River Ember facts for kids

The River Ember is a short river in Surrey, England. It's actually a branch of the River Mole. The River Mole splits into two channels south of Island Barn Reservoir, near East Molesey and Lower Green, Esher. The Ember is the bigger of these two channels.

The Ember flows east, then north, going around the reservoir and past parts of Esher. The River Mole flows on the other side, past West Molesey. After flowing side-by-side for a while, the two rivers join up again. They merge about 400 metres before they meet the famous River Thames. This happens at the eastern end of East Molesey, right across from the historic Hampton Court Palace. This spot is just above Teddington Lock, where the Thames stops being affected by tides.

River Ember's Past: How It Changed

The River Ember wasn't always like it is today. Until the 1930s, it was a "distributary." This means it was a natural branch that split off from the main River Mole and flowed separately. The River Mole used to flow into the River Thames on its own, a bit further upstream. The land between the Mole and Ember was even known as Cigarette Island.

Big Changes for Flood Control

Things changed a lot in the early 1930s. When Hampton Court Bridge and the road called Hampton Court Way were built, the River Mole was redirected. It was made to flow into the River Ember, creating one wider and straighter channel.

Even more changes happened after serious floods in 1947 and 1968. A big flood prevention plan was put into action. This plan further altered the paths of both the Mole and the Ember to help protect the area from future flooding.

Ember Mill: A Look Back

Near where the Ember starts, there used to be a place called Ember Mill. It stood on an island in the river. People could reach it by a footbridge from Orchard Lane, near Imber Court in Thames Ditton. The mill was taken down around 1837. Today, only the old sluices (water gates) and waterfalls show where it once stood.

The mill was first used to grind corn. Later, it was used to make brass and iron wire. The new flood prevention channel now bypasses this old part of the Ember. However, a small amount of water still flows into the original course. This helps keep the old river path looking much like it did in the past.

Fishing in the River Ember

If you enjoy fishing, there's a special spot on the River Ember at Old Cow Common in East Molesey. Here, you can fish for free! The river is home to many different kinds of fish.

What Fish Can You Catch?

• Pike: These can grow quite large, up to 15 pounds!
• Bream
• Carp
• Chub
• Dace
• Perch
• Roach
• Catfish: Some big ones have been caught, up to 22 pounds!
• Tench
• Bullhead: These are smaller, up to 3 pounds.
• Eel
• Orfe
• Goldfish
• Rudd