Cadoxton River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cadoxton River |
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The river in the area known as the Millfields, near Dinas Powys
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| Native name | Afon Tregatwg |
| Other name(s) | Cadoxton Brook |
| Country | United Kingdom, Wales |
| Region | South Wales |
| County | Vale of Glamorgan |
| Cities | Michaelston-le-Pit, Dinas Powis, Barry, The Bendricks, Vale of Glamorgan |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Michaelston-le-Pit, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales 51°26′46″N 3°13′09″W / 51.4460°N 3.2192°W |
| River mouth | Bristol Channel 51°23′43″N 3°14′58″W / 51.3954°N 3.2495°W |
| Length | 8.0 km (5.0 mi) |
| Discharge (location 2) |
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The Cadoxton River (Welsh: Afon Tregatwg) is a small river in South Wales. It flows through the Vale of Glamorgan. At about 8 kilometers (5 miles) long, it is one of the shortest rivers in Wales.
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Where Does the Cadoxton River Flow?
The Cadoxton River starts near Dinas Powys village. It forms where two smaller streams, the Wrinstone Brook and the Bullcroft Brook, meet. This spot is close to the hamlet of Michaelston-le-Pit.
From there, the river flows mostly southwest. It passes through Dinas Powys, following the A4055 road (also known as Cardiff Road). It continues towards the town of Barry.
Once in Barry, the river flows through a channel made by people. This channel leads to its man-made mouth at The Bendricks, Vale of Glamorgan.
What is the History of the Cadoxton River?
Today, the Cadoxton River looks like a small stream. But long ago, it seemed to have more water. It was even big enough to appear on some old maps of Britain. Small boats could almost reach Dinas Powys.
However, over time, the river likely filled with mud and dirt. Its mouth became a muddy channel. This happened before the area was developed.
How Were the Lower Parts of the River Changed?
The lower parts of the river have been changed a lot over the years. In 1884, the Barry Railway Company started building the Barry docks. These docks were built right into the river's natural mouth. Because of this, the river had to be moved.
The lower river should have tides, meaning the sea water would flow in and out. But a special gate, called a sluice gate, was built when the docks were made. This gate keeps the river water fresh and stops the tides from coming in.
How Has the River's Water Quality Changed?
From the 1940s to the 1970s, the lower parts of the Cadoxton River were dirty. This was due to waste from many nearby chemical factories.
However, thanks to rules about protecting the environment, the water quality is now much better. The river is now home to fish, including trout.
On April 19, 2005, many of the river's trout died. This happened when harmful substances leaked from a vehicle. The leak went into Bullcroft Brook, which then damaged the river's plants and animals. About 183 dead fish were found along a 5-kilometer stretch of the river.
Why is it Called the Cadoxton River?
The river's name is interesting because it does not flow through the town of Cadoxton anymore. But in the past, it did flow right through the center of Barry.
When the tide was high, small boats could sail up into Barry. Originally, the river met the sea at the eastern edge of Barry Island. This is where the entrance to the docks is today. Barry Island stopped being an island when the river was moved and the docks were built.
What Streams Join the Cadoxton River?
Several smaller streams join the Cadoxton River along its short path. These are called tributaries.
Bullcroft Brook
The Bullcroft Brook starts near Caerau. It is almost 2 miles long. It flows south and joins the Wrinstone Brook at Michaelston-le-Pit. This stream was affected by the pollution incident in 2005.
Wrinstone Brook
The Wrinstone Brook is one of the two main streams that form the Cadoxton River. It flows east for 3 miles. It starts from several places around Wenvoe. It flows near a small group of houses called Wrinstone.
This brook flows through a wooded valley for most of its journey. Before it joins the Bullcroft Brook, there are several small dams called weirs. These dams create many ponds. Locals call these ponds the Seven Lakes or the Salmon Leaps. They are actually used as a trout farm.
East Brook
The East Brook is another smaller stream that joins the river. It starts at Llandough and flows for 2 miles. It joins the Cadoxton River south of the A4055 road in Dinas Powys. It flows through areas of Dinas called the Murch and Eastbrook. The Eastbrook area got its name from this stream.
Coldbrook
The Coldbrook starts in the Merthyr Dyfan area of Barry. It is 4 miles long. It has a few small streams that join it. The biggest one is called the Nant yr Argae. This stream starts at St Andrews Major and is 2 miles long.
The Coldbrook meets the Cadoxton River east of Palmerstown, Barry. This happens in some fields in an area known as Biglis. Another very small stream, about 1 kilometer long, also drains this area. It joins the Coldbrook just before the Coldbrook meets the Cadoxton.
Sully Brook
The Sully Brook is one of the largest streams that join the Cadoxton River. It starts just west of Penarth. It flows south through the Cosmeston Lakes Country Park. Here, it meets a smaller, unnamed stream and then turns west.
It finally joins the Cadoxton River near Barry docks. Like the Cadoxton, the Sully Brook was also moved a little. This was done to help cool the new chemical plants nearby.
Does the Cadoxton River Flood?
According to the Environment Agency, during floods in October 1998, only six properties in Dinas Powys were affected. The flooding happened because the Cadoxton River's water went over its banks. Other small streams also overflowed. Blockages in the channels and overflowing drains also caused problems.
