects and events please access the website http://www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk">www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk