Henry Williamson first came to North Devon on a motor cycle to escape from life in a London suburb and rebuild his life after the horrors of the First World War. He rented a small cob built cottage for one shilling and six pence a week. Through his experiences caring for an orphaned otter cub he rediscovered the world through the eyes of an otter. The countryside and natural life of this beautiful part of Devon became the inspiration of his classic novel "Tarka the Otter".

`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 travelled widely throughout north Devon and his journeys, experiences and adventures are vividly described in the book based on actual locations which have changed little since it was written and can still be seen today.

In 1989 the theme of Tarka was adopted by Devon County Council for the Tarka Project to take forward an integrated strategy promoting conservation, recreation and tourism in the area. The Project has been recognised across the world for its work in, what has now become termed, sustainable tourism.

The Tarka Country Trust was founded through the Tarka Project in 1998.
Aiming towards environmental good practice, enabling you to share and enjoy Tarka's Country whilst at the same time helping to conserve and protect it.

Like Henry Williamson, we all need to escape, if only for a short time and make contact with the world of nature. The challenge is how we can share Tarka's world without destroying it, both for Tarka's descendants and our own. Tarka Fund has been established to raise money from a variety of sources including visitors to the area, for its conservation.



Thanks to, The Henry Williamson Literary Estate

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