A makeshift construction dubbed a “Fairy Bridge” has sparked a row between the National Trust and villagers after it was torn down last year.

The charity removed the bridge which provided a path for walkers across the Stiffkey Marshes in Norfolk over safety concerns.

But locals launched a petition to preserve the crossing which led to a new makeshift construction that was put in place earlier this year.

The National Trust once again removed the construction, but another “Fairy Bridge” myseriously appeared overnight in defiance of the charity’s destruction.

Locals have said the “fairies” were responsible for the new wooden walkway. Ian Curtis, founder of the Rebuild Stiffkey Marsh Bridge campaign, told the Telegraph that the National Trust should not block Stiffkey villagers from using a path their forebears have always used.

He said: “It’s part of their heritage, their ancestral right of way.  People have used it for a long while.

READ MORE: UK’s most autumnal National Trust properties

Stiffkey lies on the edge of a salt marsh intersected by Cabbage Creek, a waterway that requires a bridge in order to be crossed safely.

The bridge was first removed by the National Trust in February 2022 which allowed locals to cross the marsh to access the beach.

After a campaign launched by villagers, the Trust said a new bridge would cost £25,000 to build and in August 2023, a makeshift structure was put in its place.

The Trust knocked down the structure due to “safety concerns” but a new bridge was built overnight which still stands.

It consists of a wooden plank and handrail supported by scaffolding poles sunk into the marsh mud. Mr Curtis said the reason it has been allowed to stay for now is due to it being built away from National Trust land. The creek itself falls under the jurisdiction of Natural England.

“We are progressing with our plan to replace the bridge in 2024 and following approval from Natural England, are currently carrying out surveys that will inform the design and foundations of the new bridge, which will move us closer to submitting a formal planning application.”

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