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Father Thames moves south

31st Aug 2005

It will come as no surprise to read that the spring and summer of 2005 have been exceptionally dry – especially for the South-east. Our green countryside has suffered 10 months of below average rainfall, and winter 2004-05 was the driest since 1976.

A more surprising consequence of this is that the source of the River Thames has moved. The traditional source of our mighty river lies in a remote Gloucestershire meadow, beneath the boughs of an elderly ash tree. A simple plaque beneath the tree marks the spot, and visitors can marvel at the small basin of clear water which grows into Old Father Thames.

This year, the infant spring is dry. The source of the Thames has moved some three and a half miles south to Summerford Keynes near the Witshire border.

Although it is not unusual for the riverbed to be empty of water for some distance, as it meanders from our Gloucestershire meadow past Cotswold villages, it is noteworthy that the historic Thames is now springing from an entirely new source.

People in southern England are now being encouraged to use water wisely and help conserve supplies. Simple actions such as not leaving taps running, fixing leaking taps and using a watering can instead of a hosepipe can help to protect our water supplies.

Last updated: 22/10/2008