River Wey, Dorset facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Wey |
|
|---|---|
The Wey at Upwey
|
|
 Location within Dorset
|
|
| Country | England |
| County | Dorset |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Upwey 50°40′00″N 2°29′00″W / 50.6667°N 2.4833°W |
| River mouth | Weymouth Harbour 50°36′42″N 2°27′27″W / 50.6118°N 2.4576°W |
The River Wey is a special kind of river called a chalk stream. It flows through Dorset in the southwest part of England. These rivers are unique because they get their water from underground chalk rocks. This makes the water very clear and clean.
Contents
Where Does the River Wey Flow?
The River Wey is about 12 kilometers (about 7.5 miles) long. It starts in a village called Upwey. Here, the water bubbles up from a spring known as the Upwey Wishing Well. This spot is at the bottom of the Dorset Downs, which are chalk hills. These hills separate the towns of Weymouth and Dorchester.
The River's Journey to the Sea
Most of the river's path is through the busy area of Weymouth. It flows through old villages that are now suburbs of Weymouth. These include Upwey, Broadwey, Nottington, and Radipole. The river then goes into Radipole Lake. Finally, it reaches Weymouth Harbour and flows into the sea. From where it starts to where it ends, the river drops about 60 meters (about 197 feet).
How Has the River Wey Been Used?
The River Wey has been important for a very long time. People used it even in Roman times. Back then, Radipole Lake was used to store water for the local area. The town of Weymouth grew up around the river's mouth. It was formed by two harbor villages, Weymouth itself and Melcombe Regis.
Water Mills and Water Supply
During the 1700s and 1800s, the river was very important for milling. There were five water mills along its banks. These mills used the river's power to grind grain. They had to work together carefully to make sure there was always enough water for everyone.
The river's source is also a key water supply today. There is a large pumping station at Friar Waddon. This station takes water from the Wey's source. It provides the main water supply for the Isle of Portland. A company called Wessex Water is allowed to pump 14 million liters of water every day from this source.
What Wildlife Lives in the River Wey?
The River Wey is a very important place for wildlife. Radipole Lake, which the river flows through, is a special area. It is a national nature reserve looked after by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. This means it's a protected home for many different birds and other animals. It has been a Site of Special Scientific Interest since 1979.
Clean Water for Fish and Plants
The clean spring water of the Wey is used by the Upwey fish farm. This farm also grows watercress. Watercress needs very good quality water to grow well. All the water used at the farm must be cleaned and sent back into the river. This helps keep the river healthy for all the plants and animals that live there.
See also
In Spanish: Río Wey (Dorset) para niños
