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Reproduced from the Introduction to the Tarka Project Report 1988: Henry Williamson's novel, Tarka the Otter, is a superb evocation of the wildlife and countryside of North Devon. Since it was first published in 1927 it has become one of the best-loved of all nature stories. There have been more than thirty editions and it is recognised as being a classic not only of English literature, but also in many other languages, including Russian, German and Swedish. Tarka the Otter tells of the "joyful water life and death in the country of the two rivers" of an otter born beside the River Torridge not far from Bideford. Tarka, whose name is said to mean "little water wanderer", or "wandering as water", travelled widely throughout North Devon and his journeys, experiences and adventures are vividly described in the book. The story was written while the author was living at Georgeham and the inspiration was drawn from Henry Williamson's intense love for the countryside of this part of the world, and from his own experiences caring for an orphaned otter cub. While there have been profound changes affecting almost every aspect of our social and natural environment in the 60 years since the book was written, much of the area Henry Williamson described still retains the quiet, unspoilt atmosphere he so accurately captured. Nevertheless there have been changes. Parts of the North Devon countryside have been unable to escape completely the general deterioration in quality and character that has affected other parts of the country. Sprawling urban areas, industrial development, more and faster traffic on wider roads, and changing farming and woodland management practices have all markedly altered the landscape and its wildlife. But the major environmental concern has undoubtedly been the decline in the water quality of the Rivers Taw and Torridge in recent years. Today tourism has overtaken agriculture as the principle economic activity in the coastal areas, although farming remains pre-eminent inland. However the patterns of tourism are changing and there is concern about the future of farming and the viability of rural communities. Unemployment is well above the national average in much of the North Devon countryside. The aim of the study reported here has been to see whether the Tarka the Otter story would be an appropriate theme for a range of conservation, recreation and tourism initiatives that would:
Underlying these aims is the conviction that they need not conflict, and the intention to demonstrate that the conservation of our natural environment, illustrated by a classic of English literature, can make a significant contribution to the social and economic well-being of the area. © Devon County Council June 1988
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