seaton
Ref: B04e

The Seaton is a small lively river, stemming from Bodmin Moor at a height of 370m and flowing in the direction of Hessenford, before entering the sea at Seaton.

The total length of the river is approximately 17km. The underlying geology of the catchment is predominantly made up of slates and shale which tend to shed water rather than infiltrate it.

Heavy rain leads to rapidly increasing flow rates which are then dissipated by the floodplain in the lower reaches.

The river valley is narrow and steep with the main channel in the lower reaches having undergone extensive channelisation, leading to the river becoming unnaturally straight and deep.

Below Hessenford, the riverwidens and a distinct floodplain has developed up to 100m wide.

Waterwheel on a leat off the main river

The Seaton valley contains several wetland features such as spring fed wet floodplain woodlands which are rare habitats within the UK. Elsewhere, the catchment is characterised by low grade agriculture and forestry.