River Lathkill - United Kingdom

UK ECN site. The River Lathkill is located in the Peak District National Park and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The site is part of a the Peak District Dales SAC under the Habitats Directive. It is the only river in Britain which rises in, as well as flows through limestone for its entire length. The upper parts are a winterbourne, and in summer the stream issues from bubble springs lower down the valley. Downstream there are alternately moderately flowing gravelly sections and silted pools, some formed by natural tufa dams, others artificially. In the pools there are abundant submerged plants including species of Veronica, Ranunculus, Potamogeton and Callitriche, while faster sections are carpeted with bryophytes, some of which are nationally rare (eg. Cratoneuron commutatum). There are no direct discharges to the river. There are two licensed abstractions for fish rearing purposes and there are concerns over low flows which may affect water quality and the biota.