Deans Brook facts for kids
Deans Brook is a small stream, about two kilometers (just over a mile) long, that flows between the areas of Mill Hill and Edgware in London. It's like a smaller river that joins a bigger one! Deans Brook flows into the Silk Stream, which then flows into the River Brent, and finally, the River Brent joins the famous River Thames. So, Deans Brook is part of a big family of waterways that eventually reach the sea!
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Discovering Deans Brook: A London Stream
Where Does Deans Brook Begin Its Journey?
The brook starts its journey on the Mill Hill Golf Course. Here, its water is held back by a small wall, forming a pretty pond called Stoneywood Lake. From there, the stream goes through a special underground tunnel, called a culvert, beneath the busy M1 motorway.
After the tunnel, Deans Brook reaches Stoneyfields Park. In the park, the stream is held back again to create another beautiful lake, which is designed to look nice. Then, it flows through the neighborhoods of Edgware. Near Edgware Hospital, Deans Brook joins another stream called Edgware Brook, and together they become the Silk Stream.
What Lives in and Around Deans Brook?
Even though much of Deans Brook flows through developed areas, it still mostly follows its natural path. However, many of its banks are lined with wooden boards to keep them in place. This means there aren't many water plants growing right in the stream.
But don't worry, there's still wildlife to spot! If you're lucky, you might see bright blue kingfishers flying quickly along the water. You might also spot grey wagtails, which are small birds with long tails that bob up and down. Another smaller stream, called Edgwarebury Brook, joins Deans Brook behind an area known as Brook Avenue.
Visiting Deans Brook and Its Importance
The only part of Deans Brook that people can easily visit is inside Stoneyfields Park. This park is a great place to see the stream and enjoy nature.
Deans Brook, along with Stoneyfields Park, some garden areas near Edgware Hospital, and a wet area south of the Edgware Underground station tracks, are all part of something special. Together, they form a "Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, Grade II." This means these areas are very important for local wildlife and plants, and they are protected so that nature can thrive there.
