What are some interesting facts about the River Lea?
It originates in Bedfordshire, in the Chiltern Hills, and flows southeast through Hertfordshire, along the Essex border and into Greater London, to meet the River Thames at Bow Creek. It is one of the largest rivers in London and the easternmost major tributary of the Thames. The River Lea has its source in Luton, before running through Hertfordshire and into London, joining up with the Thames. The Lea is a chalk stream, a rare form of watercourse, meaning it is of high priority to protect and restore.The River Lea (or Lee) has its source in the Chiltern Hills and flows southeast through East London to join the River Thames at Leamouth in Blackwall. Much of the river has been canalised and this is known as the Lee Navigation (confusingly, with the alternate spelling!It flows for sixty-eight kilometres from the chalky Chiltern Hills in Hertfordshire, but well before it hits the salty mouth of the Thames, it is laden with phosphates, plastic, sewage and industrial chemicals. It is, in fact, the most polluted river in Britain.Lea Valley Walk. This Walk London route consists of six sections between Waltham Cross an East India Dock. The 15. Lea Valley Walk follows the route along the Lee Navigation towpath, from Waltham Abbey to the Thames at Limehouse Basin.The River Lea was once a pure chalk stream that was the centre of town life. It provided clean drinking water to Luton and London and was the focal point for everything from the local straw hat making industry to major engineering firms.
What is the River Lea used for?
The people of the Lee Valley have always called on their local river for many needs: transport, water supply, fishing, flood control, power for mills, and today, pleasure boating. There is evidence of its use for transport as early as the Bronze Age. The improvements for navigation are among the oldest in the country. Lee Valley Regional Park Authority owns 35% of the Olympic Park. It funds, manages and owns three venues following the London 2012 Games – Lee Valley White Water Centre in Hertfordshire, Lee Valley VeloPark and the Eton Manor hockey and tennis centres located at the northernmost end of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.The valley takes its name from the River Lee (or Lea). Venues and attractions in the Lee Valley include the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford (home of the London 2012 Olympic Games) several marinas and moorings, a network of cycle routes, angling (fishing) areas, and green spaces.
Is the River Lea safe to swim in?
While we are passionate about encouraging this, your photo feature of swimmers in the River Lea in east London ignores the serious risk the polluted water causes to health. The most recent analysis of water in the river shows that it is consistently poor across all measures, including frequent dumping of raw sewage. The River Lea is plagued by pollution – it is no place for a swim.The river is safe to swim in. Always a bit of algae this time of year. Don’t drink it 🤷🏼♀️ and you’ll be fine. Taking a quick shower afterwards can help keep you clean.Stay safe when looking for a cool space this weekend. Swimming in the River Lea poses a health risk and can cause disease – don’t do it.
What are some fun facts about the River Lee?
The catchment area of the River Lee is 1,253 km2. The long-term average flow rate of the River Lee is 40. A hydro-electric scheme was built on the river, upstream from Cork City, and this part of the river now contains the Carrigadrohid and Inniscarra reservoirs. The River Lee’s journey begins high in the mountains. Its total length is about 90 kilometers (56 miles). The area of land that drains into the River Lee is 1,253 square kilometers. On average, the river carries about 40.
What is there to do in the Lee Valley?
Visitors to the area can enjoy a waterside picnic, visit some of the historic local attractions or simply take an unhurried ramble any weekend of the year. Unparalleled sporting opportunities exist right across the Lee Valley. Take the whole family for a thrilling day of riding, cycling or white water rafting. Recreation activities on the Lee include sailing, swimming, kayaking, water skiing. Several rowing clubs are based on the Lee including the Lee Rowing Club, Shandon Boat Club and “Cork Boat Club”.