River Garw facts for kids
The River Garw is a river in Wales, United Kingdom. Its name, Afon Garw in Welsh, means "rugged river." It flows for about 12 miles (19 kilometers). The river starts in the hills north of Blaengarw. It then joins the River Ogmore and the River Llynfi near Aberkenfig. The River Garw is one of the main rivers that feed into the River Ogmore. The River Ogmore flows through the town of Bridgend.
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Where the River Garw Flows
The River Garw begins its journey in Blaengarw. It flows through several villages along its path. These villages include Pontycymer, Pantygog, and Braichycymer. It also passes through Tylagwyn, Llangeinor, and Abergarw. Finally, the river reaches the village of Brynmenyn. Here, the River Garw joins the River Ogmore.
Streams Joining the River Garw
The River Garw flows along the bottom of its own river valley. Many smaller streams, called tributaries, join it along the way. These streams add water to the main river. Here are some of the streams that flow into the River Garw, listed from its start to where it meets the River Ogmore:
- Nant Cwm Gwyn
- Ffynon Daren Goch
- Nant Cwm gweinen
- Cwm Nant Hir
- Nant Gelli Wern: This stream is famous locally for its small waterfall. It also had a reservoir above the playing fields in Pontycymer.
- Nant Forch Wen: This stream is known for a crossing point called Forch Las. It has two old railway sleepers that act as a bridge. This stream also used to fill the swimming baths in Pontycymer. The baths closed in the 1970s due to health concerns.
- Nant Garw Fechan: This stream gives its name to a small valley. This valley and its river are now a beautiful nature reserve. It is located above the village of Braichycymer.
- Nant Lwyn cria
- Nant Y Cwrdu
- Nant Felin arw
- Cae Garw Drehir
How Mining Affected the River
For many years, coal mining was very important in the valley. Both small family mines and large pits operated there. This mining caused the river to become very polluted. It was filled with coal dust and other chemicals. The river became completely black in color. Because of this, many local people called it the "Black River."
Wildlife in the River Garw
The River Garw used to have many fish, including Salmon. However, when industries grew in the valley, these fish disappeared. Now, after the coal mines closed in the 1980s, the river is getting cleaner. Salmon and other fish are slowly being brought back. This is part of the valley's plan to restore nature.
The river also flows through Bryngarw Country Park. This is a special area managed for the public. It is a nature reserve where you can sometimes see many different types of birds.
Understanding Flood Risks
When there is a lot of heavy rain, the River Garw can sometimes overflow its banks. This causes minor flooding in the villages along the river. Most villages are built higher up on the valley sides. So, the flooding usually does not cause big problems.
However, some areas are affected more. A house near a footbridge in Pantygog was once removed because of constant flooding. The river has also flooded the playground area in Braichycymmer. It can also become dangerous near the playing fields in Llangeinor. In the lower parts of Bryngarw Country Park, the riverbed has been made deeper. This helps to reduce flooding there.
The smaller streams that join the River Garw can also change quickly. They can turn from small trickles to fast-flowing torrents in just a few minutes. This can happen very suddenly.
