River Sow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Sow |
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River Sow near Milford
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Country within the UK | England |
| Counties | Staffordshire |
| Towns | Eccleshall, Stafford |
| Villages | Great Bridgeford, Milford, Tixall |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Broughton, Staffordshire 52°54′02″N 2°21′55″W / 52.9006°N 2.3654°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with the Trent near Essex Bridge, Staffordshire 52°48′03″N 2°00′32″W / 52.8008°N 2.0089°W |
| Length | 38 km (24 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 601 km2 (232 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
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| Progression : Sow — Trent — Humber — North Sea | |
The River Sow is a beautiful river in Staffordshire, England. It is a smaller river that flows into the larger River Trent. The River Sow is especially important because it runs right through the town of Stafford.
Contents
Journey of the River Sow
The River Sow starts its journey in the countryside of Staffordshire. It begins near a place called Broughton, not far from Loggerheads. From there, it flows towards the south-east.
From Source to Eccleshall
As the river starts, it passes by small villages like Fairoak and Bishop’s Offley. It then reaches a lake called Cop Mere. After the lake, a smaller stream, the Brockton Brook, joins the River Sow. The river then flows past Eccleshall and its old castle. Here, a main road, the A519, crosses over the river.
Through the Marshes to Stafford
The Sow continues its path, still heading south-east. It passes Chebsey and is joined by another stream, the Meece Brook. The river then flows past Worston mill and the villages of Little and Great Bridgeford. A special place the river goes through is the Doxey Marshes nature reserve. This area is important for wildlife.
Reaching the Town of Stafford
Next, the River Sow reaches the town of Stafford. It flows right through Victoria Park, a lovely green space in the town. After leaving Stafford, near a place called Baswich, the River Sow meets its biggest helper, the River Penk.
Final Stretch to the Trent
The river then continues its journey under a bridge between Milford and Tixall. Finally, it flows through the beautiful grounds of Shugborough Hall. Near Essex Bridge, the River Sow proudly joins the River Trent, which is a much larger river.
For many years, parts of the River Sow were used for boats. Between 1816 and the 1920s, the section of the river from Stafford to Baswich was like a small waterway for transport. People called this part the River Sow Navigation.
Today, there are exciting plans to make this part of the river usable for boats again. A group called Stafford Riverway Link is working hard to make this happen. They are a special type of company that works for the good of the community.
River Environment and Wildlife
The River Sow is a home for many different kinds of plants and animals. Scientists have tested the river to make sure it is healthy.
Water Quality and Health
In 2009, tests showed the river's water was healthy. The pH level was 7.6, which means it was slightly alkaline. The oxygen levels were also good, at 68% at the river's start. This is important for fish and other creatures to breathe.
Fish Species in the Sow
Many types of fish live in the River Sow. You might find fish like Chub, Roach, Pike, and Bream swimming in its waters. These fish help keep the river's ecosystem balanced.
