The Life Story of an Otter By John Coulson Tregarthen

Book review

Paperback 160 pages (April 14, 2005) Publisher: Cornwall Editions Limited ISBN: 1904880061

This enthralling insight into the life of an otter in Cornwall was written nearly 100 years ago in 1909. It was a forerunner by almost two decades of Henry Williamson's Tarka the Otter in 1927 and must also surely be a source of inspiration for other works such as The Private Life of an Otter by Bridget MacCaskill in 2004. Tregarthen was clearly a Cornish countryman. This book is a beautifully written tale of the feverish life of an otter. It never ceases to portray the harsh reality of the 'wildling's' existence.

Cornwall is glorious otter country with its spacious hunting grounds, the 'liquid plain' (the sea) and the network of rivers that lead to 'delectable destinations'. The otter resourcefully exploits lying up places within the landscape and seasonal food opportunities. The weather challenges even this wily creature's existence and is a sharp reminder of how far man's existence is removed from the elements.

It is never more compelling than when describing the outdated activity of otter hunting where the otter is admired as 'the gamest of game'. The otter is still much loved and, as Tregarthen says in his preface, remains 'worthy of serious attention'. Anyone with an interest in otters will enjoy this book. Historical in some aspects, but a most worthy read.

Kate Stokes
Water for Wildlife Manager/Otter Officer

Cornwall Editions Limited will donate £1 to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust
for every copy of The Life Story of an Otter sold to CWT members who return this order form

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.

Only thirty years ago the otter was close to extinction. Organo-chlorines used in sheep dips, cereal dressing and as an insecticide were deadly. Inevitably finding its way into the water courses and thence into the creatures living in these watery environments, the poison was carried up through the food chain to the otter. The SouthWest Water Authority discovered levels so high in one West Cornwall river that they put up warning notices to the anglers. Organo-chlorines were being used in large quantities on nearby daffodil fields. These facts came to the attention of Vic Simpson and Nick Tregenza, members of Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Immediate action led to a national newspaper picking up their publicity notice and running the headline, ‘Give your mother chocolates instead of daffodils for Mother’s Day’. Before midday on the same day the international producer of the offending product had issued orders to have it withdrawn from sale.

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