River Axe (Lyme Bay) facts for kids
The River Axe is a river in the south-west of England. It flows through three counties: Dorset, Somerset, and Devon. The river starts near a town called Beaminster in Dorset. From there, it travels west and then south, passing by Axminster. Finally, it reaches the English Channel at Axmouth, which is close to Seaton in Lyme Bay.
The River Axe is about 35 kilometers (22 miles) long. Along its journey, many smaller streams join it. Two important rivers that flow into the Axe are the Yarty and the Coly. The River Axe is quite shallow, so large boats cannot travel on it. However, you might see some smaller boats near its mouth at Axmouth.
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What Does the Name "Axe" Mean?
The name "Axe" comes from an old British word. This word meant "full of fish" or "abounding in fish." It's a very old name, and you can find it in the names of other rivers too. For example, the River Exe (which gives its name to Exeter and Exmoor) and the River Usk have similar roots. In Welsh, the word for fish is pysgod, and pysg is the plural. This shows how the names are connected!
A Special Place for Nature
In 1999, a part of the River Axe was given a special title: a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a very important place for nature and wildlife. This special section is about 13 kilometers (8 miles) long. It stretches from where the Blackwater River joins the Axe, all the way to Colyford Bridge.
Why is the River Axe So Special?
The River Axe is special because it has many different kinds of plants and animals living in and around it. This variety comes from a few things:
- Changing River Shape: The river's natural movement and flow create different features. These features, like bends and shallow areas, provide homes for many different creatures.
- Lots of Sunlight: There aren't too many trees right on the riverbanks. This allows plenty of sunlight to reach the water, which helps many plants grow.
- Stable Riverbed: In the lower parts of the river, the bottom is quite stable. This provides a good base for plants and animals to live.
Most of this special area is in Devon. Only a small part, about 160 meters (160 yards), is in Dorset. The ground under the river is made up of different materials like alluvium (silt and sand left by the river), gravel, clay, and shale.
River Life: Plants and Animals
The fish in the River Axe are considered very important, even across Europe! Besides fish, many other animals call the River Axe home. You might spot:
- Salmon
- Bullheads (a type of fish)
- Otters
- Medicinal leeches
- Kingfishers
The river also has a wide variety of water plants and plants growing along its banks. The way the river bends and curves south of Axminster is also very interesting to geologists, who study the Earth's rocks and landforms.
Images for kids
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The Axe Estuary near Axmouth, where the river meets the sea.
