River Aeron facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Aeron |
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The Aeron at Aberaeron
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| Native name | Afon Aeron |
| Country | Wales |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Llyn Eiddwen 52°16′58.8″N 4°2′38.4″W / 52.283000°N 4.044000°W |
| River mouth | Aberaeron 52°14′36.52″N 4°15′52.24″W / 52.2434778°N 4.2645111°W |
The River Aeron (which is Afon Aeron in Welsh) is a small river in Ceredigion, Wales. It flows into Cardigan Bay at a town called Aberaeron. Sometimes, on older maps, you might see it called the River Ayron.
The river starts its journey at Llyn Eiddwen, a beautiful lake. From there, it travels through the countryside before reaching the sea.
What's in a Name? The River Aeron's Meaning
The name of the River Aeron has an interesting history. It means "battle" or "slaughter." This name comes from an old Welsh word, aer, which has the same meaning.
Some people believe that Aeron was a Welsh god of war. So, the river might have been named after this ancient deity. However, not everyone agrees on the meaning. A scholar named William Owen Pughe once thought that Aeron meant "queen of brightness."
Poets and the River: A Creative Connection
The Aeron valley has been a special place for many writers and poets. One very famous Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas, lived near the river in the 1940s. He stayed at a quiet mansion called Plas Gelli, close to Talsarn.
Dylan Thomas loved the area so much that he called the Aeron valley "the most precious place in the world." Today, you can even follow the Dylan Thomas Trail. This path goes along the river from Talsarn all the way to Aberaeron.
Talsarn was once a hub for many poets who lived in the Aeron valley. These included John Jenkins (Cerngoch), Dan Jenkins Pentrefelin, and Dinah Davies. Even now, poets like Stevie Krayer, from Ciliau Aeron, write about the river.
Protecting the River Aeron
Like many rivers, the Aeron has faced challenges over the years. In the past, there were some serious pollution problems. These were caused by things like waste from creameries and sewage.
Today, the main issues are different. They often come from farming activities, like pesticides and waste from farms. Also, water can become more acidic, especially from forestry areas in the uplands.
People are working to keep the River Aeron healthy. Protecting rivers is important for all the plants and animals that live there. It also ensures the river remains a beautiful place for everyone to enjoy.
