This area was centred on the River Trent, and started at Newark in the South, continuing to East and West Stockwith in the North. It included areas of the 55 parishes that have a boundary with the River Trent.

The project was designed to conserve and enhance natural and built features that make up the historic landscape of the Trent Vale and provide opportunities for all to learn and understand the value of the natural and cultural heritage of the area. Plans included protecting and enhancing the network of public access routes, recreational opportunities and visitor facilities in the project area. It also included conserving, enhancing and celebrating the cultural identity of the Trent Vale.

The River Trent was a major highway from at least Roman times to the early 20th century. As a result, the landscape is rich in archaeological and historical features, including shipyards, towpath bridges, old ferry crossings and pairs of villages on either side of the river.