River Bollin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Bollin |
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The River Bollin flows beneath the southern runway of Manchester Airport in this tunnel
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The River Bollin and its tributaries within its catchment area. The direction of flow is east to west. Also shown is the sub-catchment area of the River Dean.
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| Country | England |
| Counties | Cheshire, Greater Manchester |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Macclesfield Forest, Cheshire 300 m (980 ft) 53°14′30″N 2°02′23″W / 53.2418°N 2.0397°W |
| River mouth | Manchester Ship Canal Warburton, Greater Manchester 11 m (36 ft) 53°23′46″N 2°28′43″W / 53.3961°N 2.4786°W |
| Length | 49 km (30 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The River Bollin is an important river in the north-west of England. It is a major tributary of the River Mersey. This means it flows into the River Mersey.
The River Bollin starts in Macclesfield Forest. This area is at the western edge of the Peak District. You can see where the river begins from the road between Buxton and Macclesfield.
The river then flows for about 10 miles (16 km). It passes through the town of Macclesfield. It also goes through The Carrs Park in Wilmslow. Here, another river, the River Dean, joins the Bollin. This meeting point is called a confluence. It is close to Styal Prison.
For the next 10 miles (16 km), the River Bollin forms a natural border. It marks the southwestern edge between Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Finally, it joins the River Mersey north of Lymm.
River's Journey and Uses
The River Bollin flows through the Styal country park. Long ago, the river was very important for factories. It provided power for the Quarry Bank Mill. This was a cotton calico factory.
Near Quarry Bank Mill, there is a natural weir. A weir is like a small dam that controls water flow. The Bollin also flows under the southern runway of Manchester Airport. It goes through a special tunnel called a culvert there.
In the past, towns sometimes put their waste into rivers. This was before people understood how much it harmed the environment. Over time, rules were made to keep rivers clean.
Rivers Joining the Bollin
Many smaller streams and brooks flow into the River Bollin. These are called its tributaries. They add water to the main river as it flows.
The most notable tributary is the River Dean. Other smaller streams also join the Bollin. These include Agden Brook, Birkin Brook, and Mobberley Brook. Each of these streams has its own smaller branches too.
