The River Sid

The general state of the River.
In many places the river retains its natural characteristics where fallen trees enrich the diversity of flow, the banks are inhabited by multiple native species and willow and alder line the banks. Brown trout breed in these headwaters, otters hunt and the birdlife thrives. And as the river descends through the valley the wildlife continues to do well where humans and their dogs are not prevalent. Management over the last 150 years or so has changed the water course downstream making it deeper and straighter in places. Fencing, however, has helped prevent stock from degrading the banks.

Water Flow
In the headwaters the tributaries fall rapidly. Within the first quarter of its length the Sid has fallen some 75% of its height. This steep gradient has provided useful flow for mills in the past and winter and spring rainfall was used to usefully flood the meadows. However, with the sudden rainfall caused by climate change, high runoff causes watercourses to rise extremely quickly meaning flooding is an ever-present risk. The river has been known to increase its flow by up to 100 times in such events. The nature of the landscape affects the passage of water from the watershed. Some water will percolate into the bedrock, some will stay within the soil layer and be released slowly but some runs off quickly over the ground surface and straight into the river system, particularly when the ground is already saturated or when the upper soil layer is very dry or compacted.

River Water Quality
Water quality describes the physical, chemical, thermal, and biological properties of river water. The water should nourish plants and animals ensuring that the river corridor sustains wildlife and is enjoyed by all. Children should be able to play in the river safely.