Just above Shaugh Bridge the river Plym is joined by the river - TopicsExpress



          

Just above Shaugh Bridge the river Plym is joined by the river Meavy. The present bridge is the latest and still survives, three bridges predated it and all were washed away by huge floods. Before the bridges there was a clapper, and before that an intricate ford involving the crossing of both rivers, just above the confluence. If you look carefully you can still see the approaches. Both the Plym and the Meavy are sourced high up on the moor. Over millennia they have carved them selves a path, excavating out deep gorges full of rocks and now oak trees. The Meavy can be followed up stream along one of the pack horse trails, used originally by the charchoal cutters. When ever I walk this valley my mouth is perpetually ajar! So spectacular it is to behold. The ancient coppice has grown up amongst a plethora of granite slabs, heaving with mosses, liverworts and ferns. A full compliment of woodland vascular plants adds to the display, and in summer the buzz of insects and the rustle of the river combine to make the finest music to the ears. But suddenly all of a sudden the scene is shattered. Sprawling down the valley side is the National Trusts latest high tech sewage overflow pipe! And unbelievable abomination and assault on the erstwhile beautiful panorama. The wonderful bubble of wild untrammeled landscape you were in is burst! The pipe runs down to the Meavy, already a slick of greasy bubbles can be seen. What chance has wilderness got, how can nature be fully protected when the landowners and self styled custodians cannot be trusted?
Posted on: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 09:43:49 +0000

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