Wraysbury River facts for kids

The Wraysbury River is a special kind of river branch called an anabranch. It splits off from the River Colne and then later joins it again. You can find this river west of London, England. It's an important waterway in the area.

The River's Journey

The Wraysbury River starts its journey by leaving the main River Colne near a place called West Drayton.

Passing Under Motorways

As it flows, the river goes under some very busy roads. First, it passes beneath the M4 motorway. Then, it flows close to Longford before going under the huge M25 motorway.

Branches and Reservoirs

A part of the Wraysbury River then splits off. This smaller branch helps to feed another stream called the Colne Brook through something called the Poyle Channel. Meanwhile, the main Wraysbury River keeps flowing right next to the M25 motorway. It even crosses back under the M25 near the large Wraysbury Reservoir.

Rejoining the Colne

Finally, the Wraysbury River reaches the town of Staines. In the center of Staines, it flows back into the River Colne. Soon after this, the River Colne itself flows into the famous River Thames.

Changes to the River

The northern part of the Wraysbury River has been changed a lot over time. This was done to make space for the big M4 and M25 motorways. Engineers had to adjust the river's path to fit these roads.

Images for kids

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  The Wraysbury River with a flow measuring station and the M25 motorway nearby.

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  Where the Wraysbury River flows back into the River Colne.