River Mole

River Mole. The River Mole is a major tributary of the Thames River, flowing through the counties of West Sussex, Surrey, and London. It is approximately 80 kilometers long and flows through several notable towns, including Dorking, Leatherhead, and Esher. The river's source is located in West Sussex, near the town of Rusper, and it flows northeast through the North Downs to its confluence with the Thames River at Molesey.

Geography

The River Mole flows through a diverse range of landscapes, including the South Downs National Park and the North Downs. The river's catchment area includes parts of the Weald and the London Basin, and it is bounded by the Chiltern Hills to the northwest and the South Downs to the south. The river's valley is home to several notable towns and villages, including Crawley, Horley, and Reigate, which are all located near the M23 motorway and the Gatwick Airport. The river also flows through the Painshill Park, a National Trust site, and the Horton Country Park, which is managed by the Surrey County Council.

Course

The River Mole rises near the town of Rusper in West Sussex and flows northeast through the North Downs to its confluence with the Thames River at Molesey. The river flows through several notable towns, including Dorking, Leatherhead, and Esher, and it is joined by several tributaries, including the River Wey and the River Tillingbourne. The river's course takes it through the Box Hill and the Leith Hill, which are both popular destinations for walkers and hikers. The river also flows through the Denbies Wine Estate, which is one of the largest vineyards in the United Kingdom.

History

The River Mole has a long and varied history, with evidence of human settlement in the area dating back to the Mesolithic era. The river was an important transportation route during the Roman era, and it was used to transport goods and supplies to the Roman town of Londinium. The river was also an important source of power during the Industrial Revolution, with several mills and factories located along its banks, including the Leatherhead Mill and the Dorking Mill. The river has also been the subject of several notable flood control schemes, including the Thames Flood Barrier and the Mole Flood Relief Scheme, which were implemented by the Environment Agency and the Surrey County Council.

Ecology

The River Mole is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several notable species of fish, such as the Atlantic salmon and the European otter. The river's valley is also home to several notable species of birds, including the Kingfisher and the Grey heron, which can be found in the Painshill Park and the Horton Country Park. The river's catchment area includes several notable areas of woodland, including the Ashtead Common and the Epsom Common, which are managed by the Surrey County Council and the City of London Corporation. The river is also an important habitat for several notable species of plants, including the Watercress and the Flag iris, which can be found in the River Wey and the River Tillingbourne.

Human Impact

The River Mole has been subject to several human impacts, including pollution and habitat destruction. The river's catchment area includes several notable areas of urban development, including the towns of Crawley and Horley, which are located near the Gatwick Airport and the M23 motorway. The river has also been affected by several notable flood events, including the 1947 Thames flood and the 2014 Surrey flooding, which were caused by heavy rainfall and high tides. The river is managed by the Environment Agency and the Surrey County Council, which work to protect and conserve the river's ecosystem and prevent flooding and pollution. The river is also an important recreational resource, with several notable angling and boating clubs located along its banks, including the Dorking Angling Club and the Leatherhead Sailing Club.

Category:Rivers of England