The new 2008 Severn Bore timetable is published by the Environment Agency today. It can be found on our website here.
People who are already on our mailing list will automatically receive a printed copy of the timetable during January. Anyone else who would like to receive a copy can obtain one free of charge by calling 08708 506 506.
There are no 4 or 5-star bores predicted for 2008. We are expecting some 3-star bores during the spring and autumn months but, as the actual height of the bore is influenced by the tide, river and weather conditions at the time, even a 3-star bore is capable of producing a spectacle.
The Severn Bore is a tide wave that occurs in the lower reaches of the River Severn and is one of the nation’s most interesting and unusual natural phenomena.
For a bore to form, a considerable rise in tide is needed in a converging channel with a rising riverbed, forming a funnel shape. The size of the bore can be affected by wind direction, height of the incoming tide and freshwater moving downstream. It has been known to reach two metres in height and its average speed is 16km per hour.
The Severn Estuary receives the second highest tide anywhere in the world and the differences between the lowest and highest tide in one day can be more than 14.5 metres. These high or spring tides occur on several days in each lunar cycle throughout the spring and autumn.
As well as on our website, the timetable of all major bores expected this year can be obtained from us by calling 08708 506506. Please note that the listed times are approximate and can vary by as much as 30 minutes each way.
The leaflet also contains a map and advice on the best viewing locations as well as important safety information as spectators and river users need to be aware of the risks associated with the bore. Occasionally, the rising waters have cut-off spectators and their vehicles, leaving them in need of police rescue.
Additional Information
The Severn Bore
“When the bore comes, the stream does not swell by degrees, as at other times, but rolls in with a head foaming and roaring, as though it were enraged by the opposition which it encounter” wrote Thomas Harrel in 1824.
One of the most exciting and interesting events to occur naturally on a river takes place throughout the year on the River Severn. Several times a month, a tidal wave makes its way along the river. It is known as the Severn Bore.
Tide waves (bores) naturally occur on rivers with large tidal ranges. This natural phenomenon occurs in the lower reaches of a few rivers throughout the world, during high tides. The name ‘bore’ as applied to the tidal phenomenon, appears to be derived from the Scandinavian or Icelandic ‘bara’ meaning a wave, swell or billow.
A bore is formed when the tide rises in a converging channel with a rising riverbed, forming a funnel shape. Large tides occur when the Moon and Sun are in line with the Earth at their closest respective distances above the Equator. The largest spring tides occur near the autumn and spring equinox, usually in March and October.
The Severn Estuary experiences the second highest tide anywhere in the world, and the difference between the lowest and highest tide in any one day can be more than 14.5 metres. These high or spring tides occur on several days in each lunar cycle throughout the year.
The size of the bore can be affected by opposing winds or high freshwater levels which reduce its height and delay its time of arrival, but a following wind can increase its height and speed up its arrival. It travels at an average speed of 16kph and has been known to reach an incredible 2 metres in height.
The bore can be seen along the lower lengths of the river to Gloucester. The incoming tide and bore can be seen, although not quite so impressively, in the upper estuary, at Epney, Newnham and Fretherne where times are 20, 60 and 85 minutes before Minsterworth respectively.
‘The big muddy’. One interesting feature which can be overlooked is after the bore wave has passed, the river level rises, presenting a slightly different aspect to the river scene, plus the river is flowing in the wrong direction. This continues for up to an hour after the wave has passed until the river magically appears to stand still before resuming its normal direction of flow.
Viewing sites
Over Bridge �" the Severn Bore can also be viewed from the older bridge but children should be supervised at all times, as it is recognised by English Heritage as an historical site. Off-road parking is available two hundred yards from the new bridge, but it is quite limited. Disabled access �" there is a suitable pavement to view it from. Children should be supervised at all times.
Minsterworth �" There are many viewpoints around Minsterworth, of which the Severn Bore Inn is the biggest attraction. This offers a viewpoint adjacent to the inn and also offers an alternative view for customers from its beer garden. There is another viewpoint by Minsterworth Church, where a public footpath runs alongside the riverbank. Spectators are reminded that viewpoints, adjoining land and accesses are privately owned and to keep strictly to the public footpath along the riverbank. Limited car parking is available at the Severn Bore Inn. Be aware that the police may prosecute if any car is improperly parked at Minsterworth.
Stonebench �" The danger associated with rising water is particularly great at Stonebench. This viewpoint is excellently sign-posted from Gloucester. It is situated on the opposite side of the river facing Minsterworth. Road access is a single lane with passing places only and parking is not available. Poor weather conditions can cause the viewpoint to be very slippy and so sensible clothing and footwear is needed. Children must be supervised at all times.
Weir Green �" Situated between Elmore Back and Stonebench, this viewing point forms part of the Severn Way footpath. Limited car parking is available. Please be respectful of local property and animals. Be wary of changing weather conditions and remember to wear suitable clothing and footwear. Children should be supervised at all times
Severn Bore safety
A large Bore will often attract a crowd of spectators. Please respect local residents and park vehicles sensibly so as not to cause obstruction or damage.
There is a risk of flooding after the initial bore wave has passed, as water levels rise for about an hour. High tide occurs after this time. Take care where you stand to watch the bore and also where you park your vehicle. Occasionally the rising waters have cut off spectators and vehicles, leaving them in need of Police rescue. The danger is particularly great at Stonebench.
In the interests of safety, all river users must:
- wear appropriate buoyancy aids
- navigate in a responsible manner in accordance with the International Rules for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea
- Observe the speed limits
- Avoid navigating too close to the river-bank to prevent being trapped or hurt.
- I
n areas where spectators congregate powered craft must stay a reasonable distance behind the bore wave so that onlookers can also appreciate the spectacle of the bore. Driving through the crest of the bore is inconsiderate.
The Environment Agency actively discourages surfing and boating on the Bore.
