Bickleigh Bridge Weir, Bickleigh, Mid-Devon, Devon - Results of a Heritage Assessment

South West Archaeology Ltd. was commissioned to produce a heritage assessment for Bickleigh Bridge Weir, located at Bickleigh, Mid Devon. This work was undertaken on behalf of the West Country Rivers Trust as part of proposed works to the weir to facilitate fish movement. The weir is of local importance as an undesignated heritage asset, with added group value and significance as part of the aesthetics of Bickleigh and its Grade II Listed bridge. The proposals to alter the weir will have a direct impact on this undesignated heritage asset, however: Option A is less intrusive but will fundamentally alter the weir aesthetically and the impact of that on the Listed bridge and undesignated assets and wider group value would have to be considered and managed accordingly; a design along the Lines of Option B, (i.e. cutting a fish pass through the damaged part of the weir) is of course more intrusive but the level of visual change is minimised and the harm could potentially be mitigated through a programme of archaeological recording. The proposed changes may also help to preserve the Grade II Listed Bridge, and provides an opportunity for understanding the weir structure for its future management and its history for public benefit.