The River Severn (from Wales to the Bristol Channel)
The Rivern Severn is the longest river in England, stretching 220 miles from the Welsh Cambrian mountains to the Bristol channel in south west England. It has the highest flow of water in England (and Wales) and the second-highest tidal bore on earth.
The river runs through Shropshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, and also passes through the town of Shrewsbury, and the cities of Worcester and Gloucester:
Always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and toxic plants/trees) and on leads near birds, barnyard friends and wild ponies.
At the coast, keep away from nesting birds and never walk on sand dunes. Learn how to keep dogs safe by the seaside (check beach bans before travel).
Where are the Cambrian mountains?
These mountains (which also include the River Wye) are a range of upland moors in mid Wales, stretching between Snowdonia (north) and Brecon Beacons (south). Mostly in the county of Powys, this ‘green desert’ also stretches to the Ceredigion coast on the west coast.
Home to 10% of Britain’s wintering dunlins
The Severn Estuary is a vital habitat for dunlins. These look similar to curlews, with downward-curving bills, and although brown in breeding season, are grey in winter. These small busy birds rarely rest, dashing about in large flocks to probe the mud for food. In winter, the sight of thousands wheeling in the air is a true spectacle.
RSPB ask that vulnerable breeding birds are given space on the ground during nesting season (curlews, lapwings, little terns and skylarks are often found on beaches, heathland and woodland). They could abandon nests and eggs if disturbed by people or dogs.
Keep to marked paths with dogs under close control (especially from March to August) when parent birds are sitting on eggs, and chicks are on the ground – chicks are more mobile from July, putting them more at risk). If you see any running about, keep at least 100m away, to protect them.
It also is home to seven migrating fish species (including salmons and eels). There is presently a major project underway, to restore connectivity for migrating fish across the longest stretches of this river.
Two bridges crossing the river
The Severn Bridge was opened in 1966, and is a Grade 2 listed suspension bridge linking Aust (England) and Beachley (Wales). The bridge took 3 years to build and has 4 lanes.
The Prince of Wales Bridge is a 3.2 mile cable-stayed bridge that carries the M4 over the River Severn between England and Wales, connecting Bristol to Newport/Cardiff. It’s sometimes closed in high winds, though walking/cycle paths are kept open unless there are severe storms.
