River Lynher facts for kids

A map showing the River Tamar and its smaller rivers, including the River Lynher

The River Lynher (which is Linar in the Cornish language) is a river in east Cornwall, England. Closer to the sea, it is sometimes called the St Germans River. The Lynher flows into the River Tamar at a place called the Hamoaze. The Hamoaze then flows into Plymouth Sound, which is part of the English Channel.

Boating and River Travel

The River Lynher near Saltash, seen from the Antony estate

Where Boats Can Go

The River Lynher is used by boats, but only up to a certain point. This point is called the normal tidal limit. It's a weir (a small dam) located upstream of Notter Bridge. This means that the tide, which is the rise and fall of the sea, only affects the river up to this weir.

The old fishing village of St Germans is found on the River Tiddy, which joins the Lynher. The Quay Sailing Club is based at St Germans Quay.

Who Manages the River?

The Queen's Harbour Master for Plymouth is in charge of managing boats and navigation on the tidal parts of the Lynher and its smaller rivers. They make sure everyone stays safe on the water.

River's Journey and Size

The River Lynher is about 21 miles (34 kilometers) long. It starts high up on Bodmin Moor, about 920 feet (280 meters) above sea level. From there, it flows down to the Tamar Estuary, which is near Plymouth.

The Lynher has four main smaller rivers that flow into it. The biggest of these is the River Tiddy. Other smaller streams that join the Lynher include Deans Brook, Withey Brook, Marke Valley Stream, Darleyford Stream, and Kelly Brook.

Wildlife and Nature

Fish in the River

The Lynher and its smaller rivers are popular places for fishing. People often use a rod and line to catch fish here. The main types of fish caught are brown trout and Atlantic salmon.

Special Nature Areas

The area where the Lynher meets the sea is very important for nature. It is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a place that has special plants, animals, or rocks that need to be protected. It is also a Special Protection Area (SPA), which means it's important for protecting birds.

Many different kinds of animals live here, including:

• The colorful kingfisher
• The playful otter
• The white-throated dipper (a bird that dives underwater)
• The elegant avocet
• The long-legged black-tailed godwit

A special plant called the triangular club-rush (scirpus) also grows along the river banks.

The Lynher estuary, along with the Tamar–Tavy Estuary system and St John's Lake, form a larger area called the Tamar Estuaries Complex. This whole area is a Special Protection Area (SPA). It is also part of the Plymouth Sound and Estuaries Special Area of Conservation (SAC), which protects important habitats and species.

Park Wood's Importance

Park Wood is a woodland area in the Lynher valley, about 2 miles (3 kilometers) southwest of Callington. This wood is also a designated SSSI because of its important plants and animals.