River Blyth, Northumberland

River Blyth
River Blyth near Bedlington
River Blyth, Northumberland is located in Northumberland
River Blyth, Northumberland
Location within Northumberland
Location
CountryUnited Kingdom
CountyNorthumberland
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • locationKirkheaton,[1] Northumberland, England
 • elevation215 m (705 ft)
Mouth 
 • location
Blyth
 • coordinates
55°06′59″N 1°29′21″W / 55.1165°N 1.4891°W / 55.1165; -1.4891
Length44 km (27 mi)
Discharge 
 • locationHartford Bridge, Northumberland
 • average2.14 m3/s (76 cu ft/s)

The River Blyth flows eastwards through southern Northumberland into the North Sea at the town of Blyth. It flows through Plessey Woods Country Park.[2] The River Pont is a tributary. The Blyth is 27 miles (44 km) long and the Pont is 17 miles (28 km).[3]

The tidal limit of the river is at Bebside. The estuary widens from this point eastwards and with the addition of a burn that enters on the northern side (Sleek Burn), it covers an area of 415 acres (168 hectares).[4]

Ecologists have suggested that a dam on the river at Humford Country Park in Bedlington could be removed to allow for fish migration. The local community have expressed a desire to keep the dam as it is a local beauty spot; they have suggested that a fish passage be built alongside instead.[5]

  1. ^ "Blyth from Source to How Burn". environment.data.gov.uk. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  2. ^ Aldred, Jessica (24 July 2008). "Otter spotting in Northumberland". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  3. ^ "The Northumberland Catchment" (PDF). environmentdata.org. Environment Agency. p. 3. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  4. ^ "Blyth (N)". environment.data.gov.uk. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  5. ^ "Dam in park 'must not be removed'". News Post Leader. 4 August 2017. Retrieved 19 February 2018.