Thursday, 21 February 2013

Coombe and the River Thames

By Gerald Frank


Situated in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Coombe is a small south London area characterised by fabulous period properties. Sharing borders with the river Thames and Richmond Park has led to this being a highly desirable place to live. Below are a few fascinating facts about the river Thames.

The Thames is the longest of England's rivers and stretches a total of 215 miles from Thames Head in Gloucestershire to the North Sea in Essex. Flowing to the east from the Cotswolds, the Thames passes through several cities and major towns.

From the Thames Estuary to Teddington Lock the river is tidal with the difference in height between tides measuring as much as 23 feet. Heading west from Teddington there are 44 more locks to be navigated before finally reaching Thames Head.

The Thames Catchment, the area of land draining into the river, covers 4,994 square miles and there are another 18 major river catchments that flow into the River Thames. The Thames has 38 main tributaries but there are numerous smaller tributaries including small brooks and streams that feed the main river.

At various locations along the Thames between Oxfordshire and Kent a number of islands can be found. Known as either Aits or Eyots, these are mainly formed where streams divide or by sedimentation. Although there are 190 islands only around a quarter of them are inhabited.

It is possible to cross over the Thames via one of its 214 bridges. Many of these are popular landmarks including the famous London Bridge. The river can also be traversed via one of the 17 tunnels that pass under the flowing waters.

Shipping remains a big industry on the tidal section of the Thames with 60 shipping companies based here. Many of the older docks, quays and wharves had been neglected but have now been developed providing modern retail developments and luxury housing.

There are many sports that can be enjoyed on the Thames but, with more than 200 dedicated clubs, rowing is probably the most popular. In addition to several regattas the Thames hosts the annual Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge universities.

Maintaining the natural environment throughout the Thames River Basin is essential and there are 46 Sites of Special Interest and internationally designated Special Protected Areas dedicated to conservation.

Although it is now rare to see some varieties of wild-life, it is quite common to spot seals in the estuary or otters and voles along the banks of the Thames. Porpoises and dolphins are often seen during the warmer months and sea-horses were discovered during a 2012 fish survey.

The Thames is home to more than 125 species of fish as well as more than 350 different organisms that live on the bottom of the river. It is also home to the eel, a traditional ingredient of the east London dish of Jellied Eels.




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