River Allen (Truro) facts for kids
The River Allen is a small but important river in Cornwall, England. It's also known as the St Allen River. In the Cornish language (Cornish: Dowr Alen), its name means shining river. There are actually two rivers in Cornwall with the name "River Allen," but this article focuses on the one near Truro.
Where Does the River Allen Start and Go?
The River Allen begins its journey at a place called Ventoneage. This name comes from the Cornish word (Cornish: Fentenyk), which means little spring. This spring is located north of a village called St Allen.
From its source, the river flows south. It travels through the beautiful Idless Valley and then crosses an area known as Daubuz Moors. Finally, the River Allen reaches the city of Truro. Here, it meets another river, the River Kenwyn. When these two rivers join, they form the larger Truro River.
Amazing Animals in the River Allen
The River Allen is a healthy home for many different kinds of fish and other water creatures. You can find several types of fish living here:
- Brown Trout (Salmo trutta): These are common fish known for their spotted appearance.
- European Eel (Anguilla anguilla): Eels are long, snake-like fish that can travel long distances.
- Minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus): Minnows are small, silvery fish often found in groups.
- Bullhead (Cottus gobio): Also known as the ‘Miller’s Thumb’, this fish has a large head and a flattened body.
Closer to the sea, where the river meets the tide, you might also spot other fish that can live in both fresh and salty water:
- Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax): These are popular fish often found in coastal waters.
- Grey Mullet (Chelon labrosus): Mullet are known for their thick lips and often feed on algae.
- Flounder (Platichthys flesus): Flounder are flatfish that lie on the riverbed.
The river also sees a small number of Sea Trout (migratory Salmo trutta). These are like Brown Trout but they spend part of their lives in the sea before returning to the river to lay their eggs.
