River Seaton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Seaton |
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The River Seaton, Hessenford
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Rivers south of Bodmin Moor
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 1,214 feet (370 m) |
| Length | 11 miles (17 km) |
The River Seaton is a river located in eastern Cornwall, England, UK. It flows south for about 17 kilometers (11 miles) before reaching the English Channel. This river is an important part of the local landscape and history.
Contents
The River Seaton's Journey
The River Seaton begins its journey high up near Caradon Hill. From there, it flows generally south, passing through several small towns and villages. These include Darite, Menheniot, and Hessenford. After flowing past these places, the river continues a few more miles south. It finally empties into the sea at Seaton Beach, which is located just west of Downderry.
How the River Has Changed
Over time, parts of the River Seaton have been changed by people. In its lower sections, the river has been dug into straighter channels. This makes the water flow faster and removes the natural curves of the river.
River Health and Wildlife
Because of past mining activities around Bodmin Moor, the river's water contains small amounts of metals like aluminum and copper. These changes, along with the straightened channels, have affected the river's natural environment. As a result, there are fewer types of wildlife living in the River Seaton compared to what there might have been naturally. Protecting rivers from pollution and keeping their natural shapes helps support more diverse plant and animal life.
What's in a Name?
The name "Seaton" has a long history. Records show that the river was called "Seythyn" back in the year 1302. This old name means "little arrow river." It's interesting to think about how the river's straight, fast flow in some parts might have reminded people of an arrow.
