The River Adur - Shoreham West Sussex

The name "Adur" was attributed to the current river because of a mistaken location for the Roman "Portus Adurni" by the 17th century poet Michael Drayton in his book 'Polyolbion'.

The River Adur rises four miles south of Horsham and runs south-east skirting Coolham, Shipley and West Grinstead before meeting the eastern tributary midway between Ashurst to the west and Henfield to the east. The eastern tributary rises in two tributaries south of Haywards Heath, and south of Burgess Hill that meet at Twineham. The River Adur reaches the sea at Shoreham-by-Sea where the mouth has been deflected two miles to the east by the longshore drift.

Going upstream with the incoming tide through the centre of New Shoreham, the flood tide will flow under seven bridges before it reaches the village of Bramber after 6.4 km (4 miles). The river then passes about one mile east of the town of Steyning.

The river is at its most interesting at mid-tide when half the mud flats are revealed. The mud flats become a roost for gulls and other birds, especially during the winter.

Waders and birds on the mud include Ringer Plover, Dunlins and Lapwing, which are all abundant in the colder months. Redshanks sound the first warning at the anticipation of danger. Boats and wooden posts are occupied by Cormorants fanning their wings after feeding on eels and flatfish.

The river is build up on both sides through the low-lying flood plain and their are few marshes or wetlands aside the river. Flooding occurred at the beginning of the century at Bramber but this rarely occurs. There are pleasant walks on the towpaths on both sides of the river, from Shoreham-by-Sea to Bramber, with the passage passable for bicycles, if you can put up with lifting your bicycle over a few stiles.