Tregarthen’s 1909 classic has powerful modern message

J. C. Tregarthen was a passionate naturalist. He conveys his unusual understanding of the ways of the countryside in prose that is as fresh now as when it was first written, almost 100 years ago. His text ‘set dramatic new parameters for wildlife writing’ says Howard Curnow, Chairman of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. This minutely observed, endlessly fascinating and graphic tale of wild animals in the Cornish countryside is a powerful appeal for man and mammals to live side-by-side. We re-publish it in a high-quality paperback, available now.

Today, Cornwall provides the full range of habitats required by the otter in freshwater, from upland headwaters to lowland reaches. Otters need high water quality, good fish stocks and areas of undisturbed riparian vegetation such as scrub and wet meadows, all of which are available in Cornwall. When the otter population was at a national low point in the UK otters remained in Cornwall, although in lower numbers, and rivers such as the Camel and the Fowey maintained relatively healthy populations. It was from those river catchments that the otter populations have once again spread out and otters are now believed to be present in river catchments throughout Cornwall. You can visit the Otter Trust’s Tamar Otter sanctuary (from April to October) at North Petherwin, five miles east of Launceston (tel: 01566 785 646).