River in Renowned Village Closed to Tourists to Protect Wildlife from Paddlers

A river located in Bibury, often referred to as the “world’s most beautiful village,” is set to be enclosed with fencing to prevent massive crowds of tourists from wading in and polluting the water, raising concerns about its impact on local wildlife.

During the summer, the charming Cotswolds village, which hosts around 600 residents, saw an influx of visitors, with numbers soaring to 20,000 daily at peak times. Many flocked to the River Coln to cool off amid record-breaking heat.

Local residents have voiced their frustrations, noting they no longer feel comfortable visiting their own village due to the overwhelming presence of tourists and numerous coaches parked in narrow lanes, which leads to dangerous traffic conditions.

Famous for its historic 17th-century weavers’ cottages depicted in films like Bridget Jones’s Diary and Stardust, Bibury was lauded by textile designer and writer William Morris in the 19th century as “the most beautiful village in England.”

However, the surge in visitors is taking a toll. Councillors are increasingly alarmed about the impact tourists have on the River Coln, which features the iconic Swan Bridge. Reports from residents describe the litter left behind, including bottles and coffee cups, as “unbelievable.”

The ongoing influx of visitors is believed to harm wildlife, prompting the Bibury Parish Council to take decisive steps. Chair Craig Chapman announced that new fences will be erected to safeguard the local swans, ducks, voles, and fish.

Chapman emphasized the unsanctioned activities of tourists, who have reportedly been relaxing by the riverside, even sitting and dining in the water, to the detriment of local wildlife. “This drastic measure, although not ideal, appears necessary to protect our environment,” he remarked.

Residents, including Kris Watts, 71, have expressed that the situation has become increasingly intolerable. “We’ve had people paddling in the river, which is a protected site,” she said, highlighting the distress over the growing number of onlookers and their disregard for the area’s ecological sensitivity.

In an effort to alleviate congestion, Gloucestershire County Council implemented trial coach drop-off points. However, locals report that some coaches still drop tourists off in unwanted locations within the village.

Watts, who has been a resident for a decade, noted her reluctance to enter the village on weekends, citing the overwhelming tourist presence as a primary reason. “The situation has worsened since the pandemic,” she added, attributing much of the uptick to social media influencers showcasing Bibury’s beauty.

Local resident Victoria Summerley, 70, noted the river is a trout stream recognized for its clarity. “The amount of litter flowing into it is astounding,” she stated, expressing frustration at the growing number of visitors likely prompted by online trends.

The issue has escalated to the point where some residents resorted to placing signs in multiple languages to deter tourists from invading their personal spaces. Brian Skarda, a parish councillor from nearby Cirencester, lamented that the influx of tourists has made daily life “virtually impossible,” resulting in his decision to leave the village after 14 years.

Skarda’s wife echoed his sentiments, recounting a disturbing incident where their privacy was invaded, and tourists shamelessly attempted to film their home. “This beautiful village is becoming overwhelmed by the very people who come to appreciate it,” he concluded.

As increasing numbers of social media posts promote Bibury, the village’s quaint charm attracts more visitors, including international tourists. Local authorities are considering measures to regulate coach traffic, but residents remain doubtful about effective solutions.

The parish council previously established a working group to find resolutions, leading to a temporary scheme introduced in May 2025. This plan attempted to manage coach parking and drop-off points, although permanent solutions have yet to be established.

In 2025, Bibury was named one of the world’s most beautiful villages by Forbes Magazine, further amplifying its appeal and the resulting tourist onslaught.