The Wellow Brook, a small river in Somerset, originates near Ston Easton Park in the village of Ston Easton. It flows in an easterly direction, passing through Midsomer Norton. West of Radstock, it converges with the River Somer and a tributary from Kilmersdon, which is formed by Snails Brook and Kilmersdon Brook to the south. Continuing its course, the Wellow Brook flows through Wellow before joining the Cam Brook at Midford to form Midford Brook. Finally, it merges with the River Avon near the Dundas Aqueduct. It is worth noting that the Environment Agency does not officially recognize the existence of Midford Brook, considering the Wellow Brook as a continuous entity all the way to the Avon. As per this classification, the length of the Wellow Brook from Radstock to the Avon is approximately 17.8 km (11.1 mi). The Somerset Coal Canal, which played a role in serving the Somerset Coalfield in the 19th century, can be found alongside parts of the brook.This camera was installed and is maintained by the Environment Agency and can be viewed
here. All content is available under the
Open Government Licence v3.0 The valley sides of the Wellow Brook exhibit undulating and rounded features due to erosion. Throughout the valley, numerous springs can be found, giving rise to streams that often have tree-lined banks. The transition between the valley sides and the base is typically gradual and rounded, while the valley floors are narrow yet flat, with the brooks meandering freely across their floodplains. The brook itself can be quite deep in certain areas, featuring steep sides. This topographical characteristic was utilized during World War II for the creation of anti-tank defenses. Concrete bunkers, commonly known as pillboxes, were constructed along the brook as part of the GHQ Line, intended to protect against a potential German invasion.Hinton Hill holds significance in the study of the Bath district's stratigraphy during the Middle Jurassic period, as well as the British Bathonian as a whole.
Cleaves Wood, an ancient semi-natural deciduous woodland situated on oolitic limestone, showcases a rich diversity of tree and shrub species. This woodland is home to a notable population of the nationally scarce spiked star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum pyrenaicum), also known as Bath asparagus. Additionally, the area features patches of lightly grazed grassland, forming a mosaic of closely grazed and rough swards, alongside wetter sections. The site boasts a variety of scarce plant species, including the fly orchid and wild daffodil. The habitat diversity within Cleaves Wood supports a thriving invertebrate fauna, including two nationally rare insects: the Osphya bipunctata beetle and the Cheilosia nigripes hoverfly. Twenty-seven butterfly species have been recorded in the area, including the nationally scarce Duke of Burgundy (Hamearis lucina). The nationally scarce moth known as Blomer's rivulet (Discoloxia blomeri) has also been observed in the vicinity. Other nationally scarce species found within the wood include the Ena montana snail, the Xanthogramma citrofasciatum hoverfly, and several beetle species.
