Mark Yeo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mark Yeo |
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| Country | England |
| State | Somerset |
| District | North Somerset |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mark, Sedgemoor, Somerset, England 51°14′06″N 2°53′27″W / 51.23500°N 2.89083°W |
| River mouth | River Axe Loxton, North Somerset, Somerset, England 51°17′38″N 2°54′49″W / 51.29389°N 2.91361°W |
The Mark Yeo is a small river or rhyne (a type of drainage ditch) in north Somerset, England. It starts near the village of Mark on the Somerset Levels. The river flows north for about 6 kilometers (4 miles). It passes under the M5 motorway before joining the River Axe near Loxton.
Contents
Exploring the Mark Yeo River
A River with a Past
The Mark Yeo was once part of a waterway called the "Pilrow Cut." This waterway probably became a canal in the early 1200s. It helped connect the River Axe with the River Brue.
Today, the Mark Yeo no longer connects to the River Brue. Instead, it is mainly used for drainage. This helps to keep the surrounding land from flooding. In the village of Mark, you can see an old iron bridge. It was built in 1824 and is thought to be the oldest iron bridge of its kind in Somerset.
Travel and Trade in History
The river flows under the A38 road at a place called Rooks Bridge. A long time ago, in the 400s and 500s, the Mark Yeo was an important route. It connected a small port called Rackley on the River Axe to Glastonbury.
People believe the river was used to transport goods and passengers. These journeys often went to and from Glastonbury Abbey. Archeologists found old pottery and stones from the 1300s or 1400s near Rooks Bridge. This area, called 'Scott's Wharf,' was likely a busy port where the Mark Yeo met the old River Axe.
Protecting River Wildlife
In 2008, an oil spill happened on the Mark Yeo. This event put some of the river's birds and other wildlife at risk. Local volunteers quickly started a rescue operation. They worked hard to save geese, swans, and ducks that were affected.
The river has since recovered well. Today, it is home to many fish and eels. This shows how nature can bounce back with a little help.
