The River Ivel () is a north-flowing chalk stream in south-eastern England. Rising at Ivel Springs in Baldock, Hertfordshire, it flows primarily through Bedfordshire before joining the River Great Ouse at its confluence near Tempsford. The river has a length of .

Geography

The total length of the river is . Its source rises at Ivel Springs near Baldock at an elevation of and it drains into the River Great Ouse near Tempsford.

Tributaries

The River Ivel has four notable tributaries: Pix Brook, Potton Brook,

Geology

The River Ivel is a chalk stream, sustained primarily by groundwater from underlying chalk aquifers, resulting in clear, mineral-rich water. Its headwaters rises at perennial springs at Ivel Springs, with the upper reaches predominantly spring-fed. The River Ivel catchment is bounded by the Chiltern Hills to the south and Greensand Ridge to the north.

Sedimentology

In the county of Bedfordshire, there are two sources of aggregate; Pleistocene river and glacial gravel and sands. The valley gravels lies in the Ivel valley.

Ecology

Several nature reserves are located along the River Ivel, including Ivel Springs and Stotfold Mill Meadows, which contain habitats such as wetlands and meadows. Local conservation groups, such as RevIvel, records water levels, groundwater abstraction, and pollution. RevIvel is a member of the Chalk Aquifer Alliance (CAA).

{| class="wikitable"

|+ Species on the River Ivel

! Species!! Scientific Name

|-

| Water Vole || Arvicola Amphibius

|-

| Kingfisher || Alcedo Atthis

|-

| Himalayan Balsam || Impatiens Glandulifera

|-

| American Mink || Neovison Vison

|}

There are several native species on the River Ivel, including the Water Vole (Arvicola Amphibius) and the Kingfisher (Alcedo Atthis). Non-Native species occur on the River Ivel these include: Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens Glandulifera) and the American Mink (Neovison Vison).

Hydrology

{| class="wikitable"

|+

!Gauging/Measuring Station

!Highest depth

!Lowest depth

!Depth Range

|-

|Biggleswade

|1.14m

| -

|0.13m - 0.48m

|-

|Blunham

|1.45m

| -

|0.18m - 0.55m

|}

In 11 February 2009, the highest depth recorded in the measuring station in Biggleswade was .In Blunham, the highest depth recorded in the measuring station reached in 3 January 2003.

History

thumb|Holme Lock – a remnant from the Ivel Navigation abandoned during the 19th century

The river was made navigable following an Act of 1757. Locks had been constructed at Tempsford, Blunham, South Mills, and Sandy. Biggleswade was supplied with coal and the canal had been extended to Shefford in 1823, with locks at Biggleswade, Holme, Stanford and Clifton. The canal was abandoned in 1876 when a dam was built across it at Sandy, the relevant local act of Parliament, the (39 & 40 Vict. c. cxiv), being passed in the same year.

See also

  • Potton Brook
  • List of rivers of England

Notes

References

Bibliography

  • Case study of the River Ivel Walk nr Biggleswade
  • Videos documenting the conservation efforts of the River Ivel
  • Drone view of the River Ivel