RESEARCH is being carried out on the use of the Tarka Trail.

Devon County Council through the Northern Devon Coast and Countryside Service is researching how and why people use the trail from Braunton to Meeth including the footpaths that follow the journey of Henry Williamson's Tarka the Otter.

Matt Edworthy from the Northern Devon Coast and Countryside Service is keen to receive as much user feedback as possible.

He said: "Managing the Tarka Trail is not as straight forward as you might think. In some places it is part of a network of National Cycle routes, in other parts it is footpath useable only by walkers.

"Some places are heavily used, especially in the holiday season, others are more remote and perhaps most used for a walk with the dog after Sunday lunch. It has a valuable role as a wildlife corridor but was also shown in 2006 to contribute over £7million to the local economy. Getting the balance right is challenging."

To fill out the survey before Friday, September 10 visit www.devon.gov.uk/index/tarka-trail-questionnaire.htm and printed versions are available at various locations along the 180 mile route.