River Cerne facts for kids
The River Cerne is a beautiful river in Dorset, England. It flows for about ten miles (16 kilometers) through a lovely valley. The river begins in the Chalk hills of the Dorset Downs, near a village called Minterne Magna. From there, it winds its way through villages like Cerne Abbas and Charminster, before joining the River Frome in the town of Dorchester. The area around the Cerne River is so special that it's part of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, meaning it's a protected landscape because of its amazing scenery.
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Exploring the Cerne Valley
The Cerne Valley is one of several valleys that cut through the Dorset Downs. These valleys help drain water from the hills. The Cerne Valley is known for its natural beauty and charming villages.
The Cerne Valley Way Walk
If you love walking, you can explore the Cerne Valley by following the Cerne Valley Way. This is a circular walking path that takes you through many of the small communities along the river. You'll pass through places like Nether Cerne, Godmanstone, and Forston. The walk follows the river's path from its start near the hills of High Stoy and Dogbury all the way to where it meets the River Frome in the water meadows of Charminster.
What to See Along the Way
As you walk the Cerne Valley Way, you'll discover some interesting sights:
- The Cerne Abbas Giant: This is a huge, ancient figure carved into a hillside. It's the largest hill figure in Britain!
- Minterne House and Gardens: A beautiful historic house with stunning gardens.
- Hilfield Hill nature reserve: A protected area where you can see local wildlife and plants.
River Life and Environment
The River Cerne gets most of its water from underground sources, especially from the chalk and greensand rocks it flows over. This means the water is usually very clear and clean.
Healthy River Ecosystem
The riverbed is mostly made of flint stones, covered by sandy silt that changes with the seasons. This creates a great home for many different plants and animals. The river has a very healthy ecosystem, which means all the living things in it work together in a balanced way.
Home to Brown Trout
Experts have studied the River Cerne and found that it's an excellent place for brown trout to live. A report from 2008 by the Wild Trout Trust said that the river's habitat is "excellent," providing good conditions for trout at all stages of their lives. This shows how clean and healthy the river is.
Protecting the Cerne Valley from Floods
In the past, the River Cerne sometimes overflowed its banks, causing floods in villages like Cerne Abbas. However, this hasn't happened since 1986, thanks to a special project designed to prevent flooding.
How Flood Protection Works
Engineers built a system of gullies (small channels) and culverts (pipes that carry water underground) to control the river's flow. They also built a large reservoir that can hold a huge amount of floodwater – about 44 million liters! This system helps to manage the river during heavy rains and keeps the villages safe from flooding.
