What to do on a rainy day

Aah, the drought continues! Basking in Mediterranean temperatures, fields like dust bowls and scorched grassland... wait a minute? Is this the South West we are talking about? Apparently so. According to the Environment Agency, Devon and Cornwall are in a drought! Only in England can we have two days without rain and we fly in to a panic. Ah well, while you look out of your window as the rain bounces off the tarmac you can rest assured that's why England is such a green and pleasant land with rolling green fields and and prolific wildlife.


In North Devon, we are privileged to have some of the best scenery and diverse wildlife in the country including the still rare otter made famous by Henry Williamson's book Tarka the Otter. 


Otters are not rodents, as some people think, they are mustelids, part of the weasel family, which is just as well as they would make a hell of a mess of your skirting boards!


Many local people regularly see otters playing on the river banks and some have made it their passion. Tudor Humphries is a an eminent children's book illustrator, landscape painter, wildlife artist, photographer, sculptor, and teacher. He moved 30 years ago to the rural backwater of North Devon and spends as much time as possible out in the landscape, looking for wildlife, drawing deep inspiration from the natural, atmospheric world around him.

Canal Bridge, Great Torrington by Tudor Humphries. Framed limited edition print £115

Herons Surprised at Dusk by Tudor Humphries. Framed limited edition print £115

Tudor has painted many local scenes, predominantly in watercolour, especially around the Torrington and Shebbear area where he regularly sees and paints otters. Inspired by these playful creatures Tudor has written and illustrated the beautiful children's book Otter Moon, a delightful story of the adventures of Flibbertigibbet.

Otter Moon book by Tudor Humphries £11.99

So if you have nothing better to do on a rainy day, sit quietly on a river bank somewhere in North Devon and, if you are lucky, you may just see on otter! Alternatively, come and see some of Tudor's stunning pictures in our gallery in West Putford near Bradworthy. Must go, I think the sun is coming out!