Severn Bore – A Spectacular Phenomenon

Severn Bore – A Spectacular Phenomenon

For people who want to see the spectacular phenomenon of the Severn Borethis year, March presents the best opportunity, say the EnvironmentAgency. There are only two 4-star bores in 2007, compared to thirteen in2006. Both are due this month and in daylight hours.

The first of these is expected tomorrow, Tuesday 20 March, at 08.43 atMinsterworth (08.53 at Stonebench, 09.18 at Overbridge).

The second opportunity is due on Wednesday 21 March at 09.25 atMinsterworth (09.35 at Stonebench, 10.00 at Overbridge).

There are no five-star bores due in 2007 but a number of 3-star boresare expected in March, April, September and October. The full timetablecan be found on our website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Surfers ride the Severn Bore

For a bore to form, a considerable rise in tide is needed in aconverging channel with a rising riverbed, forming a funnel shape. Thesize of the bore can be affected by wind direction, height of theincoming tide and freshwater moving downstream. It has been known toreach two metres in height and its average speed is 16km per hour.

The Severn Estuary receives the second highest tide anywhere in theworld and the differences between the lowest and highest tide in one daycan be more than 14.5 metres. These high or spring tides occur onseveral days in each lunar cycle throughout the spring and autumn.

As well as on our website, the timetable of all major bores expectedthis year can be obtained from us by calling 08708 506506. Please notethat the listed times are approximate and can vary by as much as 30minutes each way.

The leaflet also contains a map and advice on the best viewinglocations as well as important safety information as spectators andriver users need to be aware of the risks associated with the bore.Occasionally, the rising waters have cut-off spectators and theirvehicles, leaving them in need of police rescue.

Places to View The Bore

Over Bridge

the Severn Bore can also be viewed from the older bridgebut children should be supervised at all times, as it is recognised byEnglish Heritage as an historical site. Off-road parking is availabletwo hundred yards from the new bridge, but it is quite limited. Disabledaccess – there is a suitable pavement to view it from. Children shouldbe supervised at all times.

Minsterworth

There are many viewpoints around Minsterworth, of whichthe Severn Bore Inn is the biggest attraction. This offers a viewpointadjacent to the inn and also offers an alternative view for customersfrom its beer garden. There is another viewpoint by Minsterworth Church,where a public footpath runs alongside the riverbank. Spectators arereminded that viewpoints, adjoining land and accesses are privatelyowned and to keep strictly to the public footpath along the riverbank.Limited car parking is available at the Severn Bore Inn. Be aware thatthe police may prosecute if any car is improperly parked atMinsterworth.

Stonebench

The danger associated with rising water is particularlygreat at Stonebench. This viewpoint is excellently sign-posted fromGloucester. It is situated on the opposite side of the river facingMinsterworth. Road access is a single lane with passing places only andparking is not available. Poor weather conditions can cause theviewpoint to be very slippy and so sensible clothing and footwear isneeded. Children must be supervised at all times.

Weir Green

Situated between Elmore Back and Stonebench, this viewingpoint forms part of the Severn Way footpath. Limited car parking isavailable. Please be respectful of local property and animals. Be waryof changing weather conditions and remember to wear suitable clothingand footwear. Children should be supervised at all times

Severn Bore safety

A large Bore will often attract a crowd of spectators. Please respectlocal residents and park vehicles sensibly so as not to causeobstruction or damage.

There is a risk of flooding after the initial bore wave has passed, aswater levels rise for about an hour. High tide occurs after this time.Take care where you stand to watch the bore and also where you park yourvehicle. Occasionally the rising waters have cut off spectators andvehicles, leaving them in need of Police rescue. The danger isparticularly great at Stonebench.

In the interests of safety, all river users must:

• wear appropriate buoyancy aids
• navigate in a responsible manner in accordance with the InternationalRules for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea
• Observe the speed limits
• Avoid navigating too close to the river-bank to prevent being trappedor hurt.
• In areas where spectators congregate powered craft must stay areasonable distance behind the bore wave so that onlookers can alsoappreciate the spectacle of the bore.
• Driving through the crest of the bore is inconsiderate.
• The Environment Agency actively discourages surfing and boating on the Bore.