River Ouse

River Ouse. The River Ouse is a major river in Yorkshire, England, flowing through the City of York and Selby before emptying into the Humber Estuary, near Kingston upon Hull. It is approximately 52 miles long and is formed by the confluence of the Ure River and the Ouse Gill Beck near Cuddy Shaw. The river is also close to the North York Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and flows through the Vale of York.

Geography

The River Ouse flows through a variety of landscapes, including the Yorkshire Wolds and the Vale of Pickering. It passes through several towns and cities, including York, Selby, and Goole, before emptying into the Humber Estuary. The river is close to several notable landmarks, including York Minster, Clifford's Tower, and Selby Abbey. The river also flows through the Fulford Ings and the Strensall Common, which are both Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designated by Natural England. The river is also near the A1 road and the M62 motorway, and is crossed by several bridges, including the Bishopthorpe Bridge and the Ouse Bridge.

History

The River Ouse has a long and varied history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Mesolithic era. The river was an important transportation route for the Vikings and the Romans, who built several settlements and fortifications along its banks, including Eboracum and Danum. The river was also an important center for the Medieval wool trade, with several monasteries and abbeys built along its banks, including Fountains Abbey and Rievaulx Abbey. The river was also the site of several battles, including the Battle of Fulford and the Battle of Stamford Bridge, which took place during the Viking invasion of England.

Navigation

The River Ouse is navigable for much of its length, and has been an important transportation route for several centuries. The river is connected to the Aire and Calder Navigation and the Selby Canal, which provide a route to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation. The river is also crossed by several locks, including the Naburn Locks and the Bishopthorpe Locks, which allow boats to navigate the river. The river is used by several boat clubs and sailing clubs, including the York City Rowing Club and the Selby Sailing Club. The river is also home to several marinas, including the York Marina and the Selby Marina.

Ecology

The River Ouse is home to a variety of wildlife, including several species of fish, such as the salmon and the trout. The river is also an important habitat for several species of birds, including the kingfisher and the heron. The river is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) by the European Union, and is protected by several conservation organizations, including the Wildlife Trusts and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). The river is also close to several nature reserves, including the Fulford Ings Nature Reserve and the Strensall Common Nature Reserve.

Tributaries

The River Ouse has several tributaries, including the Ure River, the Ouse Gill Beck, and the Cock Beck. The river also receives water from several streams and brooks, including the Fulford Stream and the Strensall Brook. The river is also connected to several lakes and reservoirs, including the Kilnwick Percy Reservoir and the Pocklington Canal. The river is close to several notable landmarks, including Castle Howard and Hovingham Hall, which are both located near the North York Moors National Park. The river is also near the University of York and the York St John University, which are both located in the City of York.