RIVER EXE

The 'River Exe' rises near the village of Simonsbath, on Exmoor in Somerset, near the Bristol Channel coast, but flows more or less directly due south, so that most of its length lies in Devon. It reaches the sea at a substantial ria (estuary) on the south (English Channel) coast of Devon. Historically, its lowest bridging point was at Exeter, though there is now a viaduct for the M5 motorway about 3 km south of the city centre.
The river fuelled Exeter's growth and relative importance in medieval times and the city's first industrial area was developed at Exe Island, created by a series of leats to the west of the city. The island was home to numerous mills producing paper and textiles, and also created valuable land through drainage of the marshlands.
The river's name is obviously related to that of Exeter, and in addition many villages along the course of the river take their names from it, including Exford, Up Exe, Nether Exe, Exwick, Exton, Exminster, and Exebridge, where it is joined by the River Barle. Just 150 metres below this union is one of the best, and highest Salmon Pools on the river; Black Pool.
The seaside town of Exmouth is at the east side of the estuary, and Dawlish Warren at the west.
Tides on the river are now limited at Countess Wear the site of a weir commissioned by the Countess of Devon. The Exeter Canal bypasses this weir and Trews Weir to enable ocean-going sailing ships to reach the Exeter quay. At high tide, the estuary forms a large body of water that is heavily used for water sports especially sailing, windsurfing and water skiing; at low tide, extensive mud flats are exposed, and these are an important feeding source for wading birds. Along with other rias in South West England, the Exe estuary is an important site for wintering waders. Dawlish Warren is a favoured site for birdwatching. The river is acidic and populated with wild Brown Trout and some Grayling, the average size being 8 - 10oz. There is a run of Atlantic Salmon but unlike many West Country rivers no Seatrout.
Railways run along both sides of the estuary. The Avocet Line from Exeter to Exmouth on the eastern side, and the South Devon main line on the western. The latter is on a causeway from Powderham to Dawlish Warren. The Exmouth to Starcross Ferry carries passengers across the mouth of the estuary during the summer months, linking the harbour at Exmouth with a pier adjacent to Starcross railway station on the South Devon main line.

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External links

See also

References

External links

★ Photographs from the Exe Estuary, Topsham & Powderham

★ Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve

★ Exe Power Boat & Ski Club

See also

★ Rivers of the United Kingdom

References

★ Lawrence, Rod: ''The Exe: A River for Wildlife'' Bradford-on-Avon 1999

★ The Leats of Exeter - A Short History