A historic medieval bridge in rural Somerset is set to be protected by an ambitious flood prevention scheme costing nearly £150,000. The River Barle, flowing from Pinkery Reservoir on Exmoor’s Chains plateau through Simonsbath, Withypool, and Dulverton before joining the River Exe, is at the heart of this project.
The iconic Tarr Steps, a 55-metre medieval clapper bridge and grade one listed scheduled monument, crosses the River Barle northwest of Dulverton. A favorite spot for hikers and tourists, the bridge has required reconstruction four times in the past 13 years due to flooding.
To safeguard this heritage landmark and nearby communities, the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) and Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) are collaborating on the Upper Barle restoration project. By restoring an 850-metre stretch of the river to its natural floodplain — a 3.5-hectare area long since altered by 19th-century river straightening — the project aims to slow river flow during heavy rains, protecting the Tarr Steps and downstream settlements like Dulverton.
In March, the SRA granted £105,000 towards the project’s design and development, including ecological assessments to prevent damage to the Barle Valley’s delicate ecosystem. Additional funding secured through the government’s water restoration fund will allow SRA resources to focus on actual construction work, slated for completion in September and October 2026.
Alex Farris, ENPA’s natural environment manager, highlighted the importance of the project: “Reconnecting the river to its floodplain not only protects heritage and communities but could boost local wildlife, benefiting species such as salmon, grayling, dippers, and potentially reintroducing water voles to the Upper Barle catchment.”
The Tarr Steps has faced flood damage repeatedly, with rebuilds in 2012, 2016, 2017, and 2023. In response, the ENPA built a new Great Bradley Bridge nearby in summer 2024. Meanwhile, structural concerns recently led to the closure of Hinds Pitt Bridge on the popular circular walk, with replacement funding being sought.
This flood prevention initiative exemplifies a balance between protecting Somerset’s rich history, maintaining natural ecosystems, and safeguarding communities prone to flooding from the River Barle.