The River Itchen and Its Tributaries
The River Itchen is a river in Hampshire, England, that flows through the city of Winchester before joining Southampton Water. It is approximately 28 miles long and is famous for its clear waters, chalk stream ecology, and trout fishing. The river is fed by several tributaries, which increase its water flow and contribute to its ecological diversity.
The River Itchen Catchment Area
The River Itchen catchment area covers an area of approximately 300 square miles, stretching from the South Downs in the east to the Hampshire Basin in the west. The river rises in the chalk hills to the east of Winchester and flows westward towards Southampton Water, passing through the city of Winchester and several smaller towns and villages along the way.
The Two Main Tributaries of the River Itchen
The River Itchen has two main tributaries: the River Candover and the River Test. The River Test is the larger of the two and is widely regarded as one of the most important chalk streams in the world. It flows for approximately 39 miles through the Hampshire countryside before joining the River Itchen near the town of Eastleigh.
River Cheriton: A Major Tributary of the River Itchen
The River Cheriton is a major tributary of the River Itchen, which flows for approximately 13 miles from its source near Cheriton to its confluence with the main river near the town of New Alresford. The river passes through several small villages and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including kingfishers, water voles, and otters.
River Alre: A Significant Tributary of the River Itchen
The River Alre is a significant tributary of the River Itchen, flowing for approximately 9 miles from its source near Ropley to its confluence with the main river at Alresford. The river passes through several small villages and is known for its clear waters and abundant wildlife.
River Meon: A Major Tributary of the River Itchen
The River Meon is a major tributary of the River Itchen, flowing for approximately 21 miles from its source near the village of East Meon to its confluence with the main river near the town of Bishop’s Waltham. The river passes through several small villages and is famous for its clear waters and chalk stream ecology.
River Titchbourne: A Significant Tributary of the River Itchen
The River Titchbourne is a significant tributary of the River Itchen, flowing for approximately 8 miles from its source near the village of Tichborne to its confluence with the main river near the town of Alresford. The river passes through several small villages and is known for its clear waters and diverse wildlife.
River Test: A Major Tributary of the River Itchen
The River Test is a major tributary of the River Itchen, flowing for approximately 39 miles from its source near Overton to its confluence with the main river near the town of Eastleigh. The river is widely regarded as one of the most important chalk streams in the world and is famous for its crystal-clear waters, diverse wildlife, and excellent trout fishing.
River Arle: A Minor Tributary of the River Itchen
The River Arle is a minor tributary of the River Itchen, flowing for approximately 9 miles from its source near the village of West Meon to its confluence with the main river near the town of Winchester. The river passes through several small villages and is known for its clear waters and chalk stream ecology.
River Dever: A Minor Tributary of the River Itchen
The River Dever is a minor tributary of the River Itchen, flowing for approximately 5 miles from its source near the village of Dever to its confluence with the main river near the town of Winchester. The river passes through several small villages and is known for its clear waters and diverse wildlife.
River Candover: A Minor Tributary of the River Itchen
The River Candover is a minor tributary of the River Itchen, flowing for approximately 6 miles from its source near the village of Preston Candover to its confluence with the main river near the town of New Alresford. The river passes through several small villages and is known for its clear waters and chalk stream ecology.
Conclusion: The Importance of the River Itchen and Its Tributaries
The River Itchen and its tributaries are an important part of the Hampshire countryside, providing a home for a wide range of wildlife and supporting the local economy through trout fishing and other activities. The clear waters and chalk stream ecology of the river are also of international significance, making it a valuable resource for conservation and research.
