View source for River Camel

{{Short description|River in Cornwall, England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2020}}
{{Infobox river
| name               = River Camel
| native_name        ={{native name|kw|Dowr Kammel}}
| name_other         = 
| name_etymology     = 
<!---------------------- IMAGE & MAP -->
| image              = River camel Feb2008.JPG
| image_size         = 
| image_caption      = The Camel valley in winter. Taken from between Pendavey bridge and Polbrock looking upstream.
| map                = MapOfRiverCamelCornwallUK.jpg
| map_size           = 
| map_caption        = Sketch map of the River Camel and its tributaries
| pushpin_map        = 
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<!---------------------- LOCATION -->
| subdivision_type1  = Country
| subdivision_name1  = [[England]]
| subdivision_type2  = 
| subdivision_name2  = 
| subdivision_type3  = Region
| subdivision_name3  = [[Cornwall]]
| subdivision_type4  = 
| subdivision_name4  = 
| subdivision_type5  = 
| subdivision_name5  = 
<!---------------------- PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS -->
| length             = {{convert|48|km|mi|abbr=on}} 
| width_min          = 
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| depth_min          = 
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<!---------------------- BASIN FEATURES -->
| source1            = Hendraburnick Down
| source1_location   = [[Bodmin Moor]]
| source1_coordinates= {{coord|50.6582|-4.6379|region:GB_type:river|display=inline}}
| source1_elevation  = {{convert|218|m|abbr=on}}
| mouth              = [[Padstow Bay]]
| mouth_location     = [[Padstow]], [[North Cornwall|North Cornwall coast]]
| mouth_coordinates  = {{coord|50.578|-4.939|region:GB_type:river|display=inline,title}}
| mouth_elevation    = 
| progression        = 
| river_system       = 
| basin_size         = {{convert|413|km2|abbr=on}}
| tributaries_left   = [[River Ruthern]]
| tributaries_right  = [[De Lank River]], [[River Allen, Cornwall|River Allen]]
| custom_label       = 
| custom_data        = 
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}}

The '''River Camel'''  ({{langx|kw|'''Dowr Kammel'''}}, meaning ''crooked river'') is a river in [[Cornwall]], England. It [[source (river)|rises]] on the edge of [[Bodmin Moor]] and with its [[tributaries]] its catchment area covers much of North Cornwall.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cornwall Rivers Project {{!}} Geography {{!}} Camel and Allen|url=http://www.cornwallriversproject.org.uk/geography/camel.htm|website=www.cornwallriversproject.org.uk|access-date=2 September 2017}}</ref> The river flows into the eastern [[Celtic Sea]] between [[Stepper Point]] and [[Pentire Point]] having covered about {{convert|30|mi|-1}} making it the second longest river wholly in Cornwall. The river is [[tide|tidal]] upstream to [[Egloshayle]] and is popular for [[sailing]], [[birdwatching]] and [[fishing]]. The name ''Camel'' comes from the [[Cornish language]] for 'the crooked one', a reference to its winding course. Historically the river was divided into three named stretches. '''Heyl''' ({{langx|kw|'''Heyl'''}}, meaning ''estuary'') was the name for the estuary up to Egloshayle, the '''River Allen''' ({{langx|kw|'''Dowr Alen'''}}, meaning ''shining river'') was the stretch between Egloshayle and Trecarne, whilst the '''Camel''' was reserved for the stretch of river between its source and Trecarne.<ref>[[Weatherhill, Craig]]. ''A Concise Dictionary of Cornish Place-names'', 2009.</ref>

==Geology and hydrology==
The River Camel rises on Hendraburnick Down (UK Grid Reference SX135875) on the edge of Bodmin Moor, an area which forms part of the [[granite]] spine of Cornwall. The river's course is through [[Sedimentary rock|sedimentary]] upper and middle [[Devonian]] rocks,<ref>{{cite web | title = Geology of Britain viewer | publisher = British Geological Survey | url = http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.html | access-date = 2016-08-09 | archive-date = 2 December 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161202013758/http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> predominantly the Upper Delabole Slates, Trevose Slates and Polzeath Slates that stretch to the coast, making a land which has shallow acidic soils.<ref>{{cite book |last = Barton |first = R M |title = Cornwall's structure and scenery |publisher = Tor Mark Press |page = 22 }}</ref> Other than sedimentary rocks,  [[Igneous rock]]s can be found at [[Brea Hill]]{{sfn|Reid|1996|p=7}} and at Pentire Point which is composed mainly of [[pillow lavas]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Killas | publisher = Cornwall Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological Sites Group | url = http://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/rigs/killas.php | access-date = 2008-08-12}}</ref><ref name=structure>{{cite book |last = Barton |first = R M |title = Cornwall's structure and scenery |publisher = Tor Mark Press |page = 37 }}</ref>{{sfn|Ferris|1969|p=12}}  Across the mouth of the River Camel [[Stepper Point]] is composed of greenstone as is The Rumps, a promontory on the north side of Pentire point facing Port Quin Bay.{{sfn|Ferris|1969|p=24}}<ref name=structure />

Mining slate for building purposes has been carried out at various locations along the river, often with small quarries being created near to where the stone was to be used. Today the only active quarry in the whole River Camel catchment area is at [[Delabole]]<ref>{{cite web | title = BGS GeoIndex | publisher = British Geological Survey | url = http://www.bgs.ac.uk/GeoIndex/index.htm | access-date = 2008-08-14}}</ref> but there has previously been mining for [[lead]] and [[silver]] on [[Pentire Head]]<ref>{{cite web | title = Pentireglaze Mine | publisher = mindat.org | url = http://www.mindat.org/loc-1323.html | access-date = 2016-09-03}}</ref> and around Pinkson Creek{{sfn|Ingrey|1984|p=19}} and a copper mine at Credis above Little Petherick,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.intocornwall.com/engine/azabout.asp?guide=Little+Petherick |title=Little Petherick |website=www.intocornwall.com |publisher=AWMP Creative Media |access-date=5 May 2019 |quote=Credis lies within the parish. It was once the location of a small copper mine. The mine employed forty men and the shaft at Credis was thirty fathoms (55m) deep.}}</ref> Further inland the Camel and its tributaries border the St Austell mining lodes near [[Lanivet]], and mines in this area produced [[tin]],<ref>{{cite web | title = Penbugle Mine | publisher = mindat.org | url = http://www.mindat.org/loc-240635.html | access-date = 2016-09-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Bodmin Moor Consols | publisher = mindat.org | url = http://www.mindat.org/loc-240639.html | access-date = 2016-09-03}}</ref> [[lead]],<ref name=calling>{{cite web | url =https://www.cornwall-calling.co.uk/mines/north-cornwall-perranzabuloe/pentireglaze.htm | title =Pentireglaze mines, Cornwall | website =www.cornwall-calling.co.uk | publisher =cornwall calling | access-date =8 June 2019 }}</ref> [[silver]],<ref name=calling /> and [[copper]].<ref name=dinhammine>{{cite web | title = Wheal Sisters | publisher = mindat.org | url = http://www.mindat.org/loc-240628.html | access-date = 2016-09-03}}</ref> [[Iron ore]] in the form of [[haematite]] and associated [[manganese]] oxides were also mined in the area.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.cornwallinfocus.co.uk/mining/jamesretire.php | title =James, Retire, Colbiggan & Rosewarrick Mine, Cornwall | date =2019 | website =Cornwall in focus | publisher =Shimbo | access-date =8 June 2019}}</ref> Although not considered a great producer,<ref name=focus>{{cite web | url =http://www.cornwallinfocus.co.uk/mining/mulberry.php | title =Mulberry Hill Mine, Cornwall | date =2019 | website =Cornwall in focus | publisher =Shimbo | access-date =8 June 2019}}</ref> Mulberry Mine near [[Ruthernbridge]] produced in the region of 1300 tons of [[tin]] between 1859 and 1916.<ref>{{cite web | title = Mulberry Pit Tin Mine | publisher = aditnow.co.uk | url = http://www.aditnow.co.uk/mines/MULBERRY-PIT-Mine/ | access-date = 2016-09-03}}</ref><ref name=focus /> Records show that copper ore was shipped from Padstow to [[Neath]] for smelting,<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.aditnow.co.uk/documents/personal-album-272/Copper.PDF | title =The Copper Ore trade of South West England | website =www.aditnow.co.uk | publisher =Aditnow | access-date =8 June 2019 | quote = Table 3 and Table 4}}</ref> and tin and copper ores were the main commodity carried from Guineaport in 1830.{{sfn|Rodgers|1948|p=91}} Several small [[China Clay]] pits also operated in the 19th century around [[Blisland]]<ref>{{cite web | title = Durfold China Clay Works | publisher = mindat.org | url = http://www.mindat.org/loc-240638.html | access-date = 2016-09-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Carwen China Clay Works | publisher = mindat.org | url = http://www.mindat.org/loc-240637.html | access-date = 2016-09-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Temple China Clay Works | publisher = mindat.org | url = http://www.mindat.org/loc-240647.html | access-date = 2016-09-03}}</ref> and [[St Breward]].{{sfn|Reid|1996|p=7}}

[[File:RiverCamelAtSlaughterbridgeCornwallUK.jpg|thumb|left|The young River Camel at [[Slaughterbridge]] upstream of [[Camelford]] ]]

The source of the Camel is at {{convert|218|m|ft}} above sea level<ref name= "Camelandallen">{{cite web | title = 49001 – Camel at Denby: Land Use| publisher = Natural Environment Research Council | url = http://nrfa.ceh.ac.uk/data/station/spatial/49001 | access-date = 2016-02-21}}</ref> and it has an average incline of 7m/km.<ref name= "Camelandallen" /> The upper reaches of the Camel and its tributaries are mainly moorland giving way to woodland and farmland, predominantly livestock.<ref name= "Camelandallen" /> This means that 64.8% of the catchment is grassland, with a further 14.8% arable land and 12.9% woodland. Of the remaining 7.4%, 4.5% is through urban or built-up areas, 2.7% is mountain, heath and bog and the remainder is inland waters.<ref name="land use">{{cite web | title = camel and allen | publisher = Westcountry Rivers Trust | url = http://www.cornwallriversproject.org.uk/education/ed_cd/background/cornish_rivers/b04h.htm | access-date = 2010-01-05}}</ref>

The Camel's catchment area covers 413&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup><ref name= "Camelandallen" /> on the western side of Bodmin Moor, and is mainly Devonian slates and [[granite]],<ref>{{cite web | title = Camel at Denby | publisher = Centre for Ecology & Hydrology | url = http://nrfa.ceh.ac.uk/data/station/info/49001| access-date = 2016-02-21}}</ref> with some shales and sandstones.<ref name= "Camelandallen" /> Water volumes are affected by the [[Crowdy Reservoir|reservoir]] at Crowdy Marsh, by abstraction of water for public supply, and by effluent from the sewage system around [[Bodmin]]. Data collected by the National River Flow Archive shows that water flow in the River Camel for 2006 was considerably below average. This correlates with reduced rainfall, particularly between the months of June and September. Data from 2013 and 2014 also shows below average annual flow but with points of higher than average flow during Winter.<ref name= "Camelandallen" />

In a river which runs for much of its length in a steep-sided valley, sudden downpours can cause water levels to rise rapidly and while floods are not unusual on the Camel, the flood of 16 July 1847 was exceptional. Caused by a waterspout and deluge on Davidstow Moor, a wall of water swept away six bridges but Hellandbridge withstood the force of the water, which flowed over the structure leaving debris visible in nearby trees up to {{convert|20|feet|m|0}} above the normal river level.{{sfn|Ingrey|1989|pp=44-46}} Today the tidal parts of the River Camel are subject to flood risk, especially during [[Tide#Range variation: springs and neaps|spring tides]] after periods of high rainfall when the catchment is already saturated. The area around Wadebridge has been identified by the [[Environment Agency]] as a Critical Drainage Area (CDA) and due to the tidal element the risk is expected to increase due to [[climate change]]. This means that all development in the CDA has to take flooding into account including [[Surface runoff|rainfall runoff]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/16936393/wadebridge-cda-2015.pdf |title= Critical Drainage Area (CDA) Cornwall – Wadebridge |date= May 2015 |publisher= Environment Agency |access-date=17 October 2020}}</ref>

In 2023 the Environment Agency measured water levels on the River Camel at Sladesbridge, Dunmere and Camelford, and also on the rivers Allen and De Lank which are tributaries of the River Camel.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/river-and-sea-levels?q=Cornwall |title= Find river, sea, groundwater and rainfall levels |author= |date= |website= gov.uk |publisher= Environment Agency |access-date=4 November 2023}}</ref>

==Estuary==

[[File:PentireHeadMapCornwall.jpg|thumb|Sketch map of the River Camel estuary]]

[[Image:CamelestuaryCornwall.jpg|thumb|right|The estuary of the River Camel seen from [[Pentire Point]] with Trebetherick Point in the foreground.]]

[[File:RiverCamelEstuaryLookingSeawardCornwallUK.jpg|thumb|The estuary of the River Camel looking seaward from [[Padstow]] ]]

[[File:DoomBarRiverCamelCornwall2.jpg|thumb|The [[Doom Bar]] sandbank extends across the Camel estuary]]

{{blockquote|The next five and a half miles beside the broadening Camel to Padstow is the most beautiful train journey I know|[[John Betjeman]]|''Betjeman's Cornwall''<ref>{{cite book | last = Betjeman | first = John | author-link = John Betjeman |title = Betjeman's Cornwall | publisher = John Murray | year =1984 | location = London | isbn = 0-7195-4106-9 }}</ref>}}

The Camel Estuary ({{langx|kw|Heyl Kammel}})<ref>[http://www.magakernow.org.uk/default.aspx?page=520 Place-names in the Standard Written Form (SWF)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515091028/http://www.magakernow.org.uk/default.aspx?page=520 |date=15 May 2013 }} : [http://www.magakernow.org.uk/idoc.ashx?docid=79ba408d-7c02-499e-8cd6-b18dd48de58d&version=-1 List of place-names agreed by the MAGA Signage Panel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515071635/http://www.magakernow.org.uk/idoc.ashx?docid=79ba408d-7c02-499e-8cd6-b18dd48de58d&version=-1 |date=15 May 2013 }}. [[Cornish Language Partnership]].</ref> stretches from [[Wadebridge]] downstream to the open sea at Padstow Bay. The quays at Wadebridge are now developed with apartments and retail space on the west bank. North of the quays, the river passes under a concrete bridge carrying the [[A39 road|A39]] bypass and past the disused Vitriol Quay. Downstream of Burniere Point the valley widens on the right with acres of [[salt marsh]] where the River Amble flows in. Here the [http://www.cbwps.org.uk Cornwall Birdwatching and Preservation Society] has hides on both sides of the river; those on the Camel Trail are open to the public. The main river follows the western side of the valley, while on the eastern side a barrage prevents the rising tide from entering the River Amble.

Downstream from the Amble an [[adit]] can be found on the foreshore below Dinham Hill, part of Wheal Sisters copper mine.<ref name=dinhammine /> The adit is only accessible from the foreshore at low tide, and is situated near to the location of a tide mill that is recorded at the point where Dinham Creek meets the main river. This mill is shown on a map of the location from the 1830s although no sign of it now remains.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=MCO4&resourceID=1020 | title =DINHAM – Post Medieval tide mill | date =2012 | website =www.heritagegateway.org.uk | publisher =Heritage Gateway | access-date =9 June 2019 | quote = Minchinton and Perkins record that Dinham salt water mills were advertised for sale in 1851 (2). The 1st Edition 1:2500 OS c1880 map records a disused tidal bone mill at the site (1). A tidal pond is recorded on the 1963 OS map but this is not apparent on the current 1:10000 edition (3, 4). The CCC 1999–2001 vertical aerial photograph shows no survival of the mill}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/maps/sheet/os_unions_1830s_1840_sw/Camelford_1830_1840 |title= Ordnance Survuey Unions – Camelford 1830–1840 |date= 2017 |work= A vision of Britain through time |publisher= University of Portsmouth and others |access-date=17 October 2020 }}</ref> Cant Cove lies on the east bank below Cant Hill where the rotting ribs of two ship project from the mud, these being discernable on [[Google Maps]] in 2019, and almost opposite Cant Hill on the west bank is Camel Quarry<ref>{{cite web | title = Camel Quarry | publisher = mindat.org | url = http://www.mindat.org/loc-240669.html | access-date = 2016-09-03}}</ref> with the piles of waste rock clearly visible above the river and the remains of a quay visible at low water. From here the mud gives way to sand and Gentle Jane, named after a legendary lady who treated the ills of all comers.{{sfn|Duxbury| Williams|1987|p=46}}

From [[Porthilly|Porthilly Cove]] on the east bank, the [[estuary]] widens and swings to the north. On the west bank, the Camel Trail crosses the triple-span “Iron Bridge” over [[Little Petherick|Little Petherick Creek]] then passes below Dennis Hill and its [[obelisk]].

The fishing port of [[Padstow]] stands on the west bank from where the [[Black Tor Ferry]] (officially owned by the [[Duchy of Cornwall]]) carries people across the river to [[Rock, Cornwall|Rock]].

The mouth of the Camel lies between [[Stepper Point]] on the west and [[Pentire Point]] on the east, and each headland shelters sandy beaches. On the west side of the estuary, [[Tregirls beach]] is protected by Stepper Point. At the northern end of Tregirls beach is Harbour Cove and between here and [[Hawker's Cove, Cornwall|Hawker's Cove]] evidence has been found of occupation during the [[Bronze Age]], [[Iron Age]] and [[Roman Britain|Roman]] periods, and use of Harbour Cove for trading vessels.<ref name="time team">{{cite episode | title = From Constantinople to Cornwall | url = http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/T/timeteam/2008/padstow/index.html | series = Time Team | airdate = 2008-03-09 | season = 2008 | number = 10}}</ref>

In 1827, Padstow Harbour Association chose Hawker's Cove as the location for the Padstow [[lifeboat (rescue)|lifeboat]]. Operations were taken over by the [[RNLI]] in 1856. A new lifeboat station and slipway were built in 1931 and a second lifeboat stationed at Hawker's Cove. The station closed in 1962 because silting rendered the channel too shallow and the building used to house the lifeboat has been converted to residential use.<ref>{{cite web | title = Padstow History | publisher = RNLI | year = 2007 | url = http://rnli.org/findmynearest/station/Pages/Padstow-tabs/History.aspx | access-date = 2013-03-07}}</ref> Movement of sand in various parts of the estuary has affected the ability of vessels to access Padstow harbour for many years, and even in May 2020 a navigation warning was issued relating to an increase in size of a spit of sand between Gun Point and St Saviours Point which is considered to have become a serious hazard to navigation.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.padstow-harbour.co.uk/ntm-9-2020-navigation-warning.pdf |title= Local Notice to Mariners #9/2020 issued 12 May 2020 |author= Bryn Philips, Padstow Harbour Master |date= 12 May 2020 |publisher= Padstow Harbour Commissioners |access-date=17 October 2020}}</ref>

Beyond Hawkers Cove a sand bar known as the [[Doom Bar]] extends across the estuary. This restricts access to Padstow harbour and has been the graveyard of many ships over the years. In the past there was a proposal to build a pier on the doom bar to funnel the tide and thus scour the main channel and keep it navigable, but nothing was ever constructed.<ref>{{cite book |last = Barton |first = R M |title = Cornwall's structure and scenery | publisher = Tor Mark Press |page = 47 }}</ref> A legend as to how the Doom Bar came about describes how a local fisherman is reputed to have shot a mermaid with an arrow, with the result that she cursed Padstow by putting the sandbar between the harbour and the sea.<ref>{{cite book | last = Bishop | first = Ray | title = North Cornwall Camera | publisher = Bossiney Books | year = 1994 | location = Bodmin | isbn = 0-948158-97-2}}</ref>

On the east side of the estuary, the village of [[Rock, Cornwall|Rock]] is centre for [[sailing]], [[dinghy racing]] and marine leisure. From Rock, dunes and [[intertidal]] sands extend north as far as [[Brea Hill, Trebetherick|Brea Hill]]. Beyond Brea Hill is [[Daymer Bay]] with a beach north of which is the settlement of [[Trebetherick]]. The river then flows past Trebetherick Point and swings east over a rocky stretch of foreshore punctuated by sand at Greenaway before reaching the beach at [[Polzeath]], a location for [[surfing]]. North of Polzeath, Pentire Point marks the northeast extremity of the estuary.

==Recreation==
The Camel Estuary has been designated an [[Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty]] (AONB), covering the area between Padstow/Rock and Wadebridge.<ref>{{cite web | title = Camel Estuary | publisher = Cornwall AONB unit |url = http://www.cornwall-aonb.gov.uk/documents/aonb_camel.pdf | access-date = 2008-08-27}}</ref> The estuary comprises part of the [[Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty]].

===Angling===
In the 1920s [[Trout]] fishing was listed as one of the attractions of the river and today it is known for both Trout and [[Salmon]] fishing, and particularly for [[Sea trout]] with the fishing season running from 1 May to 15 December.<ref>{{cite book |last= |first= |title= A pictorial and descriptive guide to Newquay and North Cornwall |publisher= Ward, Lock & Co |series= Red guides |year= 1927 |edition= 9th (revised) |location= London |page=69}}</ref><ref name=diamondpub>{{cite web |url= https://www.gethooked.co.uk/game/river_camel|title= The River Camel |author= Jon Evans |date= 8 Dec 2008 |work= Get Hooked! |publisher= Diamond Publications |access-date= 26 Jan 2020 }}</ref> Fishing techniques used include [[Spinnerbait|spinning]], worm [[Bait (luring substance)|bait]] and [[Fly fishing]].<ref name=diamondpub /> Fishing from the end of August is covered by a voluntary catch-and-release agreement, and the upper reaches are designated as a fish sanctuary and fishing here is prohibited.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.perransprings.co.uk/fishing-on-the-river-camel/ |title= Fishing on the River Camel |author= Perran Springs Holiday Park |publisher= Perran Springs Holiday Park |access-date=26 Jan 2020 }}</ref>

For fishing purposes, the River Camel is considered to be tidal from the mouth up to [[St Conan's Church, Egloshayle|Egloshayle church]].<ref name=seatrout>{{cite web |url= http://www.seatrout-fishing.com/river-camel.htm |title= The River Camel |work= Sea Trout Fishing |access-date=26 Jan 2020 }}</ref>

Although not often mentioned when discussing [[European bass|Bass]] fishing on the River Camel, the whole of the river is a Bass conservation area with a ban on fishing from boats and an increased minimum size for fish caught from the shore.<ref name=maffbass>{{cite web | url =https://www.cefas.co.uk/publications/techrep/Bass.pdf | title =Bass nursery areas and other conservation measures | publisher =Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food | access-date =27 April 2019 | quote = All tidal waters enclosed by a line drawn 116 deg true from stepper point to Trebetherick  Point}}</ref><ref name=ukbass>{{cite web  | url =https://www.ukbass.com/inshore-rules/ | title =UK bass legislation: Location of bass nursery areas | date =1 Feb 2016 | website =UKBass.com | publisher = Bass Anglers Sportfishing Society | access-date =27 April 2019 }}</ref> Sea fishing for [[Flounder]] is also a feature of the River Camel, particularly in the sandy parts between [[Padstow]] and Cant Hill<ref name=flounder>{{cite web |url=http://www.fishing-hotspot.co.uk/sea-fishing-hotspots/sea-fishing-south-west/sea-fishing-marks-in-cornwall/flounder-fishing-padsto/ |title=Flounder Fishing on the River Camel |website=Fishing-hotspot.co.uk |access-date=26 Jan 2020 }}</ref>

===Beaches and bathing===
On the western bank Hawker's Cove, [[Tregirls beach]] and St Georges Cove lie between [[Stepper Point]] and [[Padstow]], while on the eastern bank moving upstream from [[Pentire Point]] is [[Polzeath]] beach, [[Daymer Bay]] and [[Rock, Cornwall|Rock]]. Water quality is monitored at Polzeath and Daymer Bay with water classification for the years 2012 to 2015 for both locations being "Excellent".<ref>
{{cite web | url =http://environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/profiles/profile.html?site=ukk3104-33300 | title =Bathing Water Profile for Polzeath | date = 2016 | website =Environment Agency Bathing Water Quality | publisher =Environment Agency | access-date =2016-09-23 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url =http://environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/profiles/profile.html?site=ukk3104-33200 | title =Bathing Water Profile for Dammer Bay | date = 2016 | website =Environment Agency Bathing Water Quality | publisher =Environment Agency | access-date =2016-09-23 }}</ref> Water quality was previously monitored at Rock, results from 2007 for all three locations on the eastern bank of the river being either "good" or "excellent".<ref>{{cite web | title = Water Quality 2007 | publisher = North Cornwall District Council | year = 2008 | url = http://www.ncdc.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=27725 | access-date = 2008-08-11}}</ref>

===Mountain biking===
The steep-sided parts of the Camel valley are ideal for [[mountain biking]], and several [[Single track (mountain biking)|trails]] are maintained. Particularly accessible are those on land owned by the [[Forestry Commission]] at Cardinham Woods and Hustyns Woods.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.moredirt.com/trail/United-Kingdom_South-West/Cardinham-Woods-Mountain-Bike-Trails/1409| title =Cardinham Woods Mountain Bike Trails| date =2019| website =www.moredirt.com| publisher =More Dirt Ltd| access-date =29 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.moredirt.com/trail/United-Kingdom_South-West/Hustyns-Woods/903/| title =Hustyns Woods| date =2019| website =www.moredirt.com| publisher =More Dirt Ltd| access-date = 29 September 2019}}</ref>

===Walking===

[[File:DisusedLSWRailwayBridgeOverPetherickCreekCornwallUK.jpg|thumb|The [[Camel Trail]] crosses Petherick Creek on this bridge which formerly carried the [[North Cornwall Railway]] ]]

The [[Camel Trail]], used by walkers and [[bicycle|cyclists]], follows the trackbed of the [[Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway]] from [[Wenfordbridge]], past the outskirts of [[Bodmin]] at Dunmere, and through [[Wadebridge]] to [[Padstow]].

From Poleys Bridge near Wenfordbridge, the Camelford Way follows the valley of the River Camel further up to the town of Camelford.{{sfn|Reid|1996|pp=36-37}}

The [[South West Coast Path]] follows the River Camel from [[Pentire Point]] to [[Rock, Cornwall|Rock]], and from [[Padstow]] to [[Stepper Point]]. It crosses the river using the [[Black Tor Ferry]].

The [[Saints' Way]] footpath links [[Padstow]] with [[Fowey]]. It follows first the River Camel, and then Little Petherick Creek from Padstow to Little Petherick, before striking inland and crossing the county to the [[River Fowey]]. This route is a very ancient one used by travellers from Ireland and Wales making for Brittany and wishing to avoid the dangerous seas around [[Lands End]].{{sfn|Duxbury| Williams|1987|p=9}}

===Water sports===
Canoeing and Kayaking take place on the river Camel with a dedicated access point just above the bridge at Wadebridge.  Further up there are stretches that are particularly favoured such as between Tuckingmill to Penrose which has grade 2 rapids.<ref>{{cite web | title = Guide to the River Camel (Tuckingmill to Penrose) | publisher = The UK rivers guidebook |url = https://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/rivers/england/south-west/river-camel-tuckingmill-to-penrose | access-date = 2011-11-21}}</ref>

Water skiing takes place on the estuary based in Rock, with four set courses located between Dennis cove and Pinkson creek.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.rswsc.co.uk/home/water-ski/camel-estuary-ski-area-map/ | title =Camel Estuary Ski Area Map | date =2017 | website =www.rswsc.co.uk | publisher =Rock Sailing and Waterski Club | access-date =2 June 2019 }}</ref>  Rock is also a centre for sailing with the Rock Sailing and Waterski Club being founded in 1938<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.rswsc.co.uk/home/about-us/ | title = History The early years  | date =2017 | website =Rock Sailing and Waterski Club | publisher =Rock Sailing and Water Ski Club | access-date =28 September 2019}}</ref>{{sfn|Reid|1996|p=40}}

Daymer Bay and Hawkers Cove are good locations for [[Kiteboarding|Kitesurfing]], particularly freestyle and wakestyle. These locations being on opposite sides of the river provide between them kitesurfing opportunities for all wind directions, although kitesurfing is not allowed at either venue during the daytime in July and August. Kitesurfing UK list Hawkers cove as one of their favourite kitesurfing spots in Cornwall.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://kitesurfinguk.org.uk/area/kitesurfing-cornwall/#:~:text=Kitesurfing%20in%20Cornwall%20Cornwall%20is%20a%20peninsula%20bordered,featuring%20picturesque%20villages%2C%20sandy%20beaches%20and%20hidden%20coves. |title= Kitesurfing in Cornwall |date= 2020 |publisher= Kitesurfing UK  |access-date=17 October 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://kitesurfinguk.org.uk/uk-kite-beaches/kitesurfing-daymer-bay/ |title= Kitesurfing Daymer Bay |date= 2020 |publisher= Kitesurfing UK |access-date=17 October 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://kitesurfinguk.org.uk/uk-kite-beaches/kitesurfing-hawkers-cove-cornwall/ |title= Kitesurfing Hawker's Cove, Cornwall |date= 2020 |publisher= Kitesurfing UK |access-date=17 October 2020 }}</ref>

==Wildlife and conservation==
The majority of the Camel Estuary, from Padstow/Porthilly upstream to Wadebridge are part of the [[Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.cornwall-aonb.gov.uk/camelestuary
|title= 03 The Camel Estuary |publisher= cornwall-aonb.gov.uk |access-date=24 May 2020 }}</ref> and thus considered worthy of special landscape protection.  There are also five [[Site of Special Scientific Interest|Sites of Special Scientific Interest]] (SSSIs) along the length of the Camel. Four small SSSIs at '''Harbour Cove''', [[Rock, Cornwall|Rock Dunes]], [[Trebetherick|Trebetherick Point]] and [[Pentire Peninsula]] are on the estuary, while the '''River Camel Valley and Tributaries''' SSSI covers much of the Camel Valley between Egloshayle and [[Blisland]], and extends in several further sections of varying size up to its source. This SSSI also includes much of the River Allen, a tributary which flows into the river immediately upstream of Egloshayle, and some smaller unnamed tributaries. In addition, there is an SSSI at '''Amble Marshes''' on the River Amble which flows into the Camel Estuary between Wadebridge and Rock.

The River Camel was designated by the [[Joint Nature Conservation Committee]] as a Special Area of Conservation<ref>{{cite web | title = River Camel | publisher = Joint Nature Conservation Committee | url = http://www.jncc.gov.uk/protectedsites/sacselection/sac.asp?EUCode=UK0030056 | access-date = 2008-08-26}}</ref> in April 2005 as being of European importance for the [[Eurasian otter|otter]] and the [[European bullhead|bullhead]], and this was reviewed in 2015.<ref name=jncc2015>{{cite web |url= https://jncc.gov.uk/jncc-assets/SAC-N2K/UK0030056.pdf |title= Site UK0030056 River Camel |author= Joint Nature Conservation Committee |date= 25 January 2016 |work= NATURA 2000 – STANDARD DATA FORM |access-date=7 June 2020 }}</ref> However publicly available information on the area is unclear as the DEFRA Joint Nature Conservation Committee website shows the area stretching from Pinkson Creek on the Camel estuary up to Polbrock bridge, but incorporating Pinkson Creek, the River Allen to just upstream of Sladesbridge, and the Polmorla Brook almost to the edge of the Wadebridge built-up area, and incorporating all of the intertidal zone.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5201 | title =Marine Protected Areas in the UK | website =defra.gov.uk | publisher =Joint Nature Conservation Committee | access-date =2 June 2019}}</ref> In contrast, both the Marine Conservation Institute and ProtectedPlanet show the area from Wadebridge bridge upstream, including the Ruthern, Allen, De Lank and Stannon, all being shown as covered to their respective sources.,<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.mpatlas.org/mpa/sites/68809815/ | title =River Camel Valley and Tributaries Site of Special Scientific Interest  | date =2019 | website =www.mpatlas.org | publisher =Marine Conservation Institute | access-date =2 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.protectedplanet.net/river-camel-valley-and-tributaries-site-of-special-scientific-interest-gb | title =River Camel Valley and Tributaries in United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | date =2019 | website =www.protectedplanet.net | publisher =ProtectedPlanet | access-date =2 June 2019 }}</ref> the only part of this area considered tidal is between Wadebridge bridge and St Marys church Egloshayle.

There are two nature reserves on Camel and its tributaries. The Walmsley sanctuary of the Cornwall Birdwatching and Preservation Society is on the Amble marshes on the River Amble above Trewornan Bridge. Hawke's Wood reserve, owned by the [[Cornwall Wildlife Trust]], is on the south side of the Camel Valley between Wadebridge and Dunmere. Here is an abandoned quarry in a mature woodland of predominantly [[sessile oak]],<ref name="nature of cornwall">{{cite book | last = Bere | first = Rennie | title = The Nature of Cornwall | publisher = Barracuda Books Limited | year =1982 | location = Buckingham | isbn = 0-86023-163-1 }}</ref> this latter habitat also being named as contributary to the Special Area of Conservation listing.<ref name=jncc2015 />

===Birds===
With the large areas of [[salt marsh]] on the estuary, the river provides an excellent location for birds. Large flocks of [[wader]]s can be seen in winter, preyed on by [[peregrine falcon]]s, and a migrant [[osprey]] often pauses a few days to fish in spring and autumn.<ref name="nature of cornwall"/> [[Mute swan]]s nest at several locations, particularly near to the bridge in Wadebridge. [[Common shelduck|Shelduck]], [[northern shoveler|shoveler]] and [[mallard]] are found on the river and [[Eurasian teal|teal]] further upstream.<ref name="Walmsley">{{Cite web | title = Walmsley Sanctuary | publisher = Cornwall Birdwatching & Preservation Society | url = http://www.cbwps.org.uk/Walmsley%20Sanctuary.htm | access-date = 2010-01-25}}</ref>

A [[belted kingfisher]] was seen in the 1980s for only the second time in England and the estuary has been noted for early colonisation by egret species. In the 1980s and 1990s [[little egret]]s were to be seen on mudflats at low tide, and more recently large numbers of [[western cattle egret|cattle egrets]] have been found on the River Amble and near Burniere, and have now become sufficiently common not to require corroborating evidence when reporting sightings.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.cbwps.org.uk/cbwpsword/news/ | title =News: January 2019 News Page | date =9 Jan 2019 | website =Cornwall Birds | publisher =Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society | access-date =28 April 2019 | quote = County Bird News: As of 1st Jan, the two expanding egret species in the UK, Cattle and Great White have been taken off the ‘County Description Species’ List. Care over id may still need to be taken, & recorder/committee may request further information for any particular sighting.}}</ref>

Upstream and on several of its tributaries, [[common kingfisher|kingfishers]] can be seen,<ref name="Walmsley" /> while the Cornwall Wildlife Trust reserve at Hawkes Wood is noted for [[Eurasian nuthatch|nuthatches]] and [[tawny owl]]s.<ref name="Hawkes">{{Cite web| title =Hawkes Wood| publisher =Cornwall Wildlife Trust| url =http://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/nature_reserves/where_to_find_the_nature_reserves_1/Cornwall_Wildlife_Trust_Hawkes_Wood_nature_reserve_Wadebridge.htm| access-date =2010-01-28| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090914152313/http://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/nature_reserves/where_to_find_the_nature_reserves_1/Cornwall_Wildlife_Trust_Hawkes_Wood_nature_reserve_Wadebridge.htm| archive-date =2009-09-14}}</ref>

There are three birdwatching hides overlooking the River Camel. Tregunna Hide (Grid reference SW 969 738), owned by Cornwall County Council, is located by the Camel Trail<ref name="CBWPS">{{Cite web | title = Reserves & Hides | publisher = Cornwall Birdwatching & Preservation Society | url = http://www.cbwps.org.uk/Reserves%20%26%20hides.htm | access-date = 2010-01-25 | archive-date = 5 May 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100505131354/http://www.cbwps.org.uk/Reserves%20%26%20hides.htm | url-status = dead }}</ref> and is open to the public. Burniere Hide (Grid Reference SW 982 740) is owned by the [[Cornwall Birdwatching and Preservation Society]] (CBWPS)<ref name="CBWPS" /> is open to members. In addition the CBWPS own the Walmsley Sanctuary which covers over {{convert|20|ha|acre}} on the River Amble, with two further hides for use by its members. The Walmsley sanctuary is nationally important for wintering waders and wildfowl.<ref name="Walmsley" /> These hides are located on the estuary below Wadebridge while upstream of Wadebridge there is a hide overlooking Treraven Meadow located 500m from Guineaport towards Bodmin<ref name="treraven">{{cite web | title = camel estuary wildlife | date = 22 November 2012 | publisher = camelbirder | url = https://camelbirder.wordpress.com/2012/11/22/treraven-meadow/ | access-date = 2016-09-02}}</ref>

Sometimes nationally rare bird species have been recorded in the Camel valley or on one of the major tributaries.  In 2010 an [[American bittern]] was recorded on the River Amble having flown in from the River Camel nearby,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.swopticsphoto.com/2010/11/american-bittern-at-walmsley-sanctuary.html |title= American Bittern at Walmsley Sanctuary |date= 2 November 2010 |publisher= South West Optics |access-date=1 February 2020 }}</ref> and in 2016 a [[Dalmatian pelican]] was recorded on the River Camel at various locations between Rock and Dinham<ref>{{Cite web | title = First sighting of a Dalmatian pelican in the Camel Estuary | work = North Cornwall today | publisher = Tindle Newspapers Ltd. | url = http://www.northcornwall-today.co.uk/article.cfm?id=103604&headline=First%20sighting%20of%20a%20Dalmatian%20pelican%20in%20the%20Camel%20Estuary&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2016 | access-date = 2016-11-25}}</ref>

===Fish===
The estuary is a [[European seabass|sea bass]] conservation area. This was originally designated as being upstream from a line drawn between Stepper Point and Trebetherick Point<ref name=maffbass /> but this was extended to include all waters upstream of a line between Stepper Point and Pentire Point in 1999.<ref name=ukbass /> Surfers at Polzeath have recounted seeing bass swimming around their surfboards in summer. Flounders can be found in the brackish waters around the entrance to Little Petherick Creek,<ref name=flounder /> and Daymer Bay is noted as a location for fishing from the rocks.<ref name="c-online">{{cite web | url =http://www.cornwall-online.co.uk/waterside/fishing.htm | title =SEA FISHING ALONG THE NORTH CORNWALL COAST | date =2019 | website =cornwall-online.co.uk | publisher =Cornwall Online | access-date =27 April 2019 }}</ref>

[[Egg case (Chondrichthyes)|Egg cases]] from [[shark]] and [[Batoidea|ray]] species are regularly found on the beaches near the mouth of the river, and have been recorded as far up as [[Porthilly]] and Dennis Cove. Species whose egg cases have been identified include [[Small-spotted catshark]], [[Smalleyed ray|Small-eyed Ray]], [[Raja (fish)|Spotted Ray]], [[Nursehound]], [[Leucoraja|Cuckoo Ray]], [[Raja (fish)|Blonde Ray]], [[Undulate Ray]], and [[Thornback ray|Thornback Ray]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://recording.sharktrust.org/eggcases_results_landing |title= Great Eggcase Hunt Results |date= 2019 |publisher= Shark Trust |access-date=27 October 2020 }}</ref>

[[Salmon]] and [[brown trout|sea trout]] are found in the River Camel and have been fished since the 12th century when the Priory at Bodmin constructed a Salmon weir near Dunmere<ref name="Trust">{{cite web | url =http://www.gethooked.co.uk/game/river_camel | title =The River Camel | last =Evans | first =Jon | date =8 Dec 2008 | website =Gethooked.co.uk | publisher =Diamond Publications | access-date =27 April 2019 }}</ref>{{sfn|Ingrey|1989|p=37}} and Salmon is named as a contributary species in the designation of the River Camel as a Special Area of Conservation.<ref name=jncc2015 /> More recently the Camel had a reputation for good runs of both salmon and sea trout up to the early 2000s,<ref name="Trust"/> particularly in the area around Bodmin,<ref name="c-online"/> but there was a rapid decline in the late 2010s leading to the [[Environment Agency]] placing restrictions on salmon fishing in the river in 2017.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.bodminanglers.co.uk/index.php?/essays/ | title =Extension of EA restrictions 01/11/2018 | date =1 November 2018 | website =Bodminanglers.co.uk | publisher =Bodmin Anglers Association | access-date =27 April 2019}}</ref> There have also been significant reductions in catches of sea trout and while a total of over 900 fish were caught in 2010, this reduced to less than 300 fish in 2016.<ref name= seatrout />

Occasionally [[basking shark]]s can be seen at the mouth of the river and very occasionally [[bottlenose dolphin]]s can be seen.<ref name="MAFF">{{cite web | title = Marine sightings of Basking Shark 'Cetorhinus maximus' in Cornwall | publisher = Cornwall Wildlife Trust | year = 2008 | url = http://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/nature/marine/sight/species.php?common=Basking%20Shark | access-date = 2008-08-11}}</ref> The largest and most unusual fish reported to have been found in the river was a sturgeon weighing {{convert|432|lb|kg}} which was stranded by the outgoing tide in June 1887.{{sfn|Ingrey|1984|p=12}}

===Flora===
By the [[Atlantic Ocean]] the flora is distinctly maritime, characterised by [[Armeria maritima|thrift]] and [[Silene uniflora|sea campion]] on exposed clifftops and [[spring squill]] and heather in the turf. Stunted [[blackthorn]] and [[gorse]] tolerate more exposed sites, while the quarry on [[Stepper Point]] is home to many species of marsh plants. Above Egloshayle there are beds of [[Iris pseudacorus|yellow flag iris]] while the wooded slopes of the valley are filled with [[Common bluebell|bluebells]] in spring.

The camel is home to two invasive non-native species; [[Japanese knotweed]]<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/trees-hedges-and-woodland/invasive-plants/japanese-knotweed/
 | title =Japanese knotweed | date =2019 | website =cornwall.gov.uk | publisher =Cornwall Council | access-date =3 May 2019}}</ref> and [[Himalayan balsam]].<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/trees-hedges-and-woodland/invasive-plants/himalayan-balsam/ | title =Himalayan balsam | date =2019 | website =cornwall.gov.uk | publisher =Cornwall Council | access-date =3 May 2019}}</ref> Both are the subject of manual control on various stretches of the river.<ref>{{cite web | title = Invasive weeds on the River Camel | publisher = Westcountry Rivers Trust | url = http://www.tamarconsulting.org/wrt/projects/invasiveweeds.htm | access-date = 2008-08-26}}</ref>

The valley and its immediate environs are, in parts, thickly wooded with managed plantations at Cardinham<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.forestryengland.uk/cardinham-woods | title =Cardinham Woods | website =www.forestryengland.uk | publisher =Forestry England | access-date = 29 September 2019}}</ref> and Dunmere<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/wood/11548/dunmere-eastwood/ | title =Dunmere, Eastwood | website =www.woodlandtrust.org.uk | publisher =The Woodland Trust | access-date =29 September 2019}}</ref> near Bodmin and Bishop's, Hustyn, and Grogley Woods<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/wood/11545/bishops-hustyn-and-grogley-woods/ | title =Bishop's, Hustyn, and Grogley Woods | website =www.woodlandtrust.org.uk | publisher =The Woodland Trust | access-date =29 September 2019 }}</ref> between Bodmin and Wadebridge all managed by the [[Forestry Commission]] with mature [[Douglas fir]]<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.intocornwall.com/engine/azabout.asp?guide=Hustyn+Woods+%2D+Walks+in+Cornwall | title =Hustyn Woods  | website =www.intocornwall.com | publisher = AWMP Creative Media | access-date =29 September 2019 | quote = Hustyn Wood, in the Parish of St Breock, is a Forestry Commission wood, adjoining Bishop's Woods, composed of a variety of trees – areas of broadleaved trees, mature Douglas fir and mixed woodland.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.intocornwall.com/engine/azabout.asp?guide=Bishop%27s+Woods+%2D+Walks+in+Cornwall | title =Bishop's Woods  | website =www.intocornwall.com | publisher = AWMP Creative Media | access-date =29 September 2019 | quote = Bishop's Wood, in the Parish of St Breock, is a Forestry Commission wood, composed of a variety of trees – areas of broadleaved trees, mature Douglas fir and mixed woodland.}}</ref> as well as mixed [[deciduous]] trees. Before that the [[Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway]] planted avenues of [[elm]] Trees along the line of the railway,{{sfn|Fairclough|Wills|1979|p=14}} and there were also elms near the railway between Wadebridge and Padstow, now gone as a result of [[Dutch elm disease]].{{sfn|Ingrey|1984|p=21}} Another tree that is uncommon, but is found in the Camel valley is the [[wild service tree]],<ref>{{cite web | url =http://archive.bsbi.org.uk/Wats19p209.pdf | title =The distribution of the Wild Service Tree, Sorbus torminalis in the British Isles | last =Roper | first =P | date =1993 | website =bsbi.org | publisher =Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland | access-date =29 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.cornishbiodiversitynetwork.org/wpages/CBN497.htm | title =Sorbus torminalis – Wild Service-tree
 | date =2017 | website =Flora of Cornwall (1999) | publisher =Cornish Biodiversity Network | access-date =29 September 2019 }}</ref> an indicator of ancient woodland or hedgerows.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-explorer/trees-and-shrubs/wild-service-tree | title =Wild service tree | website =www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk | publisher =Cornwall Wildlife Trust | access-date =29 September 2019 | quote = The wild service tree was once widespread, if seldom abundant, in the forests of England and Wales. But, as these were cleared, it became rarer and is now confined to ancient woodlands and hedges}}</ref>

===Mammals===
The Camel and its tributaries are home to [[Eurasian otter|otters]]. These were hunted up to the early 20th century<ref>{{Citation | title =Otter hounds | newspaper =Cornish & Devon Post | pages =7 | date =1908-09-18}}</ref> but are now one of the species cited in the River Camel and Tributaries SSSI.

[[Red deer]] and [[roe deer]] can both be seen in the valleys of the River Camel and its tributaries, with roe deer being the more common.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cornwallmammalgroup.org/red-deer |title=Red Deer-(Cervus elaphus) |date=2018 |website= Cornwall Mammal Group |access-date=28 Jan 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cornwallmammalgroup.org/fallow-deer |title=Fallow Deer-(Dama dama) |date=2018 |website= Cornwall Mammal Group |access-date=28 Jan 2020 }}</ref>

[[European badger|Badgers]] can be found throughout the Camel Valley, but in 2016 [[Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs|DEFRA]] announced a [[Badger culling in the United Kingdom|badger cull]] zone covering North Cornwall, the boundary of which encompasses the rivers Camel and Allen. The cull, which resulted in over 1500 badgers being killed in North Cornwall in 2016,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://cornwallreports.co.uk/more-than-1500-badgers-killed-in-cornwall-during-recent-anti-tb-cull/ |title= More than 1,500 badgers killed in Cornwall during recent anti-TB cull |author=  Graham Smith |date= 17 December 2016 |publisher= Cornwall Reports |access-date=30 January 2020 }}</ref> is intended to reduce instances of [[Bovine TB]] but has proved controversial.

===Molluscs===
The beaches and cliffs around the mouth of the River Camel are home to a variety of marine [[Mollusca|molluscs]], and on beaches exposed to longshore drift one can also find [[Mollusc shell|shells]] washed up with the tide, particularly after westerly storms.{{sfn|Pascoe|n.d.|p=8}} [[Common limpet]], [[blue mussel]] and the [[barnacle]] ([[Chthamalus stellatus]]) are commonly found on rocks that are covered at high tide, with [[dog whelk]] and [[common periwinkle]] found in [[Tide pool|tidal rockpools]]. The [[Donax vittatus|banded wedge shell]] and blunt tellin (Arcopagia crassa) can also be found as far upstream as [[Padstow]].{{sfn|Pascoe|n.d.|p=30-31}}

==History and infrastructure==

===Transport and Industry===
Cornwall is an undulating county with high cliffs, rough moors and deep valleys, so rivers have been used for transport throughout history. Being one of the few safe havens on the north coast of Cornwall, the Camel Estuary has been used since Roman times and most likely earlier, and by the 18th century the port of [[Padstow]] was the second largest importer of coal in Cornwall after [[Falmouth, Cornwall|Falmouth]].<ref name="time team"/><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol23/cccxl-cccxliv |title= Declared Accounts: Customs, Coal |author=  |date= 2019 |website= British History Online |publisher=  University of London |access-date= 21 May 2022}}</ref> The river has previously been navigable beyond Wadebridge with the highest quays being at Guineaport and Egloshayle,<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=MCO40383&resourceID=1020 | title =GUINEAPORT – Post Medieval quay | date =2012 | website =www.heritagegateway.org.uk | publisher =Heritage Gateway | access-date =9 June 2019 | quote = A quay on the south bank of the River Camel, adjacent to the old line of the London and South Western Railway (now the Camel Trail). The quay survives substantially intact, although partly obscured by modern infill to the east. It is constructed of slate stone masonry in alternate vertical and horizontal bedding, with granite capstones (JRS, 2002)}}</ref><ref name=marsh>{{cite web | url =https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=MCO26523&resourceID=1020 | title =MARSH COTTAGES – Post Medieval quay | date =2012 | website =www.heritagegateway.org.uk | publisher =Heritage Gateway | access-date =9 June 2019 | quote = A sand wharf on the Camel at Egloshayle}}</ref> and ships were recorded beyond that at least as far as Pendavy a mile further upstream while Polbrock was given as the limit of navigation in 1814.{{sfn|Fairclough|Wills|1979|p=21}}<ref name=magna>Daniel Lysons and Samuel Lysons, 'Geography and geology', in Magna Britannia: Volume 3, Cornwall (London, 1814), pp. clxxxi-cxciii. British History Online http://www.british-history.ac.uk/magna-britannia/vol3/clxxxi-cxciii [accessed 23 January 2021].</ref> The river as far as Wadebridge was considered navigable for vessels up to 150 tons in 1830 and Wadebridge was used as the location for loading granite, [[iron ore]] and [[china Clay]] onto ships for onward transport.<ref>{{cite book  | title =Pigot's Directory | date =1830 | pages =135}}</ref>{{sfn|Reid|1996|p=4}}{{sfn|Ingrey|1984|p=31}} Advice from the [[Maritime and Coastguard Agency]] published in 2003 indicates that the River is now only navigable for merchant vessels as far as Brea Hill.<ref>{{cite book | title = MERCHANT SHIPPING NOTICE MSN 1776 (M) | url = http://docshare.tips/msn1776-inland-vessel-uk_575031cdb6d87fb61d8b476c.html | access-date = 7 June 2020 | date = 2003 | publisher = Maritime and Coastguard Agency | location = Southampton| page = 18}}</ref>

During the period of [[canal]] building in Britain the River Camel was investigated as one end of a canal looking to join the north and south coasts of Cornwall by linking to the [[River Fowey]]. The first plan, often referred to as the "Polbrock Canal" was put forward in 1794 and engineer [[John Rennie the Elder|John Rennie]] was engaged to advise on the idea. The canal was intended to be {{convert|5|foot|m}} deep and {{convert|32|foot|-1}} wide, but Rennie advised that a tunnel would be required on the route and that little through traffic could be anticipated so no further effort was expended.<ref name=iwa>{{cite web |url= https://www.waterways.org.uk/blog/waterways_that_were_never_built |title= Waterways that were Never Built section "Polbrock Canal" |date= 2013 |publisher= Inland Waterways Association |access-date=7 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://canalrivertrustwaterfront.org.uk/heritage/feature-pos3-imagined-canals/|title=Imagined canals|date=5 July 2018}}</ref> Soon after in 1796 an act of Parliament was passed authorising a canal from Guineaport to Dunmere with a branch to Ruthernbridge but in the event no start was made and the scheme lapsed.{{sfn|Ingrey|1989|p=14}} In the 1820s [[Marc Isambard Brunel|Marc Brunel]], the father of [[Isambard Kingdom Brunel]] considered the possibility of a [[ship canal]] looking to make a connection similar to that proposed in 1794 between the rivers Camel and Fowey but again little return on the investment was predicted and nothing was built.<ref name=iwa />

With boats as one of the main methods of transporting goods until the advent of the railways there were several quays along the river, often at the limit of navigation of the many tributaries and creeks on the estuary. There were quays at [[Little Petherick]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/3638338/Little_Petherick_CA_Statement.pdf |title=Little Petherick Conservation Area Character Statement |date=1997 |website=www.cornwall.gov.uk |publisher=North Cornwall District Council |page =3 |access-date=5 May 2019 |quote= Some of the wharves and quays where goods such as lime and grain were loaded are still clearly visible on the west side of the creek}}</ref> and Trevorrick Mills{{sfn|Ingrey|1984|pp=12-14}} on [[Little Petherick Creek]] and before construction of the railway between Wadebridge and Padstow there was a quay at Pinxton Creek.<ref name="ncr95">{{cite book | last =Wroe | first =David | title =An Illustrated History of the North Cornwall Railway  | publisher =Irwell Press | date =1994 | location =Caernarfon | page =94 | isbn =1-871608-63-5}}</ref> Also on the south bank of the estuary two quays served the nearby Camel Quarry and Penquean Quarry, the quays being used to export the slate quarried there and, as the slate was raised from up to {{convert|60|ft|-1}} depth, to bring in coal for the two engines used for pumping and sawing, although both quarries had ceased operation before the railway line separated them from the river.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/1856_Mines_in_Devon_and_Cornwall#C |title= Camel Slab and Slate Quarry |date= 8 February 2020 |work= Grace's Guide to British Industrial History |publisher= Grace's Guide Ltd |access-date=18 October 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://maps.nls.uk/view/105992887 |title= Cornwall XXV.1 (St Breock; St Issey; St Minver Highlands; St Minver Lowlands) |date= 1907 |publisher= Ordnance Survey |access-date= 3 January 2021}}</ref> Joining the main river upstream of Camel Quarry, the River Amble was navigable up to [[Chapel Amble]] on high spring tides, with [[seaweed]], sand and coal being taken up to the village and grain brought out again.{{sfn|Duxbury| Williams|1987|p=43}} Construction of the bridge at Trewornan did not prevent access to Chapel Amble, but the tidal barrage which prevents salt water going upstream past Burniere Point has left the River Amble inaccessible from the main river. Nearer to Wadebridge there was a quay at Trevilling on the north bank of the river built in the 19th century for a [[Vitriol]] works<ref>{{cite book | last =Hoyle | first =Ronnie | title =Old Wadebridge | publisher =Westward Press | volume =1 | date =1983 | location =Wadebridge | page =6 }}</ref> and thus known as the 'Vitriol Quay', the location downstream from the town near the current A39 Wadebridge Bypass bridge being appropriate for the product.

Despite the many opportunities for transport along the estuary, historically the main traffic on the river above Padstow was to the Quays at Wadebridge where there is evidence of a dock dating back as far as Elizabethan times, and in 1830 the limit of navigation was recorded as Guineaport.{{sfn|Rodgers|1948|p=91}} Construction of the [[Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway]] in 1834 was based on taking sand brought up to Wadebridge by 12 ton barges{{sfn|Ingrey|1984|p=7}} that were poled under the bridge at Wadebridge with the sand then being transhipped to the railway for onward transport. From a specially built sand dock at Wadebridge the railway took the sand further up the valley, replacing the previous use of pack animals that took the sand from landings at Sladesbridge{{sfn|Duxbury| Williams|1987|p=33}} and a quay at Marsh cottages near Egloshayle church.<ref name=marsh />

In common with much of Cornwall [[Lime (material)|lime]] was a common commodity for transportation in the 18th and 19th centuries<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.oakridgecornwall.co.uk/2015/02/17/history-lime-pointing-cornwall/ | title =History Of Lime Pointing In Cornwall | date =2019 | publisher = Oak Ridge  | access-date =9 June 2019 | quote =  most of Cornwall's tiny ports had a lime kiln in the vicinity}}</ref> and the Camel was no exception with lime kilns being recorded at Egloshayle<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=MCO7221&resourceID=1020 | title =Lime kiln known as 'Trevillian' recorded on Tithe Award. | date =2012 | website =www.heritagegateway.org.uk | publisher =Heritage Gateway | access-date =9 June 2019 | quote = The Tithe Award for Egloshayle records a lime kiln at the location, owned by Susannah Hawken and worked by Richard Hawken (b1). No remains are now extant (b2)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=MCO7220&resourceID=1020 | title =Lime kiln known as 'Hellgelders', marked on the Tithe Map | date =2012 | website =www.heritagegateway.org.uk | publisher =Heritage Gateway | access-date =9 June 2019 | quote = The Tithe Award for Egloshayle records a lime kiln at the location, owned by Nevell Norway (b1). No remains survive (b2)}}</ref> with a quay adjacent,<ref>{{cite web
 | url =https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=MCO4942&resourceID=1020 | title =WADEBRIDGE – Post Medieval quay | date =2012 | website =www.heritagegateway.org.uk | publisher =Heritage Gateway | access-date =9 June 2019 | quote = Sand quays on the Egloshayle side of Wadebridge are recorded on the Tithe map of 1840. The quay has now been overbuilt by modern housing (h1).}}</ref> another at Bishop's Quay below Gonvena Hill,<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=MCO45135&resourceID=1020 | title =A lime kiln situated on Bishop's Quay | date =2012 | website =www.heritagegateway.org.uk | publisher =Heritage Gateway | access-date =9 June 2019 | quote = Situated on Bishop's Quay, this kiln existed at least as early as 1834, as it appeared then in a 'for sale' notice. Run in its latter days by Messrs Martyn (b1). Marked on the 2nd Edition 1:2500 OS map (b2)}}</ref> and one on the town side of the river adjacent to the Pomorla brook<ref>{{cite web
 | url =https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=MCO7333&resourceID=1020 | title =WADEBRIDGE – Post Medieval lime kiln | date =2012 | website =www.heritagegateway.org.uk | publisher =Heritage Gateway | access-date =9 June 2019 | quote = A limekiln at Wadebridge is shown at this location on the Tithe Map of 1840, when its owner was Sir William Molesworth and its occupier was Thomas Trebilcock (b1). It is shown on both the 1st and 2nd Edition 1:2500 OS maps (b2, b3), but is believed to have been derelict well before 1910 (b4).}}</ref> The furthest downstream was a lime kiln at the small inlet where the current sewage works is located.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://maps.nls.uk/view/105992890 |title= Cornwall XXV.2 (Egloshayle; St Breock; St Kew; St Minver Highlands; Wadebridge)) |date= 1881 |publisher= Ordnance Survey |access-date= 3 January 2021}}</ref>

On the estuary itself there was no need to transport sand by barge, and 'sanding lanes' were laid from local villages directly onto the foreshore so that carts could be taken down at low tide and loaded with sand. On the southern side of the estuary 'sanding lanes' linked Higher Halwyn to Oldtown Cove, Tregunna to the River at White House, Tregonce to Little Petherick Creek and also [[St Issey]] to Benuick near Sea Mills, also on Little Petherick Creek.{{sfn|Ingrey|1984|p=15}} On the northern side of the estuary the access lane to [[Daymer Bay]] has its origins as a sanding lane.<ref>{{cite book | last =Ingrey | first =Jack | title =St Minver, It's Bays and Byways | publisher =Tabb House | date =1994 | location =Padstow | pages =47–48 | isbn =1-873951-07-8}}</ref>

===Historic sites===
There are several ancient defensive sites along the Camel Valley. Penhargard Castle is an [[Iron Age]] defended settlement near [[Helland]] situated high on the eastern side of the Camel valley<ref>{{cite web | url =https://ancientmonuments.uk/102674-iron-age-defended-settlement-called-penhargard-castle-helland | title =Iron Age defended settlement called Penhargard Castle | publisher =AncientMonuments.uk | access-date =29 April 2019}}</ref> with extant ramparts up to {{cvt|10|ft|0}},{{sfn|Reid|1996|p=34}} and not far away on the other side of the river is an older hillfort.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://ancientmonuments.uk/102673-slight-univallate-hillfort-in-dunmere-wood-235m-wnw-of-crabbs-pool-bodmin | title =Slight univallate hillfort in Dunmere Wood 235m WNW of Crabb's Pool | publisher =AncientMonuments.uk | access-date =29 April 2019}}</ref> Rather earlier in date is Killibury Castle above Egloshayle which originates from the late [[Bronze Age]], was in use throughout the Iron Age and was re-occupied during the Roman period. It is a scheduled monument of national importance.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1010439 |title= Killibury Castle later Prehistoric hillfort |publisher= Historic England |access-date= 23 January 2021}}</ref> Also Roman in date but several miles up the valley there is the remains of a Roman fort near [[Nanstallon]] overlooking the river<ref>{{NHLE | desc =  Roman fort called 'Nanstallon Roman fort' 135m south west of Tregear | num= 1007273 | access-date = 2018-03-18}}</ref> which was once thought to have been the only Roman Fort in Cornwall, and was only occupied between 60 and 80AD.<ref>{{cite web  | url =http://www.cornwallinfocus.co.uk/history/ancientsites.php?r=M#9a4074f1af0252e585c1ca0a09ef225c | title =Nanstallon Roman Fort | date =2019 | website =cornwallinfocus.co.uk | publisher =SouthWest in Focus  | access-date =29 April 2019}}</ref> Less certain is the association of a Roman legion with the area around Cant Hill. The evidence in circumstantial, with the name Cant being associated with the Latin ''canti'' meaning 'corner' and nearby Carlyon Farm through a spelling from the 13th century of Carleghion being interpreted as ''car'' meaning camp and ''leighion'' meaning legion, while the name Cant is attributed by others to ownership by the De Cant family.{{sfn|Ingrey|1984|p=18}}<ref>Daniel Lysons and Samuel Lysons, 'Parishes: Mevagissey - Mullion', in Magna Britannia: Volume 3, Cornwall (London, 1814), pp. 227-244. British History Online http://www.british-history.ac.uk/magna-britannia/vol3/pp227-244 [accessed 23 January 2021].</ref> Although Cant Hill may not have any substantiated links to the Roman period, Roman coins, ornaments and pottery have been found in the area of Brea Hill where there is believed to have been a Roman camp.<ref>{{cite book |title = The Parish of St. Minver: The History of the Parish of St. Minver which includes the small chapelries of St. Enodoc at Trebetherick and St. Michael's at Porthilly, Rock |year = 1974 |page = 10}}</ref>

There was at one time a small chapel located at St Saviours point downstream of Padstow where a monk would keep a light at night to assist shipping, and it is considered likely that this was associated with Bodmin Priory which held land at Padstow, although the provision of this light ceased with the [[dissolution of the monasteries]].{{sfn|Reid|1996|pp=12-13}} More certainly associated with Bodmin Priory is the building of the bridge over the Camel at Dunmere in the 12th Century and the small chapel that stood on the Bodmin side of the river at the location that is now known as St Annes Chapel Hayes.{{sfn|Ingrey|1989|p=37}}

===Crossings===
Wherever there are rivers, people will need to cross them. Routes of ancient trackways and [[Roman roads in Britannia|Roman Roads]] in Cornwall are, at best, open to speculation but although most maps of Roman Roads show nothing west of [[Isca Dumnoniorum]] (modern [[Exeter]]) there is some evidence of Romans creating or using roads or paths in the county in the shape of [[Milestone#Roman Empire|Roman Milestones]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1420046 |title= Roman Inscribed Stone 1m South of St Piran's |date= 2020 |publisher= Historic England |access-date=10 October 2020 }}</ref> The routes of the three main roads through Cornwall, following generally the alignment of the current [[A30 road|A30]], [[A38 road|A38]] and [[A39 road|A39]] are believed to have ancient origins, and if this is true then there would need to be a historic crossing of the Camel, most likely somewhere near Wadebridge. There is no record of how old the [[Ford (crossing)|ford]] at Wadebridge is, but it is likely of great antiquity. There is also some speculation of a further ancient ford of the Camel in the area around [[Camelford]], which in the same manner is likely near to the route of the current road through the town.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.cantab.net/users/michael.behrend/aw_cuttings/ocr/q_cornwal.html |title= ANCIENT ROADS IN CORNWALL |author= T.H. ROGERS |work= (Quoted from) Western Morning News and Mercury, 2 December 1924 |access-date=10 October 2020 }}</ref>

Further down towards the sea, the [[Black Tor Ferry]] has crossed the estuary between [[Padstow]] and Rock since 1337, the title to run the ferry resting with the [[Duchy of Cornwall]].

The natural progression for a road crossing a river or stream is to replace the ford with a bridge, and the River Camel and tributaries are crossed by more [[Listed Building|listed]] bridges than any other river in Cornwall<ref name="Kentley">{{cite book | last=Kentley | first=Eric | title=Cornwall's bridge & viaduct heritage | year=2005 | publisher=[[Twelveheads Press]] | location=Truro | isbn = 0-906294-58-4 }}</ref> with the most notable being at Wadebridge. Referred to as "the longest and fairest bridge in Cornwall"<ref>{{cite book | last = Mee | first = Arthur | author-link = Arthur Mee | title = Arthus Mee's Cornwall | edition = 7th | series = The King's England | year = 1955 | publisher = Hodder and Stoughton | location = London | pages = 302–303 }}</ref><ref>{{NHLE | desc = WADEBRIDGE BRIDGE | num = 1142975 | access-date = 2018-03-18}}</ref> it was the furthest bridge downstream on the river until the opening of the A39 Wadebridge bypass in 1993.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/archive/08jul93-uk-camel-crossing-wadebridge-bypass-08-07-1993/ |title= 08Jul93 UK: CAMEL CROSSING – WADEBRIDGE BYPASS |date= 8 July 1993 |publisher= Construction News |access-date=10 October 2020 }}</ref> Built in the 15th century Wadebridge bridge was built by John de Harlan at the instigation of Vicar of Egloshayle Thomas Loveybond<ref>{{cite web | title = History of Wadebridge | publisher = intocornwall.com/awmp creative media | url = http://www.intocornwall.com/engine/azabout_history.asp?guide=Wadebridge | access-date = 2016-11-11}}</ref> and replaced an earlier ford which was considered so dangerous to use at certain times that a chapel was built on either bank; one to pray for a safe crossing and the other to give thanks.{{sfn|Duxbury| Williams|1987|p=28}}  The bridge was made a county bridge in the reign of [[James VI and I|James I]],<ref>{{cite book | title = The Post Office Cornwall Directory | publisher = Post Office | date = 1873 | pages = 890}}</ref> and has been widened three times over the years,<ref name="Kentley"/> being granted Grade II listed status in 1969.<ref>{{cite web | title =  Wadebridge Bridge, Wadebridge | publisher = British Listed Buildings | url = http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-67879-wadebridge-bridge-wadebridge-#.WCdxN3ecaRs | access-date = 2016-11-11}}</ref>

Moving upstream from Wadebridge, the other listed bridges are Helland Bridge,<ref>{{NHLE | desc =  Helland Bridge | num = 1020812 | access-date = 2018-03-18}}</ref> [[Wenfordbridge]],<ref>{{NHLE | desc =  BRIDGE AT WENFORDBRIDGE | num = 1311310 | access-date = 2018-03-18}}</ref> Coombe Mill Bridge,<ref>{{NHLE | desc =  ROADBRIDGE 70 METRES TO NORTH EAST OF COOMBE MILLHOUSE | num = 1142355 | access-date = 2018-03-18}}</ref> Gam Bridge,<ref>{{NHLE | desc =  GAM BRIDGE | num = 1311392 | access-date = 2018-03-18}}</ref> and [[Slaughterbridge]],<ref>{{NHLE | desc =  SLAUGHTERBRIDGE 500 METRES TO SOUTH EAST OF WORTHY MANOR | num = 1142724 | access-date = 2018-03-18}}</ref> this latter so named as it is the location of an historic battle, possibly that of [[King Arthur|King Arthur's]] last battle.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.king-arthur.co.uk/home/slaughterbridge | title =King Arthur in Cornwall | last =Gregory | first =Edward  | date =2016 | website =www.king-arthur.co.uk | publisher =Edward Gregory | access-date =28 April 2019 | quote = The area has yielded up information that Slaughterbridge, on the River Camel, was undoubtedly, the site of a ferocious battle in ancient times; though, whether this was the Battle of Camlann in 542 is open to speculation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.legendofkingarthur.co.uk/cornwall/slaughter-bridge.htm | title =Slaughter Bridge, Cornwall | website =legendofkingarthur.co.uk | access-date =28 April 2019 | quote = Slaughter Bridge still remains a candidate for the Camlann battle site}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.bbc.co.uk/cornwall/content/articles/2008/07/25/history_arthuriancentre_feature.shtml | title =The Legend of Arthur | date =25 July 2008 | website =www.bbc.co.uk/cornwall | publisher =BBC | access-date =28 April 2019 | quote = Visitors can walk through the fields where King Arthur and Mordred were believed to have met for their last battle.}}</ref> While the heritage value of ancient crossings is great, continued use of structures that are several hundred years old and that were designed and built with lighter and less frequest traffic in mind can have a deleterious effect on the fabric of these bridges. Helland Bridge was added to the Historic England Heritage at Risk Register in 2020 citing an "Immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric"<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/england/cornwall?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=5f8801a7c898d102e44443c2%26Seventy-one%20historic%20landmarks%20%27at%20risk%27%262020-10-15T08%3A47%3A01.792Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:1389fa7b-07bd-437b-915c-e5d915ba4b52&pinned_post_asset_id=5f8801a7c898d102e44443c2&pinned_post_type=share |title= Seventy-one historic landmarks 'at risk' |date= 2020 |work= BBC News website |publisher= BBC Spotlight |access-date=15 October 2020
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://englishheritage.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=5fced27775b44238beb524338e62e9d3 |title= Heritage at Risk 2020 |date= 2020 |publisher= Historic England |access-date=15 October 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/heritage-at-risk/search-register/list-entry/3533524 |title= Helland Bridge, St. Mabyn / Helland – Cornwall |date= 2020 |publisher= Historic England |access-date=15 October 2020 }}</ref> This is perhaps unsurprising as Hellandbridge is still completely original, while Wenfordbridge and Gam Bridge, along with Pendavey, Dunmere, Poley's and Tresarret bridges, were broken by the flood of 1847 and were subsequently rebuilt.{{sfn|Ingrey|1989|pp=44-46}}

One of the largest structures on the Estuary is the "Iron Bridge", a three span girder bridge of {{convert|400|feet|m|abbr=on}} originally built to carry the [[North Cornwall Railway]] between Wadebridge and Padstow over Petherick Creek.<ref name="ncr95"/> Good use was made of the river during construction as the metalwork was brought to Wadebridge by boat and then floated on barges down to where the bridge was being built.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.forgottenrelics.co.uk/bridges/gallery/littlepetherick.html |title=Little Petherick Creek bridge |date=2017 |website=www.forgottonrelics.co.uk |publisher=Four by Three |access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref> Sitting on Dennis Hill overlooking the bridge is an Obelisk erected to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria'. Erected in 1889 the granite obelisk is Grade II listed.<ref>{{NHLE | desc = OBELISK | num = 1289848 | access-date = 2018-03-18}}</ref>

===Military===

[[File:The gun platform at Gun Point.jpg|thumb|alt=A stone platform, previously the site of a gun battery, located on top of a low cliff and seen from the beach below the cliff.|The napoleonic gun platform at Gun Point.]]
Although the River itself has never been a location for military bases, some parts have been used periodically for military purposes. Other than the Roman forts noted above, one of the earliest military installations was at Gun Point just downstream of [[Padstow]]. [[Henry VIII of England|Henry VIII]] sited guns here when there was considered a threat of invasion by the Spanish, and [[Elizabeth I of England|Queen Elizabeth]] expanded these, and guns were also sited here during the [[Napoleonic Wars]].{{sfn|Reid|1996|p=14}} In 1940 during [[World War II]] a pair of 4 inch naval guns were mounted on Gun Point, the installation being known as [[Padstow Coastal Gun Battery]]. The guns were replaced in 1942 with a pair of larger guns but these in turn were removed in July 1945, although some remains of the installation was still extant in 2018.

==Water pollution incident==
{{Main|Camelford water pollution incident}}
In July 1988, the water supply to Camelford and the surrounding area was contaminated when 20 tons of [[aluminium sulphate]] was poured into the wrong tank at [[Lowermoor Water Treatment Works]] on [[Bodmin Moor]]. An inquiry into [[Camelford water pollution incident|the incident]] (the worst of its kind in British history) started in 2002, and a report was issued in January 2005 but questions remain as to the long-term effects on the health of residents. [[Michael Meacher]], who visited Camelford as environment minister, called the incident and its aftermath, "A most unbelievable scandal."<ref>[[The Independent]], 16 April 2006, [http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/article358010.ece Poisoned: The Camelford scandal] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080520124111/http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/article358010.ece |date=2008-05-20 }}</ref>

==Tributaries and their names==
The main tributaries of the River Camel are the [[River Allen, Cornwall|Allen]], the [[River Ruthern|Ruthern]], the [[De Lank River|De Lank]] and the Stannon. Other tributaries include Little Petherick Creek which joins the main estuary through the Iron Bridge on the Camel Trail, the [[Chapel Amble#River Amble|River Amble]] which joins the Camel though a tidal barrage near Burniere Point, and the Polmorla Brook (historically Treguddick Brook) which joins the Camel immediately above the bridge at Wadebridge.

In terms of its name there is evidence that what is now known as the River Camel has had several names in the past. The name Camel is derived from Middle Cornish "Cam-El", "Crooked one", and seems originally to have referred only to the upper parts.<ref name="cpnl">{{cite book  | last = Weatherhill  | first = Craig  | title = Cornish Place Names and Language  | publisher = Sigma Leisure  | year = 1995  | isbn = 1-85058-462-1}}</ref>
The lower part of the river was referred to as the River Allen, a common Celtic river name of unknown derivation, but the names were somewhat interchangeable, and even a hybrid Camb-alan wss recorded in the 16th Century.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://philological.cal.bham.ac.uk/cambrit/cornwalleng.html#cornwall1 |title= William Camden, Britannia (1607) |author=  |date=  |website= The philological museum |publisher= The University of Birmingham |access-date= 25 March 2023}}</ref>
By the 19th Century the name Allen was exclusively used for the River Layne which flows into the Camel just above Egloshayle and the name Camel applied to the whole length of the river. The Camel estuary appears to have been called the River Hayle from Middle Cornish "Hayle", ''estuary''<ref name="cpnl" /> and while this may have been as much a description as a proper name, the continued use of the name Hayle Bay for the bay containing [[Polzeath]] beach supports this. In turn it has been suggested that the River Layne may have previously been called the River Dewi given the number of places along its course which contain the element.<ref name="cpnl" />

== References ==

===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===References===
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite book | last = Duxbury | first = Brenda | author2 = Williams, Michael | title = The River Camel | publisher = Bossiney Books | date = 1987| location = St Teath | isbn = 0-948158-26-3 | url = https://archive.org/details/rivercamel0000duxb |ref={{harvid|Duxbury | Williams| 1987}} }}
*{{cite book | last1 = Fairclough | first1 = Tony | last2 = Wills | first2 = Alan | title = Bodmin and Wadebridge 1834–1978 | publisher = D Bradford Barton | date = 1979 | location = Truro | isbn = 0-85153-343-4}}
*{{cite book | last = Ferris | first = L. C. | title = Pebbles on Cornwall's beaches | publisher = Tor Mark Press |date = 1969}}
*{{cite book | last = Ingrey | first = Jack | title = The Camel Footpath : From Padstow to Wadebridge | publisher = Lodenek Press | series = Cornish Walkabout Books | date = 1984 | location = Padstow | isbn = 0-946143-06-4}}
*{{cite book | last = Ingrey | first = Jack | title = The Camel Footpath : From Wadebridge to Bodmin and Wenfordbridge | publisher = Lodenek Press | series = Cornish Walkabout Books | location =  Padstow | year =  1989}}
*{{cite book | last = Pascoe | first = Ann | title = Sea-shells on Cornwall's beaches. |publisher = Tor Mark Press | date = n.d.}}
*{{cite book | last =Reid | first = Neil | title = Map & Guide to Exploring the River Camel & The Camel Trail | publisher = Cormorant Design | series = Friendly Guide | edition = First | date = 1996 | location = Penzance | isbn = 0-9520874-1-3}}
*{{cite book | last =Rodgers | first = John | title = English rivers | publisher = Batsford | edition = First | date = 1948 | location = London}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Cornwall}}
{{Commons category|River Camel}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060317155811/http://www.btinternet.com/~lawson/camelbirds/camelbirdlife.html Birdlife on the River Camel]
* [http://www.cbwps.org.uk/index.html Cornwall Birdwatching & Preservation Society] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801153700/http://www.cbwps.org.uk/index.html |date=1 August 2013 }}
* [http://www.swuklink.com/BAAAGBHC.php River Camel page at swuklink.com]
* [http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=5787 Saints' Way page on Cornwall County Council website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921033013/http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=5787 |date=21 September 2008 }}
* [http://www.southwestcoastpath.com/ South West Coast Path website]
* [https://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/camel-trail The Camel Trail on Sustrans website]
* [https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/cameltrail The Camel Trail on Cornwall County Council website]

{{Cornwall}}
{{SSSIs Cornwall biological}}
{{SSSIs Cornwall geological}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Camel, River}}
[[Category:Rivers of Cornwall]]
[[Category:Special Areas of Conservation in Cornwall]]
[[Category:Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Cornwall]]
[[Category:Cornish Killas]]
[[Category:Camel catchment| ]]