River Ecclesbourne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Ecclesbourne |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 Confluence with Derwent in Derbyshire
|
|
| Country | England |
| Counties | Derbyshire |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Wirksworth, Derbyshire |
| River mouth | Confluence with the Derwent Duffield, Derbyshire 52°59′5″N 1°28′48″W / 52.98472°N 1.48000°W |
| Length | 15 km (9.3 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 60 km2 (23 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
|
| Progression : Ecclesbourne—Derwent—Trent—Humber—North Sea | |
The River Ecclesbourne is a small river in Derbyshire, England. It starts in the town of Wirksworth and flows for about 15 kilometers (9 miles). The river then reaches Duffield before joining the larger River Derwent.
Contents
Journey of the River Ecclesbourne
The River Ecclesbourne begins its journey in Wirksworth. This is also where the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway starts. The railway is named after the river and follows its path closely.
Where the River Starts
The main source of the Ecclesbourne is near Ravenstor railway station. Water from the Meerbrook Sough Mine area also contributed to the river. The Meerbrook Sough was a special tunnel that helped drain water from nearby quarries. This water was used to power the Sough's waterworks.
For some parts of its journey through Wirksworth, the Ecclesbourne flows underground. You can see it briefly in a few spots, like near Ecclesbourne Cottages. It also appears near Fanny Shaws Park, close to the railway tracks.
Flowing Through Towns and Fields
After leaving Wirksworth, the Ecclesbourne becomes a wider river. It flows slowly through fields, picking up water from smaller streams like Alton Brook and Holm Brook. Its next stop is the village of Idridgehay.
Further along, the river passes through Turnditch. After Turnditch, the Ecclesbourne gets bigger and flows faster. Sometimes, parts of the river are put into underground pipes. This helps prevent flooding, which rarely happens now.
Reaching the River Derwent
A few miles past Turnditch, the river enters the town of Duffield. The Ecclesbourne School, a local high school, is built right next to the river in the town center.
The Ecclesbourne then flows out of Duffield. It goes under the railway tracks and reappears in some fields. Finally, it joins the River Derwent. The Derwent has traveled from places like Milford and Belper.
Where the Ecclesbourne meets the Derwent, it is about 10 meters (33 feet) wide. This area is popular for visitors and fishing. After the rivers meet, the railway line also joins the main line to Derby.
Wildlife and River Health
The River Ecclesbourne is a good place for fishing. It is known for having healthy fish, especially in its lower parts. Many brown trout live in the river.
Animals Living in and Around the River
Several important animals live along the Ecclesbourne. These include:
- White-clawed crayfish: A type of freshwater crustacean.
- Kingfisher: A colorful bird known for catching fish.
- Otter: A playful mammal that loves water.
- Water vole: A small rodent that lives near rivers.
Protecting the River
The river faces some challenges, such as pollution. There are also weirs, which are small dams that can make it hard for fish to move freely. An invasive plant called Himalayan balsam can also cause problems.
To help the river, the Ecclesbourne is part of a special project. This project encourages different groups to work together. Their goal is to make the water cleaner and healthier. This effort is part of a bigger plan to improve water quality across the UK.
