Little Avon River
Geology
The Little Avon River rises from a point upstream to the east of Wickwar in Gloucestershire, flowing north-west for 15 kilometres (9.3 mi), near Charfield, Stone and Berkeley, before finally joining the River Severn. The river runs through sandstone and clay, while the source water has been affected by the limestone from where it rises. The river starts as a steep course, with a natural riffle-pool sequence, before flattening out at Stone, where the river has been modified for use for irrigation. By the time the river reaches Berkeley, it is sheltered from the tide using tidal gates.
Its tributaries include Ozleworth Brook, Dyers Brook through Wotton-under-Edge, Doverte Brook and Kilcott Brook.
Ecology
Rare species of conservation interest including white-clawed crayfish, water voles, bullheads and eels are known to live in the catchment. Ten species from the UK Biodiversity Action Plan have been recorded, as well as several from the IUCN Red List.
The river is used as a fishery, controlled by Berkeley Estate Fishing Syndicate, which ensures that brown trout and grayling are in the river for fly fishing as well as standard coarse fishing species.
Notable features
There is a footbridge over the Little Avon River which links Berkeley Castle to Berkeley Stables. It was built around the turn of the 19th century, with the main arch being about 8 metres (26 ft) wide and 3.5 metres (11 ft) above water level at its highest point. The pathway across the bridge is approximately 1.5 metres (4 ft 11 in) wide, with the total width of 2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in). The bridge was designated Grade II listed status on 9 September 1985.
References
- ^ Trobe-Bateman, E. LA. "Avon extensive urban survey archaeological assessment report" (PDF). South Gloucestershire Council. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
- ^ "Little River Avon" (PDF). The Wild Trout Trust. 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
- ^ Clark, George (3 March 2021). "Assessing the status of the Little Avon headwaters - Bristol Avon Rivers Trust". Retrieved 16 January 2023.
- ^ Historic England. "FOOTBRIDGE OVER LITTLE AVON RIVER (1222153)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
External links
- Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
- Natural England (SSSI information)