River Bradford facts for kids

Quick facts for kids River Bradford
Bradford Dale
Country	England
Physical characteristics
Main source	Gratton Moor
River mouth	River Lathkill

The River Bradford is a beautiful, clear river located in the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire, England. It's a small river, but it's very special because of its clean water and the interesting animals that live in it.

The River Bradford: A Clear Stream in the Peak District

Where Does the River Bradford Start and End?

The River Bradford begins its journey on a place called Gratton Moor. It then flows past the village of Youlgreave. Finally, it joins another river, the River Lathkill, near a place called Alport. The River Bradford is not very long, only about 7 kilometers (about 4.3 miles) from start to finish.

Why Are Its Waters So Clear?

The water in the River Bradford is incredibly clear. This is because it flows over a type of rock called limestone. Limestone acts like a natural filter, helping to keep the water clean and sparkling. Along the river, you'll also see several small dams, called weirs. These weirs make the river wider in places, creating calm ponds.

Who Lives in the River?

The clean waters of the River Bradford are home to many creatures. You can find brown trout, which are a type of fish. The river also has white-clawed crayfish, which are small, freshwater crustaceans. These crayfish are important because they are a protected species in the UK. The ponds created by the weirs are also great places for white-throated dippers to build their nests and raise their young. Dippers are small birds that can dive underwater to catch insects and small fish.

Exploring Bradford Dale

The valley where the River Bradford flows is known as Bradford Dale. It's a very scenic area. A famous walking path called the Limestone Way passes right through this valley. The Haddon Estate owns and looks after the river. They help to make sure the river stays healthy for all the plants and animals that live there.