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The River Dart - A Journey by Nick Shepherd - Part III
Over the last two months we have experienced the tumbling waters of the moorland Dart and the beauty of the ‘middle stretch’ as the river flows gracefully through woodland and lush meadows. As we approach Totnes the river widens out and for the first time the influence of the sea starts to take affect.


As the river makes its final part of the journey it passes by tranquil villages hugging the banks of the ‘estuary’ before making its great escape between the castles of Dartmouth and Kingswear.

LANDSCAPE

Although many people refer to the river Dart ‘estuary’, in geographical terms, it is technically classified as a ria. Rias are often referred to as drowned river valleys and form when sea levels rise relative to the land. When this happens, valleys which were previously at sea level become submerged. The Dart estuary is also somewhat unusual in having steep valley sides which originated during the last ice age.

NATURE

Two tides a day, about 12 hours apart, flood the Dart Estuary up to Totnes weir. When the tide goes out large expanses of mud are exposed. These mudflats are home to thousands of burrowing animals, such as ragworms, furrow shells, cockles, crabs and various snails, which in turn provide food for a wealth of bird life...........

Continue reading "By the Dart" June 2009 edition...
 
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