Dark Water (river) facts for kids
The Dark Water is a small but important river in the beautiful Hampshire area of England. It flows for about 5.5 miles (8.9 kilometers) through the New Forest National Park before reaching the sea. This river plays a key role in the local environment, draining water from parts of the New Forest.
Quick facts for kids Dark Water |
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Dark Water river and marsh, Lepe Country Park
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| Country | England |
| County | Hampshire |
| District | New Forest |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | North of the south limits of Dibden Purlieu with New Forest National Park 38 metres (125 ft) 50°50′52″N 1°24′26″W / 50.8478°N 1.4072°W |
| River mouth | Solent Lepe 0 metres 50°47′04″N 1°21′33″W / 50.7845°N 1.3592°W |
| Length | 5.5 mi |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Dark Water, Beaulieu River estuary, Solent (off English Channel off Atlantic Ocean) |
| River system | Dark Water basin |
| Tributaries |
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Contents
The Dark Water River
The Dark Water river is located in the south-west part of Hampshire, England. It starts its journey a few meters north-east of the famous New Forest. From there, it flows south towards the sea.
Its path ends where it joins the Beaulieu River estuary. This meeting point is very close to The Solent, which is a strait of the English Channel. The river finally reaches the sea at a place called Lepe. Lepe is also part of the beautiful New Forest National Park.
Where Does the Dark Water Flow?
The river begins its flow from an area just north of Dibden Purlieu. This spot is within the New Forest National Park. The source of the river is about 38 meters (125 feet) above sea level.
As it travels, the Dark Water passes through different types of land. It goes through open heathland, which is a type of wild, open country. It also flows past woodlands and marshy areas.
What Does the Dark Water Drain?
A river's drainage basin is the area of land where all the rain and water eventually flows into that river. The Dark Water's basin gets smaller as it gets closer to the sea.
The Dark Water, along with its main branch called Stock Water, helps drain a large part of the New Forest. This area is mostly made up of heathland, known as "Beaulieu Heath."
Areas Drained by the River
The river also drains water from several other interesting places:
- Blackwell Common: This is a smaller area. The southern part of it used to be called Blackfield Common, named after the nearby village of Blackfield.
- Horsemoor Copse: A copse is a small group of trees.
- West Common: This area is a meadow, which is a field of grass.
- Chale Wood: A wood is a larger area of trees.
Below these areas, the river banks are lined with narrow woods. Closer to the river, there is often a marshy zone, which is wet, soft land.
