River in 'World's Most Beautiful Village' to be Fenced Off Amid Tourist Concerns

A river running through Bibury, a village renowned as 'the world's most beautiful', will be fenced off to deter tourists from entering the water, a move prompted by concerns over wildlife and environmental damage. The decision by the Bibury Parish Council comes after thousands of visitors flocked to the village over the summer, drawn by record-breaking heatwaves and the picturesque scenery.

Concerns Over Wildlife and Litter

The River Coln, which flows through Bibury, has seen increased activity from visitors seeking to cool off. However, this has led to a surge in litter, described by residents as "unbelievable," with bottles and coffee cups frequently found in the water. More significantly, the parish council has raised alarms about the direct impact on local wildlife, including swans, ducks, voles, and fish.

Craig Chapman, chair of Bibury Parish Council, stated that the fencing is a "drastic measure" but deemed necessary to safeguard the river's ecosystem. "Over recent months tourists had been doing what they want in the village," Chapman told the BBC. "In the hot weather over the summer tourists were sitting on the riverbank with their feet in the river, walking in the river and even setting up tables and chairs in the river. That's highly detrimental to the wildlife."

Residents have echoed these concerns. Kris Watts, a local for 10 years, noted that the river is a protected site due to the presence of water voles and expressed frustration at the escalating situation, which she believes has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic, partly due to social media promotion.

Overwhelming Tourist Numbers

Bibury, home to approximately 600 residents, has become a major tourist destination, partly due to its 17th-century weavers' cottages, which have featured in films like "Stardust" and "Bridget Jones's Diary." The village was famously lauded by textile designer William Morris in the 19th century as 'the most beautiful village in England.'

However, the influx of visitors, with daily numbers sometimes reaching 20,000 during peak times, has created significant challenges. Locals report being unable to enjoy their own village due to the crowds and a constant stream of tour coaches. The narrow village lanes have led to traffic gridlock and parking disputes.

Social media influencers have been identified as a driving force behind the surge in visitors, promoting the village as an idyllic destination. This has led to instances of tourists walking through private gardens and attempting to film inside residents' homes, prompting some locals to erect "private, no entry" signs in multiple languages.

Attempts at Traffic Management

Gloucestershire County Council has previously introduced trial measures to manage the problem, including designated drop-off and pick-up points for coaches, aimed at reducing congestion. However, residents claim these measures have not been consistently effective, with some drivers still stopping elsewhere in the village. The council has been holding public consultations regarding potential long-term restrictions.

In 2025, Bibury was listed by Forbes Magazine among the 50 most beautiful villages globally, further amplifying its appeal to tourists. The parish council has expressed a desire to limit the number of daily coaches, but residents remain skeptical about the prospects of effective regulation.