A FUND-raising appeal for a new bridleway bridge on Exmoor over the River Barle at Great Bradley is rapidly nearing its target.

The CareMoor for Exmoor charity wants to raise £20,000 toward the £120,000 cost of the bridge, which will form an important link on a popular walk between Tarr Steps and Withypool.

The route, enjoyed by residents and visitors, also forms part of the long-distance walking route Two Moors Way, which connects Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks.

A variety of fund-raising activities have been held in recent months, including a raffle supported by local businesses who donated prizes ranging from local gins to short breaks on Exmoor, which brought in more than £3,000.

One local business, Tarr Farm Inn, which was selling tickets also donated £500 itself to the appeal.

Tickets were purchased by residents and visitors to Exmoor, including one prize winner from the United States of America who had recently walked the Two Moors Way.

A further £1,000 donation was received after a walker from Warwickshire read about the project at the site of the new bridge.

Christopher Hodgson said: “I live in Warwickshire but have holidayed on Exmoor with my children and grandchildren every year for 48 years.

“For the last eight years we have stayed in Withypool and frequently walk the Barle.

“This year, we recognised more than ever the deterioration of the footpath south of Great Bradley which some of my older fellow walkers found challenging.

“I was delighted to read your notice by the river about the proposed bridge and make a donation.”

The recent contributions and a plethora of smaller but equally valid donations from individuals, follow a pledge from the Graham Keene Foundation, which has donated £10,000 to the appeal.

In 2022, Graham Keene broke the record for being the oldest British person to successfully summit Mount Everest, aged 68.

Attending a special assembly in Dulverton Junior School, Mr Keene spoke of his motivation not only to scale the world’s highest mountain, but also to support the Great Bradley appeal, having done much of his Everest training walking the Two Moors Way.

Mr Keene used Walt Disney’s quote ‘If you can dream it...you can do it’ as the basis for his talk.

He said: “At the assembly the Dulverton children had a chance to share their dreams for the future.

“I reminded them they do not need to achieve their dreams next week, next month, or even next year.

“After all, it took me nearly 70 years to achieve mine.”

Exmoor National Park Authority rural enterprise manager Dan James thanked everybody who had so far supported the appeal.

Mr James said: “We are thrilled with the response to the CareMoor appeal so far and the progress we have made toward our goal.

“The building of Great Bradley Bridge between Tarr Steps and Withypool will offer many benefits to people and nature and we hope others, too, will be inspired to support this worthy cause.”

Park access and recreation manager Dan Barnett said: “These generous contributions, alongside funding already secured, means we are well on our way to being able to refurbish and retro fit the donated bridge next year.

“This is a challenging and complex project, but a new crossing here will enhance public access and secure the future of this route, as well as benefiting the environment by reducing erosion and sedimentation in the river and safeguarding a fragile wet woodland habitat.”

The fund-raising appeal remains open and people can find out more details and donate online here.

As well as donating, there is an opportunity for the public to have a dedication plaque installed on the bridge for £100 to remember a special person or occasion.

A second-hand bridge structure has been given by Devon County Council but will need both refurbishing and extending, and new buttresses constructed.