A RANGE of new experiences from foraging sessions to photography lessons will be available to visitors to the Glamorgan Heritage Coast this summer following the launch of six pilot activities created to increase the area’s appeal as a tourist destination.

The experiences, that range from beach foraging workshops to photography sessions hosted during a horse and carriage ride, have been launched thanks to Creative Rural Communities’ (CRC) Glamorgan Heritage Coast Pilot Activities Programme 2014.

CRC, the Vale of Glamorgan’s rural regeneration initiative, set up the programme to inspire those who are passionate about the coast to provide new attractions for visitors to ‘put the Glamorgan Heritage Coast on the map’.

It is hoped the new experiences, which also includes willow weaving workshops, stained glass window classes, bespoke private tours of the Vale and photography lessons taught during a 14 mile ramble along the coast, will help attract more visitors to the area.

Nicola Sumner-Smith, Senior Rural Regeneration Officer with CRC, said: “The Glamorgan Heritage Coast is a magnificent area and the perfect setting for a wide range of activities.

“We wanted to enable people with great ideas for a coastal based business to have the chance to take the next step and this pilot programme has allowed our participants to have real life experience of running a business but without any risk.

“They will be able to evaluate their plans before they decide to make any investment or long term commitment to their activities.

“We’re hoping they all go on to form long term businesses that will help to put the heritage coast on the map, and follow in the footsteps of other coastal businesses we have been able to support such as Southerndown Surf School, and Vale Carriages.”

All events take place from July through to September and require booking.

For more information on all activities visit www.moretothevale.com/coastal-activities.