Recognising the crucial importance of timing and conditions for recreational river users, we have established an unrivaled online destination that has quickly become a must-visit site for dedicated and passionate river enthusiasts. Through our distinctive offering of live and archived HD footage, viewers can access real-time information on river conditions, water height, and color, empowering them to make informed decisions. Our network has also proven invaluable for flood monitoring purposes, providing a valuable resource for monitoring and assessment.
The inception of Farson Digital Watercams took place in the summer of 2009, originating from a casual conversation among four individuals in a bar. Their shared desire to observe river conditions in different locations led to the installation of our first camera on the River Exe at Exebridge in May 2009, swiftly followed by one on the Taw at Umberleigh. These cameras were seamlessly integrated into the websites of two fishing clubs, and the response was nothing short of phenomenal. Encouraged by the overwhelming feedback, we made the decision to incorporate advertising opportunities around the images, attracting national and local businesses as partners.
One might wonder about the origin of the name 'Farson Digital.' It pays homage to James Negley Farson (1890-1960), a journalist, adventurer, travel-book writer, and avid angler. Regarded as one of the greatest fishing travel book authors with his renowned work, 'Going Fishing,' Farson was an American who relocated to England and served as a foreign correspondent for the Chicago Daily News. As an exceptional writer and an astute observer, he found himself at the heart of significant historical events. From reporting on the first day of the Russian Revolution in Red Square to interviewing Mahatma Gandhi in Poona on the day of his arrest, Farson's accomplishments were remarkable. He even collaborated with the FBI in Chicago to witness the body of the notorious bank robber, Dillinger, following his shooting. Farson's adventurous spirit took him to various corners of the world, where he shared vivid accounts of diverse cultures and historic moments, often with a fishing rod in hand. His tales of salmon fishing in remote and captivating locations such as the Caucasus, Chile, British Columbia, and Moscow captivated readers. Despite his extensive travels, Farson held a particular affinity for the streams and rivers of Devon and Somerset, where he spent his final years.
In his writings, Farson fondly mentioned his love for fishing The Exe and Barle, where "two cool little rivers meet down in Somerset." Coincidentally, this location was in close proximity to the site of Farson Digital's inaugural camera at Exebridge. Thus, it seemed only fitting to pay homage to this literary hero who served as a window to the wider world at a time when extensive travel and instant digital information were luxuries yet to be fully enjoyed. Since our establishment, we have diligently expanded our ever-growing network to encompass over 196 prime locations throughout the UK and The Republic of Ireland. We now offer the latest weather updates, agency water levels, tide information, and rainfall data, ensuring that river enthusiasts no longer need to merely dream of the perfect conditions for their next excursion—they can experience them live, right here.
This presents an exceptional opportunity for businesses to connect with their customers. At Farson, we possess the technology to capture real-time footage, deliver live feeds to news desks, and meticulously catalog images in our unique archive. As we continue to forge ahead, we are actively pursuing plans to expand our network and explore new applications to benefit a wider range of river users."