Turkey Brook facts for kids
Turkey Brook is a small river that starts near the Fir and Pond Woods nature reserve. This area is in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, England.
The Story Behind the Name
The name of the brook comes from a nearby area called Turkey Street. Long ago, in 1441, this street was known as Tokestreete. Over time, its name changed several times. By 1805, it was called Turkey street.
The original name might have come from a family called Toke or Tokey. The word "street" simply meant a group of houses or a small village. The modern name "Turkey" became common after the 1800s. It's likely due to something called "folk etymology." This means people changed the name because it sounded like something familiar, even if it wasn't the original meaning.
Where Does the Brook Flow?
The Turkey Brook flows mainly towards the east. As it travels, other smaller streams join it. These include Cuffley Brook, Cattlegate Brook, and the Small River Lea.
The brook passes through several interesting places. It flows through Cuffley, past Crews Hill Golf Club, and then through Clay Hill. It also goes through Whitewebbs Park and Forty Hill. Finally, it reaches Albany Park. The Turkey Brook then joins a larger waterway called the River Lee Navigation, just below Enfield Lock.
Wildlife in Turkey Brook
The Turkey Brook is usually shallow and flows quite fast. This helps keep its water clean. Because the water is clean and moving, it's a good home for different kinds of wildlife.
For example, various coarse fish live in the brook. Fish like dace use the brook to spawn. This means they lay their eggs in the clean, flowing water.
