The Tarka Trail
The Tarka Trail is part of the NCN Route 3, the West Country Way. It comprises 35 miles of off road cycling and walking in between Barnstaple and Okehampton on the disused railway line. The project ran from July 1999 to completion in May 2000.
The intention was to run five commissions. Three being a series of contemporary site specific seats in the Torridge area. The fourth commission was for a family of waymarkers which would reflect local distinctiveness and provide some information about facilities along the route. The final commission was for one or two shelters along the Taw and Torridge Estuaries.
Katy Hallett, Sustrans National Art Co-Ordinator would also develop a series of animal seats in the Peters Marland area which reflected the clay works and the Tarka story. She ran workshops at 3 local schools involving some 60 children in the design and realisation of the benches.
Two Rivers Shelter by Geoff Stainthorpe
The Rivers Taw & Torridge etched onto curved steel sides supported on railway sleepers. The reflective steel roof echoes salt pans along the estuary.
Wave Shelter by Geoff Stainthorpe
Reminiscent of an upturned clinker hull with caged stones at its base. This shelter grows out of the embankment and breaks like a wave over the trail.
River Bench by Ben May
Carved cedar bench, overlooking the flood plains at Weare Giffard.
Arch Bench by Ben May
Constructed from green oak and sited opposite Rolle Canal Aqueduct.
Courtship Bench by John Butler
The first of a series of three benches which comment on the passage of life.
Family Bench by John Butler
The seats are constructed from oak with figures constructed from oak with figures carved from old railway sleepers.
Bereavement Bench by John Butler
Bird Thrones by Katy Hallett and Marland School
One of a sequence of four ceramic seats built on steel and ferrous cement forms. They reflect characters from Tarka the Otter by Henry Williamson. Some of the ceramic mosaics are made from locally mined clay from Paters Marlands Quarry.
Bird Trio by Katy Hallett and Dolton School
The Guardian by Katy Hallett
White Tip & Greymuzzle by Katy Hallett
Two otter characters from the Tarka Story
Split Level Throne by Paul Anderson
A green oak bench which provides a meditative resting place with views towards Petrockstowe Church.
Figurative Bench by Paul Anderson
Constructed out of green oak with painted figures set into the back panel.
The Tarka Trail is now home to 30 wonderful, functional artworks designed and created by 8 local and regional artists. The works help to enhance an existing resource, enriching the experience of both tourists and locals who use the path. All the artworks have been made with locally sourced materials and are distinctive to their locale. The project has invested in 13 communities along the trail. The waymarkers give people information about the local facilities available and encourage people to explore the environment around the trail.
There was substantial community involvement in the project, 3 local schools were involved in designing and making a series of benches. The benefits for all those children who had the opportunity to work on the project are many, not least in fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the work and their environment.
The Project partners were Sustrans and North Devon Coast and Countryside Services (NDCCS). The project was co-ordinated by Lisa Harty