Afon Tarell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Afon Tarell |
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Upper reaches of Afon Tarell
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| Other name(s) | River Tarell |
| Country | United Kingdom, Wales |
| Region | South Wales |
| County | Powys |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Pen y Fan, Powys, Wales 562 m (1,844 ft) 51°52′0.48″N 3°29′20.04″W / 51.8668000°N 3.4889000°W |
| River mouth | River Usk Brecon, Powys, Wales 135 m (443 ft) 51°56′58.56″N 3°24′0″W / 51.9496000°N 3.40000°W |
| Length | 20.0 km (12.4 mi) |
| Discharge (location 2) |
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| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Afon Tarell is a river in Powys, Wales. It starts in the western part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The river flows north, then north-east, for about 12 miles (20 km). It eventually joins the larger River Usk.
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Where the River Flows
The Afon Tarell flows through a valley called Glyn Tarell. A main road, the A470, follows the river's path for its whole length. Along the way, the river passes small villages like Libanus and Tai'r Bull. It finally meets the River Usk at Llanfaes, which is on the southern edge of the town of Brecon.
Main Tributary
The most important stream that flows into the Afon Tarell is called Nant Cwm Llwch. This stream joins the Tarell from its right side, between Tai'r Bull and Llanfaes. Nant Cwm Llwch starts from a lake called Llyn Cwm Llwch. This lake was formed by glaciers during the Ice Age. It sits below Pen y Fan, which is the highest mountain in South Wales.
What's in a Name?
The name Afon Tarell might come from old Welsh language words. One possible origin is tarddu, which means "to bubble out." Another is tarddell, meaning "a spring or source." This makes sense, as the river starts from a spring.
Protecting the River and Its Wildlife
The Afon Tarell is a very special place for nature. It is part of a "special area of conservation." This means it's protected because it's home to important plants and animals.
Amazing River Creatures
The river and the Usk, along with other streams, are protected for several cool species:
- Lamprey: These are ancient, eel-like fish. There are three different kinds found here.
- Twaite Shad: This is a type of fish that swims from the sea into rivers to lay its eggs.
- European Bullhead: A small, bottom-dwelling fish that likes clear, fast-flowing water.
- Atlantic Salmon: Famous for their long journeys from the ocean back to the rivers where they were born to lay eggs.
- Otter: These playful mammals are great swimmers and hunters. They need clean rivers with plenty of fish to live.
Protecting the Afon Tarell helps these amazing creatures thrive in their natural home.
