River Brit
The River Brit is a river in western Dorset. It rises just to the north of Beaminster and then flows south to Bradpole and Bridport, where it is joined by its tributaries, the River Simene and River Asker. South of Bridport the Brit enters the sea, at West Bay, where it pours out into Lyme Bay and the English Channel.
The river's name is derived from the town of Bridport, which is sited on its banks. Bridport in turn derives its name from the River Bride, the neighbouring drainage basin to the east, which has connections with Bridport's early history. Before Bridport was established, the Brit was called the River Wooth, and some villages in its valley echo that original name, amongst them Wooth Manor and Camesworth.[1]
The Brit previously suffered from pollution caused by the local hemp and flax industries and by sewage discharge, but the environment of the river has improved in recent years. Fish species found include the Stone Loach, Brown trout and minnows.[2]
References
- ↑ C. J. Bailey (1982). "Extracts from C.J. Bailey's Book "The Bride Valley"". www.burtonbradstock.org.uk. http://www.burtonbradstock.org.uk/History/C%20J%20Baileys%20The%20Bride%20Valley/The%20Natural%20Setting.htm. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
- ↑ "River Brit & River Asker". Frome, Piddle & West Dorset Fisheries Association. http://www.riverfrome.com/?page_id=202. Retrieved 19 July 2012.
- Map: 50°46’0"N, 2°46’0"W