Ness - Flow Station

Many thanks to The Ness Flyfishing Club for capitally funding this camera's installation and the Murray Wells family for facilitating it. Also the Environment Agency for supplying such a great spot to locate the camera. The River Rye originates just south of the Cleveland Hills, east of Osmotherley, and gracefully traverses through notable locations such as Hawnby, Rievaulx, Helmsley, Nunnington, West and East Ness, Butterwick, Brawby, and Ryton, before eventually joining the River Derwent near Malton. The upper valley of the river is referred to as Rye Dale. Its journey commences at Rye Head in the Cleveland Hills, where it merges with the River Seph flowing along Bilsdale. Continuing its course, the river passes by Rievaulx Abbey and enters the picturesque Vale of Pickering at Helmsley.As the Rye flows eastward from Helmsley, it receives the contributions of the River Dove from Farndale, which is further supplemented by the Hodge Beck originating from Bransdale. Notably, Hodge Beck encounters a portion of its course underground as it is absorbed by the limestone aquifer in Kirkdale, reemerging further downstream in the valley. The town of Kirkbymoorside lies along the path of the River Dove, which, similar to Hodge Beck, experiences a partially subterranean route. Adding to the Rye's waters, the River Seven descends from Rosedale, passing through Sinnington before merging with the main river. Additionally, the steep-sided Newtondale contributes Pickering Beck, which combines with Costa Beck before joining the River Rye just before its mouth.The area known as Ness encompasses the upstream region, covering approximately 59,000 acres. It encompasses the River Rye and its tributaries from the source to its confluence with the River Dove near the village of East Ness. Primarily rural in nature, the Ness area features scattered settlements and diverse topography. The northern part of the area is dominated by upland moors, reaching heights exceeding 660 feet, and forming part of the North York Moors National Park. This region mainly consists of managed grassland. Moving downstream towards Rievaulx and Helmsley, the land gradually descends to approximately 330 feet and further drops to 160 feet at East Ness. The lower part of the area exhibits a combination of managed grassland and arable farming, with pockets of forestry and woodland situated near the river.Water abstraction from the river primarily serves the purpose of supplying a fish farm at Harome, and the water is subsequently returned to the river. Notably, Helmsley and Sproxton house two wastewater treatment works within the vicinity. The ecological and fisheries systems in this area display a heightened sensitivity to changes in water flow, emphasizing the need for careful management and monitoring. A strategically positioned Farson streaming webcam facilitates real-time monitoring of water levels and river conditions on the River Rye.