The East Yorkshire Chalk Rivers Trust.

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Chalk Rivers of East Yorkshire


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Gypsey Race - the most northerly chalk stream

Gypsy Race pics

Although not a long river, the Gypsey Race is possibly the most northerly chalk stream in Europe. Being a winterbourne watercourse it does dry up on occasions in the lower valley section but aquatic life continues to survive. Upstream of Thorpe Hall the Gypsey Race becomes a more open watercourse with long periods of the riverbed being exsposed in the drier months of the year.

Interestingly during the dry periods some pools of water contain large numbers of minnows and sticklebacks despite the pools being exposed to high air temperatures. The pools are refreshed by cooler underground water flowing into them allowing fish to survive until the river flows again.

Trout, minnows and eels are also found in the Gypsey Race.