Work to start on Great Bradley Bridge on Exmoor this year

Thanks to the CareMoor for Exmoor donations, work on the Great Bradley Bridge will start this year - in Exmoor National Park's 70th anniversary year. 

Construction of the 28-metre-long bridge over the River Barle will begin in the summer of 2024, thanks to donations from donors, the British Mountaineering Council, the Graham Keene Foundation and a local landowner. 

CEO of Exmoor National Park, Sarah Bryan, said: “We are delighted to see work beginning on this project. The new Great Bradley Bridge will be a crucial link in this route, making it easier for hikers and riders to explore the beautiful landscape. It will help to boost tourism in the region and support local businesses, but importantly it will also protect local wildlife.

"The bridge will help reduce erosion and reduce disturbance to important habitats full of local wildlife from Otter to Pied Flycatchers.

Artist impression of the bridge. Image: ENPA (Image: ENPA)

"We just want to say thank you to all the amazing people and organisations who have supported us with donations and helped get this project off the ground.

"While we've secured sufficient funding to make a start, we're not quite over the line yet and we would encourage those who love Exmoor to consider a small contribution to maximise this great opportunity for people and nature.”

The bridge will form part of the Two Moors Way walk, a 102-mile walking route that stretches across Devon and Somerset - from Ivybridge on Dartmoor to the Exmoor coast. 

A section of the footpath between Tarr Steps and Withypool in Somerset has been eroded by flooding. The Great Bradley Bridge will reroute walkers and horse riders safely to the other side. 

One recent donor to the CareMoor appeal was West Somerset & Exmoor Bridleways Association. 

Chairperson, Amanda Hamley, added: “We are hugely supportive of ‘The Great Bradley Bridge’ project and are delighted to be able to make a donation towards its construction.

"The bridge will make an enormous difference to walkers and horse riders, enabling them to cross the river safely all year round, and joining up access to the bridleway networks for riders to enjoy.”

You can still donate to the appeal by visiting www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/caremoor. 

Exmoor National Park Authority are encouraging people to donate to help the 'final push' fundraising effort. 

If you donate £100 to the appeal, a small plaque will be added to the new bridge. You can choose your own wording for engraving (up to 5 lines of text).