River Avon, Devon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Avon |
|
|---|---|
The mouth of the River Avon, seen from Burgh Island
|
|
| Other name(s) | Aune |
| Country | England |
| Region | Devon |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | near Ryder's Hill, Dartmoor 475 m (1,558 ft) 50°30′36″N 3°54′17″W / 50.5101°N 3.9047°W |
| River mouth | English Channel Bigbury-on-Sea 0 m (0 ft) 50°16′47″N 3°53′16″W / 50.2798°N 3.8877°W |
| Length | 41 km (25 mi) |
The River Avon, also known as the River Aune, is a lovely river found in the county of Devon in the southwest of England. It begins high up in the southern part of Dartmoor National Park. This area is a bog, which is a type of wetland.
Near where the river leaves Dartmoor, a large dam was built in 1957. This dam created the Avon reservoir, which holds water for people to use.
The River Avon's Journey
After leaving the wild moorland, the River Avon flows through several towns and villages. It passes through South Brent, then Avonwick, and finally Aveton Gifford. Each of these places has grown up around the river.
From Moor to Sea
The river's journey ends when it flows into the sea at Bigbury-on-Sea. Here, the river meets the English Channel. This meeting point is called an estuary.
The estuary of the River Avon is a very special place. It is part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This means the area has amazing landscapes and wildlife that are protected. It is also part of the South Devon Heritage Coast, which highlights its natural beauty and history.
Nature Along the River
Near the town of Loddiswell, the River Avon flows through a beautiful area called Fosse Copse. This is a woodland that covers about 1.88 hectares (or 4.6 acres). The Woodland Trust looks after this forest, making sure it stays healthy for plants and animals.
A Railway's Past
For many years, a railway line ran along the valley of the River Avon. This was the Kingsbridge branch line, which connected Kingsbridge and South Brent. It operated from 1893 until it closed down in 1963. Imagine trains chugging along beside the river!
