Swash Channel

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Somerset

England

Swash Channel

Banks of the Severn Estuary This small, muddy, nameless inlet flows into the Severn estuary between Royal Portbury dock to the east and Portishead Marina to the west. The smell of sewage here was very strong and I would hazard a guess that the sewage works to the south-east discharges some effluent into the severn via this channel. — Banks of the Severn Estuary Credit: Sharon Loxton

Swash Channel is a significant waterway located in Somerset, England. It is primarily known as a sea channel, connecting the Bristol Channel to the English Channel. The channel is situated between the mainland and the Isle of Steep Holm, a small island just off the coast. It stretches for approximately 4 miles and has a width of about 0.5 miles.

As an estuary, Swash Channel experiences tidal movements, with water levels rising and falling throughout the day. The channel serves as a vital navigation route for boats, particularly for those traveling between the two channels it connects. Its strategic location and deep waters make it suitable for larger vessels, including commercial ships and cargo carriers.

Swash Channel also functions as a creek, providing a habitat for various marine species. The surrounding areas are rich in biodiversity, with salt marshes and mudflats supporting a diverse range of plants and animals. It is particularly important for bird populations, as it serves as a feeding and breeding ground for various species, including waders and seabirds.

The channel's proximity to the mainland also makes it a popular destination for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife watching. The picturesque views and serene atmosphere attract locals and tourists alike.

Swash Channel has significant economic and ecological value, serving as a transportation route, wildlife habitat, and leisure destination. It is a crucial feature of the Somerset coastline, contributing to the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

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Swash Channel Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.497506/-2.7106299 or Grid Reference ST5077. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Banks of the Severn Estuary

This small, muddy, nameless inlet flows into the Severn estuary between Royal Portbury dock to the east and Portishead Marina to the west. The smell of sewage here was very strong and I would hazard a guess that the sewage works to the south-east discharges some effluent into the severn via this channel.

Sharon Loxton

Royal Portbury Dock, entrance lock

On a still day in January

Tony Lewis

TORM VITA at Royal Portbury Dock

TORM VITA was discharging jet fuel when the photo was taken.

Tony Lewis

East Pier at Royal Portbury Dock

Looking north-west, away from the dock over the mudflats to the west of the Avon Mouth. In the distance, right, the high ground of Monmouthshire can be seen. I'm grateful to The Bristol Port Company for granting me access to this square. Link

Jonathan Billinger

Wild poppy at Royal Portbury

The colourful wild flower matches the scarlet livery used by the owners of The Royal Portbury Dock for some of its infrastructure. The two access arms of the East Pier are in the background, and East Wood Hill at Portishead (ST4777) can be seen in the distance.

Jonathan Billinger

The Royal Portbury Dock

View of Portbury Docks seen from the air.

Peter McDermott

The Royal Portbury Dock 1

Looking east from near the port entrance towards the quay at which the Torm Vita was berthed when this previous (see ST4978 : TORM VITA at Royal Portbury Dock) photo was taken. I'm grateful to The Bristol Port Company for granting me access to this square. Link

Jonathan Billinger

The Royal Portbury Dock 2

Looking south-east down the length of the dock basin from the base of the East Pier. I'm grateful to The Bristol Port Company for granting me access to this square. Link

Jonathan Billinger

Dock infrastructure at Royal Portbury

The mechanisms that get the water into the entrance lock and vice versa.

Jonathan Billinger

Nature Reserve Pathway

Path way thorough nature reserve

Anton

The pier at Portbury Dock

Steve Daniels

Access road from Bristol Ports to the sewage works

Dr Duncan Pepper

Dockside car pound

Many of the cars manufactured in the Far East and imported into Britain enter the country via this vast parking lot at Bristol Ports.

Dr Duncan Pepper

Waspish Barrier

Hard to know why these substantial barriers are here, little or no traffic passes this way, but there is a drainage ditch beyond the bushes on the right.

Dr Duncan Pepper

Western boundary fence surrounding Bristol Ports

At this point it terminates in a morass of salt marsh and soft mud.

Dr Duncan Pepper

Salt marsh to the West of Bristol Ports

Wales is just visible in the far distance.

Dr Duncan Pepper

A muddy rhyne draining the salt marsh at Sheepway

The true depth of this rhyne does not come across in the photo, about 15 feet in depth, it is an indication of the large tidal range in the Bristol Channel.

Dr Duncan Pepper