A unique bridge on Dartmoor
The construction of the Clam Bridge is similar to the stone clapper bridges which are common on Dartmoor. The best known of these can be seen at Postbridge. The surface of each tree trunk is sawn flat and grooves are cut into it to provide a grip.
A simple rustic handrail is attached to the downstream side of the bridge. However, as Dartmoor writer William Crossing noted in his 1912 'Guide to Dartmoor', clam bridges are "seldom seen on Dartmoor".

As long ago as July 1896 Lustleigh Parish Magazine reported that the tree trunks of the Clam Bridge were to be replaced because they were in a dilapidated condition. Given that they probably have a life of more than 25 years there is every reason to believe that there has been a Clam Bridge over the River Bovey for over 140 years, and probably much longer.

An 1864 Ordnance Survey map of the area shows a footbridge on the site.

Lustleigh Parish Councillor, Nick Hewison, said "the Park Authorities want to remove the bridge on grounds of safety but the Clam Bridge is in a remote position. There is more risk just walking to the bridge than crossing it because the paths from Lustleigh and Manaton are steep, uneven and often very muddy."

Peter Mason one of the petition organisers pointed out that "one of the objectives of the Dartmoor National Park Authority is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of Dartmoor. Therefore the Authority should, without question, take all necessary steps to preserve the Clam Bridge."

UPDATE 2/5/08
At their meeting on 2nd May, the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) agreed that: "the Authority should offer practical support to Manaton and Lustleigh Parish Councils if they find a way to take responsibility themselves for the protection of the Clam Bridge, and that the Authority should not take on responsibility or liability for the Clam Bridge". Following this decision Devon County Council (DCC) will be putting fencing at either end of the bridge to stop it being used.
 
It was abundantly clear at the meeting that the DNPA and DCC have still to recognise the cultural and historical importance of the bridge and to appreciate the depth of public feeling. Those of us working to save the Clam Bridge believe that if it can be made safe enough for the Parish Councils to take responsibility for it then there is no reason why the DNPA should not take it on. A repaired Clam Bridge could provide a model for less engineered, more sustainable bridges in other locations on Dartmoor.
 
We will be preparing proposals for the repair of the bridge and we will continue to campaign for DNPA to fulfil its responsibility for the conservation and enhancement of the cultural heritage of Dartmoor.

Clam Bridge has been featured in a BBC article and on The Times Online.
Read the BBC article here | Visit the Times Online article here

The petition can also be signed in either the Lustleigh Dairy, Lustleigh Post Office or The Primrose Café.
Or online using the link below.