Places features

For over a century, walkers on Dartmoor have crossed the River Bovey at Lustleigh by using a unique bridge made of two logs cut from local oak.

The Clam Bridge in Lustleigh Cleave between Lustleigh and Manaton has been in place for at least 120 years.

The logs - which are replaced about every 20 years - are roughened to make then non-slip, and walkers also have a hand rail to help them cross the river.

It's thought to be the last bridge of its kind on Dartmoor, and it's a firm favourite with walkers who see it as part of the moor's unique character.

However, the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) and Devon County Council's highways department recently put a new, safer footbridge alongside it, with the support of the parish councils of Lustleigh and Manaton.

It was agreed at that stage that the original Clam Bridge would stay in place "because of its historical significance."

The bridge is made from local oak trees

But now, the Clam Bridge is under threat of removal because of a wrangle over who should be responsible for its future maintenance and liability.

Locals have launched a campaign to save the bridge, which is to be fenced off while its long term future is decided.

Peter Mason from Lustleigh walks in the area every week: "People still use the old bridge even since the new bridge was put into place," he said. "It's one of the things about walking on Dartmoor - it's all part of the challenge.

"It's in the middle of the Bovey Valley and a couple of miles away from the nearest road. You're more likely to turn your ankle getting there."

For the time being, the national park authority is to fence off the old bridge - and there is a risk the fencing could become permanent. The authority hasn't ruled out removing the bridge altogether.

The DNPA says the fencing is needed as the bridge doesn't meet safety standards. But the local parishes hope the fencing is only a short term measure, while the issue of maintenance and liability is decided.

Ally Kohler, head of tourism, recreation and rangers at the national park, said if no agreement is reached, removal of the bridge "might be an option."

She said: "It's been agreed in the short term that we can fence off the bridge so it can be protected and then look at the long-term maintenance of the bridge. That hasn't been established."

Lustleigh parish councillor Nick Hewison has used the bridge ever since he was a young boy growing up on Dartmoor, and says it's a beautiful landmark.

"The parish council wants this bridge to be used, just as it has been for 120 years or more. It's made out of local oak trees, which are shaped and sized - it's totally sustainable."

He added: "Our argument is that they didn't need to spend £35,000 on a new bridge - they could simply have repaired the tree trunks. They've taken a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

"But this is where we are at the moment, and what we need to do now is try and protect the old bridge for future generations."