Giant otter arrives at RHS Rosemoor’s lakeside for summer holidays Brick Explorer trail

A giant otter is installed at the lakeside of RHS Rosemoor, one of 10 intricate brick sculptures built especially for the gardens for the summer holidays Brick Explorers trail, running 18 July – 30 August. Other over-sized creatures made from bricks in the trail include a hairy footed flower bee,  a violet oil beetle and a hedgehog, plus there is a life-sized peregrine falcon and greater spotted woodpecker to admire.

The otter took two people from Iconic Bricks 240 hours to create using 45,560 custom bricks – its placement reflects the presence of real otters who frequently feed in the lake when the banks of the Torridge River overflow after heavy rain.

The Torridge River which flows alongside the gardens was the inspiration for the children’ classic ‘Tarka the Otter’ written in 1927 by Henry Williamson. This popular book has also inspired a brand-new family trail of hand carved wooden animal sculptures, created by local chainsaw artist Brenan Knott, in Great Torrington which has launched in May 2026.

Brick Explorers trail https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor/whats-on/summer-holidays

Tarka the Otter trail https://www.northdevongazette.co.uk/news/tarka-inspired-adventure-trail-in-great-torrington-will-introduce-visitors-to-hidden-gems-8650082?fbclid=IwY2xjawTBpONleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeojoYcSNL9MDNXNdEAAZRhtJf5m7bVmrGosTeaURgk2daNRc2lxe2lGhmUDA_aem_ZhqCaoFWqupwcdc5feHIug

RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington, North Devon, EX388PH | 01805 624067

Nestled in a verdant valley in between two national parks, this oasis of botanical beauty and biodiversity has interest all year long, offering a varied programme of events for all ages.

www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. This vision, expressed through our Greening Great Britain campaign, underpins all that we do – from inspirational gardens and shows, through our scientific research, to our education and community programmes. We are committed to inspiring everyone to grow.

For more information and to get involved, visit rhs.org.uk, find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, and sign up to our e-newsletters.

RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262