River Meon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Meon |
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River Meon Spring
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| Country | England |
| County | Hampshire |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Meon Spring East Meon, Hampshire, England 120 metres (390 ft) 50°58′43″N 1°01′30″W / 50.9785°N 1.0249°W |
| River mouth | Hill Head Harbour The Solent, Hampshire, England 0 metres (0 ft) 50°49′06″N 1°14′35″W / 50.8183°N 1.2430°W |
| Length | 34 km (21 mi) |
The River Meon is a special kind of river called a chalk stream. It flows through Hampshire in the south of England. The river starts at a place called East Meon. From there, it travels about 34 km (21 mi) (21 miles) south. Finally, it flows into a sea channel called the Solent near Hill Head. Part of the river, above Wickham, runs through the beautiful South Downs National Park.
The River's Journey
The River Meon begins its journey about 1.6 km (1 mile) south of East Meon village. It first flows north, then turns northwest towards West Meon. After that, it heads southwest to Warnford. The river then mostly flows south-southwest in a fairly straight line. However, it has many small twists and turns along the way.
The Meon passes through several villages. These include Exton, Corhampton, Meonstoke, Droxford, Wickham, and Titchfield. Near its end, the river spreads out into an estuary. This area is about 3.2 km (2 miles) long. It flows through the marshes of the Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve. The river then enters the Solent through a small harbour at Hill Head. If you look at a map, the whole valley of the River Meon looks a bit like a shepherd's crook.
Boats and the River
The part of the river above the estuary has never been used by boats. Titchfield Haven, located on the coast of the Solent, used to be a small harbour. In the 1600s, a noble called the Earl of Southampton had a special gate, or sluice, built. This was to help drain the marshy lands. This project created what is known as the Titchfield Canal.
Today, these wetlands have been restored. They are now part of the Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve. This reserve is an important place for wildlife.
Images for kids
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1. The River Meon starts near East Meon.
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2. The Meon at Warnford.
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3. A bridge over the River Meon at Soberton.
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4. The River Meon at Mislingford.
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5. The river near Fareham, north of the M27 motorway.
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6. Flooding in Catisfield.
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7. Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve.
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8. The River Meon flows into the Solent.
