Devon’s On The Telly!
Remotes at the ready: A brand-new series is coming to our screens and Devon plays a starring role!
This week sees the two worlds of Dwell Devon and the day job beautifully collide. And when I say ‘beautifully’, I promise it’s not a flippant turn of phrase…
As a TV producer, a chunk of last year was spent helping put together a new series that’s coming to your screens this week. But why the special shout out for this one? Because a whole episode is dedicated to one of the most gorgeous parts of Devon. And I might be biased, but it happens to be my favourite.
Tales From the Riverbank, with Clare Balding is a celebration of some of Britain’s most treasured and fascinating rivers and sees Clare discovering the life – both wild and human – inhabiting them and their surroundings.
It’s a series that transports you into nature, designed to give you a new appreciation for the rivers all around us, quietly playing their vital role in our world. And Clare has a brilliant way of telling their stories; honestly, it’s a lovely series.
But back to Devon (episode 2, set that reminder!), it’s the River Dart that features in all its meandering glory. And one of the reasons it’s such a beaut is that the Series Producer & Director, Chris Williams happens to be a Devon Dweller himself and, as you can see from his photography here, has an eye for a stunning location.
I’m lucky enough to have been able to call Chris a friend and colleague for [*cough] too many years to count now, which is why I was able to strong-arm him into telling you more about the series and the place he calls home. Reader, I think we can call this an exclusive!
How was the experience of making the film?
I’ve been working in TV Production for over 25 years now, so I’ve made a lot of programmes in that time. And I can honestly say that this was one of the most joyous to make. To me the series is a love letter to the many rivers of this country. Our rivers are rich with history, wildlife and quirky, interesting characters. They’re a gift we should treasure and look after much better than we are doing right now.
Kenneth Grahame wrote in his wonderful book Wind in the Willows that the river is “A babbling procession of the best stories in the world, sent from the heart of the earth to be told at last to the insatiable sea…” and I couldn’t agree more. Alongside the wonders of the rivers, Clare Balding was an absolute joy to work with.
River Dart at Hembury Woods
You filmed along rivers all over the country - how did the Dart compare to the rest?
To me the Dart is my river. I live a few miles from its source and it is a constant companion in my life. I while away hours on its banks, mesmerised by its power and passion, its beauty and character that changes through the seasons. I’m entranced by its timelessness. Clare says in the episode “it does something to your soul” and I agree.
Without giving too much away, what can people expect to see in the series?
Following the course of rivers and meeting the people who live and work beside it has been a revelation from a programme making point of view. It offers up a wonderful palette of content and characters. Food, drink, wildlife, history. It’s all in there and I hope viewers will have as much fun watching it as we did making it.
You're living on Dartmoor. Lucky you!
Living on Dartmoor is an honour and privilege. I absolutely love living on the moor. It’s not for everyone, but if like me you like to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, it’s a great place to live. I never tire of the beauty of the landscape.
If people aren't too familiar with Dartmoor, what are they missing out on?
Well firstly, epic walks. Dartmoor is one of the great wildernesses in the country. Dense forests and wild woodlands punctuate vast swathes of moorland. Most of which are accessible. At times you can feel like you’ve stepped over a threshold to a bygone era. The huge granite rocks that perch impossibly on the many tors are to me a wonder of the world. It’s like nowhere else on earth.
Widecombe in the Moor
As well as the landscapes, streams and rushing rivers, there are a number of lovely towns that serve as a gateway to the moor such as Ashburton, Chagford, Tavistock and Moretonhampstead. Then you’ve got the village of Widecombe with its incredible church and cosy pubs. One of the highlights for me is Cafe on the Green, a brilliant place for brunch or lunch before or after a walk.
You're a keen walker; can you share a few of your favourite local walks and wanderings?
Walking is one of my great loves, and one of the main reasons I moved up on to the moor from Ashburton almost 14 years ago. My partner and I love to walk the moor with our two lurchers. There are just so many incredible walks. There are something like 450 miles of footpaths, and as I mentioned before, a lot of the moor you can just ramble across.
A few of my favourites would be the loop at Hound Tor, which is particularly beautiful in Spring when the Bluebells carpet the hillsides.
I love walking around Bellever Woods near Postbridge, too. It’s one of the prettiest spots on the moor.
Bellever Forest
Foggintor Quarry near Princetown is a lovely walk.
Foggintor Quarry
And one of my favourites at the moment starts at Vennford Reservoir and follows a path through dense woodland above the rushing river Dart. If you’re adventurous you can go off piste in search of a secret waterfall, which is quite beautiful
I don’t know about you, but I think I might now be Dartmoor-bound this weekend! See you up a tor?!
A huge thanks to Chris for sharing and you can catch Tales From the Riverbank with Clare Balding every week, starting Thurs 13th Feb, at 8pm on Channel 5.
We hope you love it!
Photography: Chris Williams
