Proposals

Proposals put forward from the 1988 Tarka Project Report

To adopt "The Land of the Two Rivers: Tarka Country" as the theme for a range of conservation, recreation and tourism initiatives with the overall aim of benefiting the natural beauty, character and economic well-being of North Devon.
To prepare a detailed programme of projects and initiatives that might be pursued under the Tarka theme - the Tarka Country Action Programme.
To encourage the support, co-operation and involvement of the local community in the development of projects under the Tarka theme.
To encourage understanding and appreciation of the area by stimulating and supporting study, research and survey, especially related to otters, other wildlife, and Henry Williamson and his works.
To appoint a Project Officer to assist in the preparation and implementation of the Tarka Country Action Programme and the projects stemming from it.
As a positive incentive to the overall aim of the Tarka Project, to create a 'Tarka Trail' - a long distance walk in the Land of the Two Rivers - which would enable walkers to explore North Devon and which would act as the catalyst for a range of other initiatives.
To explore opportunities for shorter circular walks and routes linking the Trail to other attractions, features of interest and facilities.
To seek the comments and suggestions of parish councils, landowners, ramblers, conservation groups and other bodies and individuals so that the best possible route for the Tarka Trail can be identified and conflicts with other activities and interests can be avoided.
To make positive efforts to enhance the wildlife and natural beauty of the route and to minimise the risk of disturbance and inconvenience to those who live and work in the area.
To produce a comprehensive and regularly updated Tarka Trail Handbook and to take other steps to ensure that the public is aware of the opportunities for quiet informal recreation that the Trail presents and which will encourage them to use it in a considerate manner.
To appoint a Tarka Trail ranger to assist in the development of the Trail and, in particular, to help to resolve any potential conflicts with other interests and activities.
To develop the Tarka Trail in such a way that it meets the Countryside Commission's criteria for adoption as an official long-distance path.