River Irwell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids River Irwell
River
The River Irwell at Salford, looking towards Manchester
Country	England
Tributaries
- left	Croal
- right	Roch, Irk, Medlock
Source
- location	Cliviger, Lancashire
Mouth
- location	River Mersey, Salford
Discharge	for Adelphi Weir
- average	17.72 m³/s (626 cu ft/s)

The River Irwell is a river in North West England. It is about 39 miles (63 kilometers) long. The river flows through the Irwell Valley in the counties of Lancashire and Greater Manchester. It starts at Irwell Springs on Deerplay Moor, near the town of Bacup. The Irwell then travels through the busy city centers of Manchester and Salford. Finally, it joins the larger River Mersey near Irlam.

The Irwell's Journey

The River Irwell begins its journey high up on Deerplay Moor. This is a moorland area in Cliviger, Lancashire. From its source, the river flows through different landscapes. It passes through quiet countryside and then enters more populated areas.

Flowing Through Cities

As the Irwell continues, it reaches important towns and cities. It flows through Waterfoot in Rossendale. Then it goes through Bury before reaching the big cities of Manchester and Salford. The river actually forms a border between these two cities.

Joining Other Rivers

Along its path, the River Irwell is joined by several smaller rivers. These are called tributaries. Some of its main tributaries include the River Croal, the River Roch, the River Irk, and the River Medlock. These rivers add more water to the Irwell as it flows towards the sea.

Where the Journey Ends

The Irwell's long journey ends when it meets the River Mersey. This meeting point is near Irlam. The Mersey then carries the Irwell's waters further out towards the sea.

History and the River

The River Irwell has played a big part in the history of the area. During the time of the Industrial Revolution, many factories were built along its banks. These factories used the river's water for their machines.

Challenges and Changes

Because of all the industry, the river faced challenges. The image of Radcliffe from 1902 shows how busy and affected the river was by factories. Even near its source, there was some pollution, like iron oxide. Over time, efforts have been made to clean up the river and make it healthier.

Bridges and Waterways

Many bridges cross the Irwell, connecting different parts of the cities. One famous bridge is Trinity Bridge. The river was also part of important waterways like the Mersey and Irwell Navigation, which helped transport goods. Today, parts of the river are used for recreation and enjoyment.

Wildlife and Nature

Even though it flows through cities, the River Irwell is home to wildlife. You might spot birds like the grey heron wading in the water, looking for fish. The river's banks also have different types of rocks, like the New Red Sandstone seen at Clifton.

Images for kids

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  Grey heron wading in the Irwell near Bury.

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  New Red Sandstone at Clifton

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  The River Irwell divides the cities of Salford (left) and Manchester.

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  The Irwell flows west through Waterfoot in Rossendale

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  The Industrial Revolution saw the river badly polluted by industry, as pictured in this photograph of Radcliffe taken in 1902.

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  Iron oxide pollution near the river's source

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  Trinity Bridge

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  The Irwell at Cromwell Bridge, Broughton

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  Stickings Lock on the Mersey and Irwell Navigation, c 1850

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  The River Mersey empties into the Manchester Ship Canal at Irlam

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  Peel Park flood obelisk showing the 1866 flood level. A second flood line was added after the 1870 floods.

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  Ontario Basin, Salford Quays

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  Confluence of the Roch and Irwell at Bury

See also

In Spanish: Río Irwell para niños