Great Bradley Appeal
Help us bridge the gap!
We're aiming to build a new bridge to add a safe crossing point over the River Barle near Great Bradley, on the popular walking route between Tarr Steps and Withypool. This route, enjoyed by residents and visitors, forms part of the long Two Moors Way (a long distant route connecting Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks). A new crossing will enhance access, secure the future of these routes, and benefit people and nature alike.
Whether you would like to remember a loved one or mark a special occasion, a plaque on Great Bradley Bridge could be the solution and offers families an important place to visit for years to come. Or maybe you would simply like to celebrate your love of Exmoor?
The circular 60mm bronze plaques will be placed towards the bottom of the side posts along the inside of the bridge. You can choose your own wording for engraving (up to 5 lines of text). Order your plaque for £100.
Read all the details and order your plaque here. Read/download the Full Terms & Conditions (PDF) relating to the plaques.
The current footpath takes walkers on the east side of the river and is in a really bad state following heavy erosion caused by flooding. The existing route at this section is not a designated Public Right of Way and has only ever been allowed by the kind permission of the landowner. Furthermore, this old section of the route takes walkers through what is now a sensitive area for wildlife and biodiversity, which will benefit further from being left undisturbed to grow wild. Currently, horse riders can cross the river by a ford (following the public bridleway), but when water levels are high this is unsafe for horses and their riders.
We need to safely reroute walkers and horse riders onto the west side of this beautiful river where a less ecologically sensitive Public Right of Way (bridleway) already exists. By building a bridge near Great Bradley we will be able to secure this walk for future generations of walkers and horse riders.
We have been donated part of a bridge structure previously used elsewhere by Devon County Council. It's great that we can recycle this and repurpose the steel frame to suit our needs, however, it remains an expensive project - the new timber planks and rails, extensions, ramps and abutments, and the very remote vehicular access, all add to the cost. In total we need to raise around £120,000 and although we have already secured some funding, we are hoping that the public and local businesses will show their support. We are hoping to raise £20,000 through this CareMoor appeal.
The Great Bradley bridge will secure the route for the future and provide a perfect resting point on the walk and viewpoint up and down the river valley. With your help we're hoping to start building the bridge later this year!
You can donate and support our Great Bradley Bridge Appeal by:
- Donating online at CareMoor for Exmoor: Great Bradley Bridge Appeal (enthuse.com)
- Donating cash or card payment at one of our National Park Centres at Dulverton, Dunster, Lynmouth
- Sending a cheque made payable to Exmoor National Park Authority (CareMoor), to Exmoor House, Dulverton TA22 9HL
- Ordering a Dedication Plaque.