River Rother, River system in East Sussex and Kent, England
The River Rother is a waterway that flows from springs near Rotherfield through East Sussex and Kent for about 35 miles before reaching Rye Bay at the English Channel. Along its course, it passes through different landscapes and settlements while supporting local ecosystems and communities.
The river originally flowed toward New Romney until a severe storm in 1287 changed its course. This major shift led to lasting changes in how water and navigation were managed in the region.
The name Rother comes from Rotherfield, which means open grazing land for cattle. Its earlier Celtic name Limen shows how long this river has been part of the British landscape.
The waterway is accessible to small boats and is maintained by the South East Rivers Trust. Water conditions and navigability can change depending on the season and rainfall, so checking local conditions beforehand is helpful.
For the final section of about 14 miles, the river flows below high tide level, requiring special management. A sluice at Scots Float keeps saltwater out and maintains the water level in this tidal stretch.
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