River Mole, Surrey | Sussex
Some consider that the name 'mole' was given to the river because some of the flow diverts under the North Downs at Box Hill. The river does this via 'Swallow Holes', and these can lessen the flow here until the river will actually dry up completely in severe drought, as it did in the summer of 1976. The water emerges to join the Mole again on the other side of the hill to re-establish its original volume. Many legends and stories exist about this subterranean feature of the Mole. However, the Oxford Dictionary of English Place Names suggests that Mole is actually a back-formation from Molesey (Mul's island) or is derived from the Latin for 'mill' which is 'mola'. In medieval times the river was known as the Emlyn Stream.
The river lends its name to the Mole Valley, a district of Surrey. The Mole Valley , despite being in one of England's busiest and most populated areas, is a haven for wildlife and biodiversity. Between Thorncroft Manor, just south of Leatherhead , and River Lane in Fetcham lies the Mole Valley Corridor Local Nature Reserve. This stretch of the Mole alone supports 100 species of bird, 20 different mammals, 20 butterfly species and 15 types of dragonfly.
The Mole is credited with having the largest diversity of fish of any English river within its waters. This obviously makes it very popular with fishermen. It's also a favourite hunting ground for the beautiful flying fishing expert, the kingfisher.
Unsurprisingly such natural beauty and diversity so close to many centres of population mean that the Mole is a favourite destination for walkers and cyclists. The North Downs way crosses the river via stepping stones at Box Hill . This area, where the river cuts through the Downs, is known as The Mole Gap and is an especially popular area with walkers. Box Hill itself has, almost since the start of popular motoring, been a meeting place for drivers and motorcyclists. Nowadays, it is mainly motorcycles that are drawn in huge numbers to the car park and café sited next to the busy A24 trunk road at Box Hill, just a few miles north of Dorking .
More British Natural features?
2 Responses to River Mole
From JOHN BRIAN on 17th January 2014
I LIVED IN THREE BRIDGES IN 1953 TO 1957 AND THE RIVER WAS OUR PLAYGROUND THERE WERE RAINBOW TROUT IN ABUNDANCE IT WAS WONDERFULLY WILD WHAT FINE MEMORIES I HAVE OF THIS LITTLE WONDER I THINK IT HAS BEEN RUINED BUT I QUESS THATS PROGRESS I NOW LIVE ON THE BANKS OF THE ST LAWRENCE IN QUEBEC AND IT IS ALSO A WONDER
From georgia on 24th April 2013
i think you have done really well but a little more info
Other Surrey Naturals
The River Thames
The Weald
River Wey
The North Downs
Richmond Park
Thames Valley
Box Hill
Leith Hill
The Devil’s Punchbowl
Ranmore
Reigate Hill
Black Down
Vale of Holmsdale
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