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{{Short description|River in Somerset, England}}
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==Course==
The River Brue originates in hills to the southwest of the [[Drainage basin|catchment]] area, close to the border with [[Dorset]]. The same hills are the locale of the sources of the [[River Wylye]] and the [[River Stour, Dorset|Dorset Stour]] which flow south to the [[English Channel]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Lewis |first=Samuel (the younger) |title=The Book of English Rivers |publisher=Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans |year=1855 |location=London |pages=50–51 |url=[https://booksarchive.google.comorg/details/bookenglishrive00lewigoog/books?id=BUNTxplv8Y0C&pg=PA50page/n62 50]–51 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/webdetails/20161226004130/https://books.google.com/books?id=BUNTxplv8Y0C&pg=PA50 |archivedate=26 December 2016bookenglishrive00lewigoog }}</ref> It descends quickly in a narrow valley to a point just beyond [[Bruton]] where it is joined by the [[River Pitt]]. Here it takes a meandering route through a broad, flat-bottomed valley between [[Castle Cary]] and [[Alhampton]]. By the time it reaches [[Baltonsborough]] it is only some {{convert|10|m}} above sea level and the surrounding countryside is drained into it by way of numerous [[rhyne]]s. It passes [[Glastonbury]], where it acts as a natural boundary with nearby village of [[Street, Somerset|Street]], before flowing in a largely artificial channel across the [[Somerset Levels]] and into the [[River Parrett]] at [[Burnham-on-Sea]]. It is joined by the [[North Drain]], [[White's River]] (which takes the water of the [[River Sheppey]], [[Cripps River]] (an artificial channel that connects it to the [[River Huntspill]]) and many drainage rhynes). It is connect to the [[River Axe (Bristol Channel)|River Axe]] through several of these channels which are controlled by [[sluice]]s.<ref name=eabrueandaxe>{{cite web|title=Brue and Axe - Summary|url=http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/OperationalCatchment/4wsx/Summary|website=Catchment Data Explorer|publisher=Environment Agency|accessdateaccess-date=20 September 2015}}</ref> It is [[Tide|tidal]] below the sluices at New Clyce Bridge in [[Highbridge, Somerset|Highbridge]].<ref>{{cite web|title=River Brue |url=http://somersetrivers.org/index.php?module=Content&func=view&pid=6 |publisher=Somerset Rivers |accessdateaccess-date=13 October 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008215456/http://www.somersetrivers.org/index.php?module=Content&func=view&pid=6 |archivedatearchive-date= 8 October 2015 }}</ref>
 
[[File:Bow Bridge Bruton.jpg|thumb|left|[[Bow Bridge, Plox|Bow Bridge]]]]
 
[[Bow Bridge, Plox|Bow Bridge]] is a 15th-century [[Packhorse bridge]] over the River Brue in Plox, Bruton. It is a Grade I [[listed building]],<ref name="IoE">{{cite webNHLE|urlnum=https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1176195 |titledesc=Bow Bridge |work=historicengland.org.uk |publisher=English Heritage |accessdateaccess-date=3 July 2009 |df= }}</ref> and [[scheduled monument]].<ref name="sher">{{cite web|url=http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/50836 |title=Bow Bridge (also known as The Packhorse Bridge), Plox (North West side), Bruton |work=Somerset Historic Environment Record |publisher=Somerset County Council |accessdateaccess-date=3 July 2009 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003100610/http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/50836 |archivedatearchive-date= 3 October 2016 }}</ref> The bridge may have been built as a link between the former [[Bruton Abbey]], and its Court Housecourthouse in the High Street.<ref name="IoE"/> The bridge was restored after floods in 1982.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bow Bridge, Bruton |url=http://www.transportheritage.com/find-heritage-locations.html?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=86&sobi2Id=652 |publisher=Transport Heritage |accessdateaccess-date=13 October 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221200850/http://www.transportheritage.com/find-heritage-locations.html?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=86&sobi2Id=652 |archivedatearchive-date=21 December 2014 }}</ref>
 
The River Brue has a long history of flooding. Its lower reaches are close to sea- level, and the river above Bruton drains an area of {{convert|31|km²}} into a steep and narrow valley. In 1984 a protective dam was built {{convert|1|km}} upstream from the town.<ref name=vijay>{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Vijay P. |title=Watershed Hydrology: Proceedings of the International Conference on Water and Environment|publisher=Allied Publishers|location=Bhopal, India|date= 15–18 December 2003|pages=426, 485–488|isbn=978-81-7764-547-7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=73DdflwDU0oC&pg=PA485}}</ref>
 
The valley includes several [[Site of Special Scientific Interest|Sites of Special Scientific Interest]] including [[Westhay Moor]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) notification |url=http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1001181.pdf |publisher=English Nature |accessdateaccess-date=24 April 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061013121353/http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1001181.pdf |archivedatearchive-date=13 October 2006 }}</ref> [[Shapwick Heath]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Shapwick Heath |work=English Nature |url=http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1000667.pdf |accessdateaccess-date=2006-08-19 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061013121915/http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1000667.pdf |archivedatearchive-date=13 October 2006 }}</ref> and [[Shapwick Moor]]. Much of the area has been at the centre of [[peat extraction on the Somerset Levels]]. Large areas of [[peat]] were laid down on the Somerset Levels, particularly in the River Brue Valley, during the [[Quaternary]] period after the ice sheets melted.<ref name="natengsom">{{cite web|title=Somerset|url=http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/geodiversity/englands/counties/area_ID30.aspx|archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140605090108/http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/geodiversity/englands/counties/area_ID30.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 June 2014|publisher=[[Natural England]]|accessdateaccess-date=20 September 2015}}</ref> The extraction of peat from the Moors is known to have taken place during [[Roman Britain|Roman]] times, and has been carried out since the Levels were first drained. Peat extraction on the Somerset Moors continues today, although much reduced.<ref name="natengsom"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Somerset Levels and Moors/Mid Somerset Hills |url=http://countryside-quality-counts.org.uk/resources/ccvolume/JCA143-CCvolume.pdf |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20101219012433/http://countryside-quality-counts.org.uk/resources/ccvolume/JCA143-CCvolume.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 December 2010 |work=Character Areas |format=PDF |publisher=Countryside Quality Counts |accessdateaccess-date=1 September 2010}}</ref>
{{Clear}}
 
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[[File:Tootal bridge.jpg|alt=Three arch stone bridge over water.|thumb|upright|Tootal Bridge at [[Barton St David]] over the River Brue]]
 
The area is known to have been occupied since the [[Neolithic]] when people exploited the reedswamps for their natural resources and started to construct wooden [[trackway]]s such as the [[Sweet Track|Sweet]] and [[Post Track]]s. The Sweet Track, named after the peat digger who discovered it in 1970 and dating from the 3800s BC, is the world's oldest [[timber trackway]], once thought to be the world's oldest engineered roadway.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Williams |first1=Robin |last2=Williams |first2=Romey |title=The Somerset Levels |year=1992 |publisher=Ex Libris Press |isbn=0-948578-38-6 |pages=35–38 }}</ref> The track was built between what was in the early 4th&nbsp;millennium BC an island at [[Westhay]] and a ridge of high ground at [[Shapwick, Somerset|Shapwick]], close to the River Brue. The remains of similar tracks have been uncovered nearby, connecting settlements on the [[Raised bog|peat bog]] including the Honeygore, Abbotts Way, Bells, Bakers, Westhay and Nidons trackways.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naturalareas.naturalengland.org.uk/Science/natural/profiles/naProfile85.pdf |title=Somerset Levels and Moors Natural Area&nbsp;– A nature conservation profile July 1997 |accessdateaccess-date=30 November 2011 |format=PDF |work=English Nature |url-status=dead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029184747/http://www.naturalareas.naturalengland.org.uk/Science/natural/profiles/naProfile85.pdf |archivedatearchive-date=29 October 2013 }}</ref>
 
The Levels contain the best-preserved prehistoric village in the UK,<ref name=GLV/> [[Glastonbury Lake Village]], as well as two others at [[Meare Lake Village]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Adkins |first1=Lesley |last2=Adkins |first2=Roy |title=A field guide to Somerset archaeology |year=1992 |publisher=Dovecote Press |isbn=978-0-946159-94-9 |pages=69–70 }}</ref> Discovered in 1892 by [[Arthur Bulleid]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://glastonburyantiquarians.org/site/index.php?page_id=54 |title=Lake village |accessdateaccess-date=18 November 2007 |work=Glastonbury Antiquarians |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215091828/http://glastonburyantiquarians.org/site/index.php?page_id=54 |archivedatearchive-date=15 December 2007 }}</ref> it was inhabited by about 200&nbsp;people living in 14&nbsp;[[Roundhouse (dwelling)|roundhouses]],<ref name=GLV>{{cite web|url=http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/23637 |title=Glastonbury Lake Village |accessdateaccess-date=18 November 2007 |work=Somerset Historic Environment Record |publisher=[[Somerset County Council]] |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003094559/http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/23637 |archivedatearchive-date= 3 October 2016 }}</ref> and was built on a [[Marsh|morass]] on an artificial foundation of timber filled with brushwood, [[bracken]], rubble and clay.<ref>{{cite book |last=Cunliffe |first=Barry |title=Iron Age Communities in Britain (4th Ed) |year=2005|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3lkEgdtOvGEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=isbn=0415347793&cd=1#v=onepage&q |publisher=Routledge |isbn=0-415-34779-3 |page=266 | accessdateaccess-date=3 January 2011 }}</ref>
 
The valley was used during [[Romano-British]] period when it was the site of salt extraction.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Rippon |first1=Stephen |title=Taming a wetland wilderness: Romano=British and Medieval Reclamation in the Somerset Levels and moors. |journal=Somerset Archaeology and Natural History |date=2004 |pages=157–164 |url=http://www.sanhs.org/Documents/148/WetlandWilderness.pdf |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305035342/http://www.sanhs.org/Documents/148/WetlandWilderness.pdf |archivedatearchive-date= 5 March 2016 }}</ref> At that time, the Brue formed a lake just south of the hilly ground on which Glastonbury stands. According to legend this lake is one of the locations suggested by Arthurian legend as the home of the [[Lady of the Lake]]. Pomparles Bridge stood at the western end of this lake, guarding Glastonbury from the south, and it is suggested that it was here that [[Bedivere|Sir Bedivere]] threw [[Excalibur]] into the waters after King Arthur fell at the [[Battle of Camlann]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Pomparles Bridge |work=ArthurianAdventure.com |url=http://www.arthurianadventure.com/pomparles_bridge.htm |accessdateaccess-date=1 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017095426/http://www.arthurianadventure.com/pomparles_bridge.htm |archivedatearchive-date=17 October 2008 }}</ref> [[John Leland (antiquary)|John Leland]] noted in the 16th century that the bridge had four arches, while W. Phelps in an 1839 illustration as having only two arches, one pointed, probably from the 14th or 15th century, and the other round. Excavations in 1912 found the remains of a second round arch regarded as 12th century work. The current concrete arch bridge was built in 1911 and extended in 1972.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pomparles Bridge, Northover, Glastonbury |work=Somerset Historic Environment Record |url=http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/23577 |accessdateaccess-date=1 November 2008 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003122059/http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/23577 |archivedatearchive-date= 3 October 2016 }}</ref> It carries the [[A39 road]] over the Brue.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pomparles Bridge |url=http://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=Pomparles_Bridge |publisher=SABRE |accessdateaccess-date=20 October 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304200727/http://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=Pomparles_Bridge |archivedatearchive-date= 4 March 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pomparles Bridge |url=http://www.somersetrivers.org/index.php?module=Pagesetter&func=printpub&tid=14&pid=32 |publisher=Somerset Rivers |accessdateaccess-date=20 October 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304092409/http://www.somersetrivers.org/index.php?module=Pagesetter&func=printpub&tid=14&pid=32 |archivedatearchive-date= 4 March 2016 }}</ref>
 
===Alteration of route===
Before the 13th century the direct route to the sea at Highbridge was blocked by gravel banks and peat near Westhay.<ref>{{cite web|title=Meare and Ferran Mere |work=Sacred Sites around Glastonbury |url=http://www.isleofavalon.co.uk/sacredsites/meare.html |accessdateaccess-date=1 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://archive.today/20120802135217/http://www.isleofavalon.co.uk/sacredsites/meare.html |archivedatearchive-date=2 August 2012 }}</ref> The course of the river partially encircled Glastonbury from the south, around the western side (through [[Beckery]]), and then north through the [[Panborough]]-[[Bleadney]] gap in the [[Wedmore]]-[[Wookey]] Hills, to join the [[River Axe (Bristol Channel)|River Axe]] just north of Bleadney.<ref>{{cite book|last=Havinden|first=Michael|title=The Somerset Landscape|year=1982|publisher=Hodder and Stoughton|series=The making of the English landscape|isbn=978-0-340-20116-9|pages=110–112}}</ref> This route made it difficult for the officials of [[Glastonbury Abbey]] to transport produce from their outlying estates to the Abbey, and when the valley of the river Axe was in flood it backed up to flood Glastonbury itself. Sometime between 1230 and 1250 a new channel was constructed westwards into [[Meare Pool]] north of [[Meare]], and further westwards to [[Mark Moor]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dunning |first1=Robert |title=A History of the County of Somerset: Volume 8, the Poldens and the Levels |url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/som/vol8/pp1-7 |website=British History Online |publisher=Victoria County History |accessdateaccess-date=14 September 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005160622/http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/som/vol8/pp1-7 |archivedatearchive-date= 5 October 2015 }}</ref> It then divided into two channels, one the [[Pilrow]] cut flowing north through [[Mark, Somerset|Mark]] to join the Axe near [[Edingworth]], and the other directly west to the sea at Highbridge.<ref>{{cite book|last=Havinden|first=Michael|title=The Somerset Landscape|publisher=Hodder and Stoughton|location=London|series=The making of the English landscape|pages=110–111|isbn=978-0-340-20116-9|year=1981}}</ref> During monastic times, there were several [[Fishing weir|fish weirs]] along the lower reaches of the river. They used either nets or baskets, the fishing rights belonging to the [[Bishop of Bath and Wells]] and the Abbot of Glastonbury.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10036/20952/Glastonbury%20Abbey.pdf?sequence=1 |title=Making the Most of a Bad Situation? Glastonbury Abbey, Meare, and the Medieval Exploitation of Wetland Resources in the Somerset Levels |last=Rippon |first=Stephen |publisher=Exeter University |pages=30–31 |accessdateaccess-date=4 November 2008 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703002414/https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10036/20952/Glastonbury%20Abbey.pdf?sequence=1 |archivedatearchive-date= 3 July 2015 }}</ref>
 
===Drainage improvements===
[[File:Flooded fields by the River Brue - geograph.org.uk - 727820.jpg|thumb|left|Flooded fields near Glastonbury in 2008]]
Between 1774 and 1797 a series of [[Inclosure Acts|enclosures]] took place in the Brue valley between the [[Polden Hills|Poldens]] and Wedmore.<ref>{{cite book|last=Havinden|first=Michael|title=The Somerset Landscape|year=1982|publisher=Hodder and Stoughton|location=London|series=The making of the English landscape|pages=135–136|isbn=0-340-20116-9}}</ref> In 1794 the annual floods filled the whole of the Brue valley. Work by the Commissioners of Sewers led to the 1801 Brue[[Somerset Drainage Act 1801]] ([[41 Geo. 3. (U.K.)]] c. lxxii) which enabled sections at Highbridge and Cripp's Bridge to be straightened, and new feeder channels such as the North and South Drains to be constructed.<ref name=gc>{{cite book | title=The Glastonbury Canal | first1= Geoffrey | last1= Body |first2 = Roy |last2=Gallop | isbn= 0-946217-08-4 | year= 2001 | publisher=Fiducia Press | location=Bristol |page=7}}</ref> In 1803 the [[Sluice|clyse]] at Highbridge, which had been built before 1485, was replaced and moved further downstream.<ref>{{cite book|last=Havinden|first=Michael|title=The Somerset Landscape|year=1982|publisher=Hodder and Stoughton|location=London|series=The making of the English landscape|pages=149–150|isbn=0-340-20116-9}}</ref>
 
The area around Bruton has suffered over the centuries. The earliest recorded damage was in 1768 when a stone bridge was destroyed after the river rose very rapidly.<ref name=vijay/> On 28 June 1917, {{convert|242.8|mm}} of rain fell in 24 hours at Bruton,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wiseweather.co.uk/id54.html |title=The Boscastle storm of August 2004 and other heavy rainfall events of the last century in the area |publisher=wiseweather.co.uk |accessdateaccess-date=6 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214150128/http://wiseweather.co.uk/id54.html |archivedatearchive-date=14 February 2009 }}</ref> leaving a water mark on one pub {{convert|20|ft}} above the normal level of the river.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/weather/uk_and_roi/article1991176.ece|title=June's freak downpours have historical precedent|last=Simons|first=Paul |date=27 June 2007|work=The Times|accessdateaccess-date=6 November 2008 | location=London}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In 1982 extensive flooding occurred in the town, and as a result in 1984 a protective dam was built {{convert|1|km}} upstream from the town.<ref>{{cite web|title=Case study 10.3 – Bruton flood storage reservoir|url=http://evidence.environment-agency.gov.uk/FCERM/en/FluvialDesignGuide/CaseStudy10_3.aspx|publisher=Environment Agency|accessdateaccess-date=20 April 2018}}</ref>
 
===19th, 20th and 21st centuries===
[[File:River Brue, Burnham on Sea - geograph.org.uk - 698824.jpg|thumb|The mouth of the river]]
The mouth of the River Brue had an extensive harbour in Roman and [[Anglo-Saxons|Saxon]] times, before silting up in the medieval period. It was used again as a small harbour in the 17th and 18th centuries, and in 1833 the port of Highbridge was formally opened on the river. A new wharf, known as Clyce Wharf, was built on the [[Huntspill]] side of the river mouth by 1904, and was used for the import of coal and the export of bricks and tiles and agricultural products. The port closed in 1949.<ref name=vch>{{cite book|chapter=Huntspill |title=A History of the County of Somerset: Volume 8, the Poldens and the Levels |editor=Robert Dunning |series=[[Victoria County History]] |year=2004 |pages=91–112 |publisher=British History Online |accessdateaccess-date=25 January 2015 |url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/som/vol8/pp91-112 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406065154/http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/som/vol8/pp91-112 |archivedatearchive-date= 6 April 2015 }}</ref>
 
Both [[Galton's Canal]] and [[Brown's Canal]], which were built in the early 19th century, were connected to the river.<ref>{{cite book | title=The Canals of South West England | first= Charles | last= Hadfield | pages= 190–191 | isbn= 0-7153-4176-6 |date=November 1967 | publisher=David & Charles | location=Newton Abbot (Devon)}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mqEEAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA183 |title=An Account of Improvement of a Shaking Bog at Meare in Somersetshire |first=Erasmus |last=Galton |work=Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England |publisher=[[Royal Agricultural Society of England|Royal Agricultural Society]] |year=1845 |volume=Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England Volume 6 }}</ref> The [[Glastonbury Canal]] used the course of the River Brue from Highbridge to Cripp's Bridge, and part of the South Drain to Ashcott Corner.<ref name=gc/> The Glastonbury Canal ran for just over {{convert|14|mi|km}} through two [[canal lock|locks]] from [[Glastonbury]] to [[Highbridge, Somerset|Highbridge]], where it entered the [[River Parrett]] and from there the [[Bristol Channel]]. The canal was authorised by [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|Parliament]] in 1827 and opened in 1834.<ref>{{cite book |last=Dunning |first=Robert |title=A History of Somerset |year=1983 |publisher=Phillimore & Co |location=Chichester |isbn=978-0-85033-461-6}}</ref> It was operated by The Glastonbury Navigation & Canal Company.<ref>{{cite book |firstfirst1=G. |lastlast1=Body |first2=R. |last2=Gallop |year=2001 |title=The Glastonbury Canal |publisher=Fiducia Press |isbn=978-0-946217-08-3}}</ref> Most of it was abandoned as a navigation in 1854, when a railway was built along the towpath.
 
During the [[Second World War]] the Brue was incorporated into [[GHQ Line]] and many [[British hardened field defences of World War II|pillboxes]] were constructed along the river.<ref>{{cite book| last = Foot | first = William | title = Beaches, fields, streets, and hills&nbsp;... the anti-invasion landscapes of England, 1940 | publisher = Council for British Archaeology | year = 2006| isbn = 1-902771-53-2 | pages= 267–272 }}</ref> [[Gants Mill]] at [[Pitcombe]], near Bruton, is a [[watermill]] which is still used to mill cattle feed. A {{convert|12|kW}} [[Hydroelectricity|hydroelectric]] turbine was recently installed at the site. There has been a mill here since the 13th century, but the current building was built in 1810.<ref>{{cite webNHLE|titledesc=Gants Mill |urlnum=https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1251831 |website=historicengland.org.uk |publisher=Historic England |accessdateaccess-date=20 October 2015 |df= }}</ref>
 
Following summer floods of 1997 and the prolonged flooding of 1999–2000 the Parrett Catchment Project was formed, partly funded by the [[European Union]] [[European Regional Development Fund|Regional Development Fund]], by 30 organisations, including [[British Waterways]], [[Campaign to Protect Rural England]], [[Countryside Agency]], [[Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs]], Environment Agency, Kings Sedgemoor and Cary Vale Internal Drainage Board (now part of Parrett Internal Drainage Board), Levels and Moors Partnership, [[National Farmers Union of England and Wales|National Farmers Union]], Sedgemoor, [[Somerset County Council]], [[South Somerset|South Somerset District Council]], [[Taunton Deane]] and Wessex Water.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parrettcatchment.info/who-we-are/|title=Who we are|publisher=Parrett Catchment Project|accessdateaccess-date=18 December 2009|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110220616/http://www.parrettcatchment.info/who-we-are/|archivedatearchive-date=10 January 2015}}</ref> They aim to tackle twelve areas, which, when combined, will make a significant contribution to reducing the adverse effects of flooding. These include the conversion of arable land, adoption of the Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) approach to controlling rainwater runoff from developed areas, dredging, raising riverbanks and improving pumping facilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parrettcatchment.info/what-we-are-doing/|title=What we are doing|publisher=Parrett Catchment project|accessdateaccess-date=18 December 2009|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110220710/http://www.parrettcatchment.info/what-we-are-doing/|archivedatearchive-date=10 January 2015}}</ref> Further studies of the possible beneficial effects of woodland in reducing flooding have also been undertaken.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/pdf/FR_report_2004-5_floodplain.pdf/$FILE/FR_report_2004-5_floodplain.pdf |format=PDF |title=Interactions between floodplain woodland and the freshwater environment |accessdateaccess-date=8 December 2007 |work=Forest Research: Annual Report and Accounts2004–2005 |url-status=dead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906112851/http://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/pdf/FR_report_2004-5_floodplain.pdf/%24FILE/FR_report_2004-5_floodplain.pdf |archivedatearchive-date=6 September 2008 }}</ref>
 
During the [[winter flooding of 2013–14 on the Somerset Levels]] the River Brue overflowed at new year, during the rain and storms from [[Cyclone Dirk|Storm Dirk]], with many residents asking for the Environment Agency to resume river dredging.<ref name="westerndailypress1">{{cite news |url=http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/Plea-calm-political-storm-erupts/story-20601268-detail/story.html |title=Somerset floods: Cameron orders end to petty squabbles in Cabinet |newspaper=Western Daily Press |date=7 February 2014 |accessdateaccess-date=11 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222042740/http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/Plea-calm-political-storm-erupts/story-20601268-detail/story.html |archivedatearchive-date=22 February 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25633693 |title=UK storms: Further flooding risk as heavy rain forecast |publisherwork=BBC News |date=7 January 2014 |accessdateaccess-date=7 January 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107135451/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25633693 |archivedatearchive-date= 7 January 2014 }}</ref> On 24 January 2014, in light of the continued flooded extent of the Somerset Moors and forecast new rainfall as part of the [[2013–2014 United Kingdom winter floods|winter storms of 2013–14 in the United Kingdom]], both Somerset County Council and Sedgemoor District Council declared a [[Emergency management#United Kingdom|major incident]], as defined under the [[Civil Contingencies Act 2004]].<ref name=BBC25876309/><ref name=GuardMajIncid>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jan/24/uk-floods-major-incident-somerset-levels |title=UK floods: council declares major incident on Somerset Levels |first=Steven |last=Morris |publisherwork=The Guardian |date=24 January 2014 |accessdateaccess-date=24 January 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203161413/http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jan/24/uk-floods-major-incident-somerset-levels |archivedatearchive-date= 3 February 2014 }}</ref> At this time, with {{convert|17000|acre}} of agricultural land having been under water for over a month,<ref name=GuardMajIncid/> the village of Thorney was abandoned and Muchelney was cut off by flood waters for almost a month.<ref name=BBC25876309>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-25876309 |title=Somerset floods: 'Major incident' declared |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=24 January 2014 |accessdateaccess-date=24 January 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125212823/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-25876309 |archivedatearchive-date=25 January 2014 }}</ref> [[Northmoor Green]], which is more commonly known as Moorland, was also severely affected. By the end of January, {{convert|17000|acre}} of agricultural land, including [[North Moor]], [[Curry and Hay Moors]] and [[Greylake]], had been under water for over a month.<ref name=GuardMajIncid/> Bridgwater was partly flooded on 10 February 2014,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26071149 |title=Living with the Somerset floods |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=February 2014 |accessdateaccess-date=11 February 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140211075703/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26071149 |archivedatearchive-date=11 February 2014 }}</ref> when with 20,000 sandbags ready to be deployed.<ref name="telegraph1">{{cite news|last=Philipson |first=Alice |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/10627883/Flooding-crisis-weather-live.html |title=Flooding crisis: as it happened |newspaper=Telegraph |date=10 February 2014 |accessdateaccess-date=13 February 2014 |url-status=livedead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140212103230/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/10627883/Flooding-crisis-weather-live.html |archivedatearchive-date=12 February 2014 }}</ref> Over 600 houses were flooded,<ref name="westerndailypress1"/> and both flooding and groundwater disrupted services including trains on the [[Bristol to Exeter Lineline]] between Bridgwater and Taunton.<ref name="westerndailypress1"/> Further preventative work under the title of the "Brue Catchment River Maintenance Pilot Project" has led to controversy about the need for dredging and maintenance of the river.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brue Catchment River Maintenance Pilot Project |url=http://www.cla.org.uk/rural-policy-advice/environmental-management/water/flooding/news/brue-catchment-river-maintenance-pilot-project |publisher=CLA |accessdateaccess-date=20 September 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081216/http://www.cla.org.uk/rural-policy-advice/environmental-management/water/flooding/news/brue-catchment-river-maintenance-pilot-project |archivedatearchive-date= 4 March 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=River Brue Maintenance Pilot |url=http://www.somersetdrainageboards.gov.uk/river-brue-maintenance-pilot-ea-open-day/ |publisher=Somerset Drainage Boards Consortium |accessdateaccess-date=20 September 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304034113/http://www.somersetdrainageboards.gov.uk/river-brue-maintenance-pilot-ea-open-day/ |archivedatearchive-date= 4 March 2016 }}</ref>
 
==Hydrology and water quality==
At Bruton Dam, the nearest measuring station to the source of the river, the normal level of the river is between {{convert|0.6|m}} and {{convert|2.08|m}} with the highest level ever recorded being {{convert|10.7|m}} in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|title=River Brue at Bruton Dam |url=https://www.riverlevels.uk/river-brue-bruton-bruton-dam |publisher=River Levels UK |accessdateaccess-date=20 September 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095015/https://www.riverlevels.uk/river-brue-bruton-bruton-dam |archivedatearchive-date= 4 March 2016 }}</ref> Within the town of Bruton at Bruton Surgery the normal level is between {{convert|0.17|m}} and {{convert|0.69|m}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=River Brue at Bruton Surgery |url=https://www.riverlevels.uk/river-brue-bruton-bruton-surgery |publisher=River Levels UK |accessdateaccess-date=20 September 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304072246/https://www.riverlevels.uk/river-brue-bruton-bruton-surgery |archivedatearchive-date= 4 March 2016 }}</ref> Further downstream at [[Lovington, Somerset|Lovington]] the normal level is between {{convert|0.08|m}} and {{convert|0.56|m}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=River Brue at Lovington |url=https://www.riverlevels.uk/river-brue-lydford-on-fosse-lovington |publisher=River Levels UK |accessdateaccess-date=20 September 2015 |df= }}</ref> The furthest downstream monitoring station at Clyse Hole near [[Street, Somerset|Street]] records a normal range of {{convert|0.15|m}} and {{convert|0.49|m}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=River Brue at Clyse Hole |url=https://www.riverlevels.uk/river-brue-street-clyse-hole |publisher=River Levels UK |accessdateaccess-date=20 September 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071133/https://www.riverlevels.uk/river-brue-street-clyse-hole |archivedatearchive-date= 4 March 2016 }}</ref>
 
For the purposes of monitoring of water quality the Brue and Axe are considered together. In 2013 19 water bodies within the area were considered to have moderate water quality with two being poor and four good quality. Agriculture and rural land management is the largest factor affecting water quality followed by the water industry. Transport, industry and manufacturing also have an effect.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brue and Axe - Summary|url=http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/OperationalCatchment/4wsx/Summary|publisher=Environment gency|accessdateaccess-date=20 September 2015}}</ref>
 
==Ecology==
[[File:The River Brue, Westhay - geograph.org.uk - 192924.jpg|thumb|upright|The River Brue crossing [[Westhay Moor]]]]
 
The Brue Valley Living Landscape is a UK [[Conservation biology|conservation]] project managed by the [[Somerset Wildlife Trust]]. The project commenced in January 2009 and aims to restore [[habitat]]. It aims to help wildlife sustain itself in the face of [[climate change]]<ref name=swtbrue>{{cite web|url=http://www.somersetwildlife.org/brue_valley.html |title=Brue Valley Living Landscape |publisher=Somerset Wildlife Trust |accessdateaccess-date=2 July 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605030653/http://www.somersetwildlife.org/brue_valley.html |archivedatearchive-date= 5 June 2011 }}</ref> while guaranteeing farmers and other landowners can continue to use their land profitably. It is one of an increasing number of [[landscape scale conservation]] projects in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|title=Future Landscapes: Draft Policy for Consultation|url=http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/futurelandscapes_tcm6-8638.pdf|archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140605090108/http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/futurelandscapes_tcm6-8638.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 June 2014|publisher=Natural England|accessdateaccess-date=19 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=A Living Landscape |url=http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/living-landscape |publisher=The Wildlife Trusts |accessdateaccess-date=2 July 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016234058/http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/living-landscape |archivedatearchive-date= 16 October 2012 }}</ref>
 
The project covers an area of approximately {{convert|12,500|ha}} encompassing the floodplain of the River Brue from a little east of [[Glastonbury]] to beyond the [[Catcott, Edington and Chilton Moors SSSI]] in the west. Almost a quarter of the project area is designated as [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]] (SSSI), [[Special Protection Area]] (SPA) and [[Ramsar site]]. The project area accounts for almost half of the [[Somerset Levels and Moors]] [[Special Protection Area]]. The area includes land already managed for conservation by organisations including [[Somerset Wildlife Trust]], [[Natural England]], the [[Hawk and Owl Trust]] and the [[Royal Society for the Protection of Birds]]. These include [[Shapwick Heath]] [[national nature reserve (United Kingdom)|national nature reserve]], [[Westhay Moor]], [[Catcott Lows]] National Nature Reserve, [[Ham Wall]] and [[Shapwick Moor]]. There are 25 [[scheduled monument]]s and 746 [[Historic Environment Record]]s in the project area including internationally important sites such at the [[Glastonbury Lake Village]] and [[Sweet Track]]. Research on the Somerset Levels and Moors has been crucial to the understanding of the natural and human history of wetlands.<ref>{{cite book |last=Brunning |first=Richard |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Wet and Wonderful: The Heritage of the Avalon Marshes |year=2007 |publisher=Somerset Heritage Services |location=Taunton, Somerset |isbn=978-0-86183-380-51 }}</ref> The project is based solely on the peat-based soils of the Somerset Moors. It does not extend on to the marine clay soils of the more westerly Levels.<ref>{{cite web|title=South Drain Water Level Management Plan |url=http://www.somersetdrainageboards.gov.uk/media/South-Drain-WLMP-Brue-Approved-Apr-10.pdf |publisher=Somerset Drainage Boards |accessdateaccess-date=20 October 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005060629/http://www.somersetdrainageboards.gov.uk/media/South-Drain-WLMP-Brue-Approved-Apr-10.pdf |archivedatearchive-date= 5 October 2015 }}</ref>
 
[[File:Headwaters of the River Brue - geograph.org.uk - 519841.jpg|thumb|left|upright|The headwaters of the river]]
The project has set out their major objectives. These include mapping and research on the Brue Valley, engagement with local government, farmers, the conservation sector and other interest community members, to produce a shared local vision.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Winter |first1=H. |last2=Lobley |first2=M. |title=Monitoring the Brue Valley Living Landscape Landowner Advisory Service |url=https://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/media/universityofexeter/research/microsites/centreforruralpolicyresearch/pdfs/Monitoring_the_Brue_Valley_Living_Landscape_Final_Report.pdf |publisher=University of Exeter |accessdateaccess-date=7 September 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304190702/https://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/media/universityofexeter/research/microsites/centreforruralpolicyresearch/pdfs/Monitoring_the_Brue_Valley_Living_Landscape_Final_Report.pdf |archivedatearchive-date= 4 March 2016 }}</ref> It is hoped to create larger and better connected patches of important habitats, in a way which also benefits the local economy and rural society.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brue Valley Living Landscape |url=http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/living-landscape/schemes/brue-valley-living-landscape |publisher=Wildlife Trusts |accessdateaccess-date=6 September 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905100815/http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/living-landscape/schemes/brue-valley-living-landscape |archivedatearchive-date= 5 September 2015 }}</ref> The project has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund (via the WAVE project),<ref>{{cite web|title=How will climate change affect Somerset? |url=http://www.somersetwave.co.uk/ |publisher=WAVE |accessdateaccess-date=6 September 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109212800/http://somersetwave.co.uk/ |archivedatearchive-date= 9 January 2016 }}</ref> Natural England's Wetland Vision and the [[Viridor Credits]] scheme.
 
One of the project's goals is to protect, restore and create areas of [[reedbed]], [[grazing marsh]], [[fen]], [[raised bog]], [[meadow|lowland meadow]], [[purple moor grass and rush pastures]] and [[wet woodland]]. Species of conservation concern ([[UK Biodiversity Action Plan]] priority species) that are likely to benefit from this project include plants such as: [[Carex divisa|divided sedge]] (''[[Carex divisa]]''), [[Euphrasia|English sticky eyebright]] (''[[Euphrasia anglica]]''), [[Sium latifolium|greater water parsnip]] (''[[Sium latifolium]]''), [[Platanthera bifolia|lesser butterfly orchid]] (''[[Platanthera bifolia]]''), [[Stellaria|marsh stitchwort]] (''[[Stellaria palustris]]'') and [[Water dropwort|tubular water dropwort]] (''[[Oenanthe fistulosa]]''). The flora provides a habitat for several species of invertebrates. These include [[moth]]s such as the [[argent and sable moth]] (''[[Rheumaptera hastata]]'') and [[Hemaris tityus|narrow bordered bee hawk-moth]] (''[[Hemaris tityus]]''). While butterfly species include the [[Small heath (butterfly)|small heath]] (''[[Coenonympha pamphilus]]''), [[pearl-bordered fritillary]] (''[[Boloria euphrosyne]]'') and [[small pearl-bordered fritillary]] (''[[Boloria selene]]''). Beetles found in the valley include the [[lesser silver water beetle]] (''[[Hydrochara caraboides]]'') and [[one-grooved diving beetle]] (''[[Bidessus unistriatus]]'').<ref>{{cite web |title=Notable invertebrate species |url=http://www.avalonmarshes.org/assets/source/headline_species/am_invertebrate_species.pdf |publisher=Avalon Marshes |accessdateaccess-date=19 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309130347/http://www.avalonmarshes.org/assets/source/headline_species/am_invertebrate_species.pdf |archivedatearchive-date=9 March 2016 }}</ref> There are also [[shining ram's-horn snail]]ssnails (''[[Segmentina nitida]]'') and [[shrill carder bee]]sbees (''[[Bombus sylvarum]]'').<ref>{{cite web|title=Environmental and Socio-Economic Impacts of Climate Change on the Brue Valley |url=http://www.sanhs.org/Documents/fr%2013%20may.pdf |publisher=Risk & Policy Analysts Limited |accessdateaccess-date=7 September 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419195531/http://www.sanhs.org/Documents/fr%2013%20may.pdf |archivedatearchive-date=19 April 2017 }}</ref>
 
[[File:WEST LYDFORD, Somerset - geograph.org.uk - 66490.jpg|thumb|The river at [[West Lydford]]]]
The River Brue and its tributaries support a population of [[European eel]]s (''Anguilla anguilla'').<ref>{{cite web |title=Headline Species |url=http://www.avalonmarshes.org/Headline_Species |publisher=Avalon Marshes |accessdateaccess-date=19 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907113207/http://www.avalonmarshes.org/Headline_Species |archivedatearchive-date=7 September 2015 }}</ref> Reptiles found include the [[Vipera berus|European adder]] (''Vipera berus'') and [[grass snake]] (''Natrix natrix'').<ref>{{cite web |title=Notable reptile and amphibian species |url=http://www.avalonmarshes.org/assets/source/headline_species/am_reptiles__amphibians.pdf |publisher=Avalon Marshes |accessdateaccess-date=19 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309053947/http://www.avalonmarshes.org/assets/source/headline_species/am_reptiles__amphibians.pdf |archivedatearchive-date=9 March 2016 }}</ref> Multiple bird species include [[Bewick's swan]] (''Cygnus columbianus bewickii''), [[Eurasian bittern]] (''Botaurus stellaris''), [[Eurasian bullfinch]] (''Pyrrhula pyrrhula''), *[[Eurasian wigeon]] (''Anas penelope''), [[European starling]] (''Sturnus vulgaris''), [[gadwall]] (''Anas strepera''), [[grasshopper warbler]] (''Locustella naevia''), [[hen harrier]] (''Circus cyaneus''), [[house sparrow]] (''Passer domesticus''), [[linnet]] (''Carduelis cannabina''), [[marsh harrier]] (''Circus aeruginosus''), [[marsh tit]] (''Poecile palustris''), [[Merlin (bird)|merlin]] (''Falco columbarius''), [[northern lapwing]] (''Vanellus vanellus''), [[peregrine falcon|peregrine]] (''Falco peregrinus''), [[reed bunting]] (''Emberiza schoeniclus''), [[short-eared owl]] (''Asio flammeus''), [[skylark]] (''Alauda arvensis''), [[song thrush]] (''Turdus philomelos''), [[Common teal|teal]] (''Anas cracca''), [[willow tit]] (''Poecile montanus'') and [[yellowhammer]] (''Emberiza citrinella'').<ref>{{cite web |title=Notable bird species |url=http://www.avalonmarshes.org/assets/source/headline_species/am_bird_species.pdf |publisher=Avalon Marshes |accessdateaccess-date=19 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420184443/http://avalonmarshes.org/assets/source/headline_species/am_bird_species.pdf |archivedatearchive-date=20 April 2016 }}</ref>
 
Mammalian species of interest include the [[European hare|brown hare]] (''Lepus europaeus''), [[Eurasian harvest mouse]] (''Micromys minutus''), [[European otter]] (''Lutra lutra'') and [[European water vole|water vole]] (''Arvicola terrestris'').<ref>{{cite web |title=Notable mammal species |url=http://www.avalonmarshes.org/assets/source/headline_species/am_mammal_species.pdf |publisher=Avalon Marshes |accessdateaccess-date=19 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308035140/http://www.avalonmarshes.org/assets/source/headline_species/am_mammal_species.pdf |archivedatearchive-date=8 March 2016 }}</ref>
 
==Recreation==
[[Angling|Anglers]] will find [[Northern pike|pike]] in excess of {{convert|20|lb}}, with good stocks of [[European chub|chub]], [[Common dace|dace]], [[Common roach|roach]], [[Carp bream|bream]], [[tench]], [[perch]], [[rudd]], and [[Gudgeon (fish)|gudgeon]]. There are [[trout]] in the upper reaches.<ref>{{cite web|title=Glaston Manor Angling Association |url=http://www.fishinginsomerset.com/ |publisher=Glaston Manor Angling Association |accessdateaccess-date=20 September 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928110341/http://fishinginsomerset.com/ |archivedatearchive-date=28 September 2015 }}</ref> There are several access points along the river suitable for [[canoeing]], and the river has been paddled as far up as Bruton, but above [[West Lydford]] only after recent rain.<ref>{{cite web|title=Canoeing and Kayaking on the River Brue |url=http://www.paddlepoints.net/Water.aspx?WaterType=1&WaterId=150 |publisher=Paddle Points |accessdateaccess-date=20 September 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052855/http://www.paddlepoints.net/Water.aspx?WaterType=1&WaterId=150 |archivedatearchive-date= 4 March 2016 }}</ref> There are [[Rights of way in England and Wales|public footpaths]] alongside many stretches of the river.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Maia |first1=Bodhi |title=Top 10 list of where to walk and picnic in central Somerset |url=http://www.centralsomersetgazette.co.uk/10-list-walk-picnic-central-Somerset/story-20949380-detail/story.html |accessdateaccess-date=20 September 2015 |work=Central Somerset Gazette |date=11 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415021731/http://www.centralsomersetgazette.co.uk/10-list-walk-picnic-central-Somerset/story-20949380-detail/story.html |archivedatearchive-date=15 April 2014 }}</ref> There are also areas of the river that serve as desirable spots for [[Open water swimming|wild swimming]].<ref>{{cite web|title=West Lydford |url=http://www.wildswimming.co.uk/map/west-lydford/ |publisher=Wild Swimming |accessdateaccess-date=14 May 2017 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006104235/http://www.wildswimming.co.uk/map/west-lydford/ |archivedatearchive-date= 6 October 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Go Wild in the West Country |url=http://www.cntraveller.com/recommended/uk/wild-guide-secret-south-west-england/page/wild-swimming-in-somerset |accessdateaccess-date=14 May 2017 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422071523/http://www.cntraveller.com/recommended/uk/wild-guide-secret-south-west-england/page/wild-swimming-in-somerset |archivedatearchive-date=22 April 2016 }}</ref>
 
==Rail access==
[[Highbridge and Burnham railway station]] provides access. There is further {{convert|2|mi}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.burnham-on-sea.com/rail.shtml |title=ArchivedHighbridge copyRailway Station - Nearest train station for Burnham-on-sea, Somerset |accessdateaccess-date=2014-06-18 |url-status=live |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011063159/http://www.burnham-on-sea.com/rail.shtml |archivedatearchive-date=11 October 2014 }}</ref> walk or cycle westwards mainly alongside the River Brue, following the approximate flat path way of the former [[Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway|S&DJR]] extension route, takes the traveller into [[Burnham-on-Sea]].
 
==References==
Line 139 ⟶ 140:
 
{{Somerset}}
 
{{authority control}}
 
[[Category:Rivers of Somerset|Brue, River]]