Help Rebuild the Venford Wood Footbridge
This vital crossing connects walkers to Hawkridge, Anstey Commons, and the Barle Valley — we need your help to bring it back.
On Friday 13th June, central Exmoor was hit by an extreme weather event. In just two hours, torrential rain swelled the Danesbrook — which carries water from Molland Moor and Halscombe Allotment into the River Barle — by several feet. The surge destroyed the footbridge at Venford Wood, damaged surrounding paths and trees, and caused further harm downstream to Castle Bridge.
The Venford Wood Footbridge is a vital crossing, linking walks around Hawkridge, Anstey Commons, and the Barle Valley. Without it, access to some of Exmoor’s most beautiful landscapes is lost.
We are now raising funds to replace it. The new bridge will be 11.5m long, with a new abutment on the southern bank. It will be crafted in our traditional timber cradle style using timber from our own estate, supported by steel beams.
Estimated cost: £6,600 – £8,000
Thanks to the generosity of The Rotary Club of Exmoor, we have already received a donation towards this rebuild.
How you can help:
- £5,000 Dedication Opportunity – With this contribution, you can dedicate the bridge and have your own plaque installed as a lasting legacy.
- Any donation, large or small, will help restore this important crossing for walkers, nature lovers, and the local community - Make a donation to CareMoor for Exmoor
We aim to install the new bridge in Autumn 2025 - reopening this cherished route through Exmoor.
For further information about the dedication please contact the Rural Enterprise Team on ruralenterprise@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
Donate today and be part of rebuilding a bridge for generations to come.
Footbridge before:
Footbridge after the rainstorm:
