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Congresbury Yeo facts for kids

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Congresbury Yeo
Compton martin duck pond.JPG
Compton Martin Duck Pond
Country England
County Somerset
Cities Ubley, Congresbury, Wrington, Iwood
Physical characteristics
Main source Compton Martin Duck Pond
Compton Martin, Somerset, England
51°18′38″N 2°39′12″W / 51.31056°N 2.65333°W / 51.31056; -2.65333
River mouth Severn Estuary
Kingston Seymour, Somerset, England
0 ft (0 m)
51°23′43″N 2°54′39″W / 51.39528°N 2.91083°W / 51.39528; -2.91083

The River Yeo is a river that flows through North Somerset, England. It is often called the Congresbury Yeo. This longer name helps people tell it apart from other rivers with similar names. It gets its name from the village of Congresbury, which it flows through.

Where the River Flows

The River Yeo starts in the middle of Compton Martin village. It begins as a spring that feeds the village duck pond. From there, it flows past the village of Ubley.

The river then enters Blagdon Lake. This lake was created in the 1890s by building a dam across the river. After leaving the lake, the river flows south of Wrington and Iwood. In the past, there were many watermills along its banks in these areas.

Yeowaterfall
A waterfall on the River Yeo, south west of Wrington

Next, the River Yeo goes around the northern edge of Congresbury. It then crosses a flat area called the North Somerset Levels. This part of its journey is roughly parallel to the A370 road. The river also passes the site of an old Roman villa.

Finally, the River Yeo flows under the M5 motorway. It then empties into the Severn Estuary at Woodspring Bay. This is downstream from Clevedon and west of the village of Kingston Seymour.

Wildlife Along the River

Near where the River Yeo meets the Severn Estuary, there are special pools called Blake's Pools. These pools were dug between 1983 and 1987. They were made to attract different kinds of wildlife.

This area is very important for nature. It is part of the Severn Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is also a Special Protection Area and a Ramsar site. These titles mean the area is protected because it is home to many important plants and animals.

Protecting the River

The River Yeo is looked after by the West Mendip Internal Drainage Board. This group works to prevent floods and protect the environment in the area. They have rules and advice to help keep the river safe and healthy.

To stop flooding, high banks called levees have been built where the river runs next to the A370 road. The river is also regularly dredged. This means removing mud and debris from the riverbed to help the water flow better. These efforts help protect nearby homes and land from floods.

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