A FUNDRAISING campaign has been launched to replace Woodside Bridge which has provided a crossing of the East Lyn river near Lynmouth for over 100 years.

Woodside Bridge – at 57 feet the longest single span countryside bridge in Exmoor National Park – had to be removed last December after an inspection revealed that the softwood timber beams had come to the end of their life.

The bridge was replaced in the 1950s after the Lynmouth Flood and again in 1993 by the Royal Engineers working with Exmoor National Park Authority.

The campaign to raise £65,000 is spearheaded by CareMoor for Exmoor, the donation scheme for the national park, working in partnership with the National Trust, which owns the land.

Dan Barnett, the park authority’s access and recreation manager, said: “Many people are surprised to learn that the bridge is not recorded as a public right of way, which means there is no duty on local authorities to replace it, so we need the public’s help.

“Thousands of people used the bridge each year to enjoy the short, easy circuit taking in Middleham Memorial Gardens along with the beauty and wildlife of the river and woodland valley.

“The bridge is an important link for visitors and the local businesses which they support.

“We are keen to replace the bridge as soon as funds allow so we are asking visitors, residents and anyone who cares about Exmoor to make a donation. Any amount, large or small, will help.

“We hope to reach our target by Christmas which will allow us to get the bridge installed ready for Easter next year when the main visitor season begins.”

The initial design work is complete and the new bridge will be finished in hardwood for a total cost of £65,000. The land where the bridge is sited is owned by the National Trust, which is a partner in this project.