River Ivel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids River Ivel
Footbridge at Radwell
Country	United Kingdom.
Counties	Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire
Settlements	Baldock, Radwell, Stotfold, Arlesey, Henlow, Langford, Biggleswade, Sandy, Tempsford.
Continent	Europe
Constituent Country	England
Physical characteristics
Main source	Ivel Springs, Baldock. 57 metres (187 ft) 51°59′35″N 0°11′31″W / 51.99310°N 0.19194°W / 51.99310; -0.19194
River mouth	River Great Ouse Tempsford, Bedfordshire 16 metres (52 ft) 52°10′04″N 0°18′14″W / 52.16767°N 0.30384°W / 52.16767; -0.30384
Length	21 mi (34 km)
Basin features
Tributaries	Left: Pix brook, River Flit, River Hiz Right: Potton Brook

The River Ivel is a special kind of river in England called a chalk stream. It starts at Ivel Springs in Baldock and flows mostly through Bedfordshire. It eventually joins a bigger river called the River Great Ouse near Tempsford. The River Ivel is about 21 miles (34 kilometers) long. Its water comes from springs in the Chiltern Hills and the Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge.

Exploring the River Ivel's Journey

The River Ivel is about 21 miles (34 kilometers) long. It begins at Ivel Springs near Baldock, about 57 meters (187 feet) above sea level. As it flows, the Ivel passes through several towns and villages. These include Radwell, Stotfold, Arlesey, Henlow, Langford, Biggleswade, Sandy, and Blunham.

Finally, the river joins the River Great Ouse near Tempsford. At this point, the river is about 16 meters (52 feet) above sea level. The area around the River Ivel is surrounded by hills. The Chiltern Hills are to the south, and the Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge is to the north. The Ivel and its smaller rivers, called tributaries, get their water from springs in the chalk of the Chiltern Hills.

The River Ivel flowing north of Blunham.

Rivers Joining the Ivel

Several smaller rivers flow into the River Ivel. These are called tributaries. Here are some of the main ones:

The Ivel's Unique Chalk Stream Geology

The River Ivel is known as a chalk stream. This means it gets most of its water from underground chalk layers. These layers are called aquifers. The water from chalk aquifers is usually very clear and full of minerals. The river's source at Ivel Springs is a perennial spring, meaning it flows all year round.

The Ivel valley also contains different types of rocks and soil. These include river and glacial gravel and sands from the Ice Age. Near Sandy, there's a noticeable ridge called the Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge. The River Ivel cuts through this ridge, making it easy to see.

A geological map of the Victorian county of Bedford.

Wildlife and Nature Along the Ivel

The River Ivel is home to many plants and animals. Several nature reserves protect these habitats. Ivel Springs and Stotfold Mill Meadows are two examples. These areas have important wetlands and meadows.

Local groups, like RevIvel, work to protect the river. They keep track of water levels and pollution. RevIvel is part of a larger group called the Chalk Aquifer Alliance.

Animals and Plants of the Ivel

You can find many native animals living in and around the River Ivel. These include the Water Vole (Arvicola Amphibius), a small rodent that lives near water. The colorful Kingfisher (Alcedo Atthis) is also a common sight.

However, some non-native species have also made their home here. These include Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens Glandulifera), a fast-growing plant. The American Mink (Neovison Vison), a predator, is another non-native species.

Understanding the River's Water Levels

Scientists use special equipment called gauging stations to measure the depth of the River Ivel. This helps them understand how much water is in the river.

Here's some data from two gauging stations on the River Ivel:

The amount of water underground, called groundwater, changes throughout the year. It's usually highest in spring. This is because rain from autumn and winter soaks into the ground and refills the aquifers. Groundwater levels are usually lowest in late summer. This is when warmer temperatures cause more water to evaporate. Plants also take up more water during these months.

Keeping the Ivel's Water Clean

The Environment Agency in England checks the water quality of rivers like the Ivel. They give each river an overall ecological status. This status can be high, good, moderate, poor, or bad. They look at things like the types and numbers of invertebrates (like insects), plants, and fish. They also check the chemical status, which means comparing chemical levels to safe limits. This is rated as good or fail.

Here's how the River Ivel's water quality was rated in 2022:

The main reasons why some parts of the river are not rated "good" include sewage being released into the water. Also, the river channel has been changed physically by humans.

A Look Back at the River Ivel's Past

The River Ivel has a long history, especially as a route for boats.

River Ivel Navigation Act 1757
Act of Parliament
Parliament of the United Kingdom
Long title	An Act for making the River Ivel and the Branches thereof, navigable from the River Ouze at Tempsford, in the county of Bedford, to Shotling Mill, otherwise called 'Burnt Mill', in the parish of Hitchen, in the county of Hertford, and to Black Horse Mill in the parish of Bygrave, in the said county of Hertford, and to the South and North Bridges in the town of Shefford, in the said county of Bedford.
Citation	30 Geo. 2, c. 62
Dates
Royal assent	17 May 1757

In 1757, a law called the River Ivel Navigation Act 1757 was passed. This law allowed the river to be made suitable for boats. It helped transport goods like coal and timber to towns such as Biggleswade and Shefford. Locks were built at places like Tempsford, Blunham, and Sandy to help boats navigate. For example, five locks were built between Tempsford and Biggleswade in 1758, costing £6,000.

Holme Mill Iron Bridge, a Scheduled monument.

The navigation system was expanded in 1823, reaching Shefford. However, its use declined with the arrival of the Great Northern Railway. Trains offered a faster way to move goods.

Ivel Navigation (Abandonment) Act 1876
Act of Parliament
Parliament of Great Britain
Long title	To provide for the closing of the Ivel Navigation; the Extinction of the Commission; and for other purposes.
Dates
Royal assent	13 July 1876

The canal was officially closed in 1876 by the Ivel Navigation (Abandonment) Act 1876. A dam built at Sandy also contributed to its closure. Today, you can still see parts of the old navigation, like Holme Lock near Jordan's Mill.

Historic Mills Along the Ivel

Many watermills once stood along the River Ivel. These mills used the river's power to grind corn.

Stotfold Mill, restored after a fire in 1992.

Stotfold Mill is a famous example. It was recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book and had one of the widest corn waterwheels in the United Kingdom. The mill was built in the early 1800s using gault bricks. Sadly, a fire destroyed it in 1992. However, the Stotfold Mill Preservation Trust rebuilt it, and it's now a popular attraction. Other mills along the river include Bowman's Mill, Holme Mill (which is now a museum), and Franklin's Mill.

See also

• Potton Brook
• List of rivers of England