Gently Down The Adur

from Sussex Living June 2021

by Sussex Living

Contributors List

Gently Down

THE ADUR

Kayaking offers one of the best possible workouts for arms and shoulders so Ruth Lawrence took to the River Adur to explore a stretch known as the West End Levels that meander through water meadows near Henfield

One of the most challenging aspects of kayaking is carrying the craft to the water. This is why, last year, I bought a ‘packraft’, an ultralight inflatable kayak weighing 4kg, originally designed for hikers needing a portable boat for exploration. This makes it considerably easier to walk any reasonable distance before launching, which is handy as most rivers are rarely near car parks.

I popped on my life jacket and ‘put in’ just west of Henfield at Bineham Bridge and was soon coasting between steep sided banks, watching acrobatic swallows overhead while being observed by inquisitive lambs on the bank. The West End Levels are tidal, so its sensible to time the downstream journey, paddling against the incoming tide, allowing the same tide to make the return leg easier, later on.

While paddling a family of mallards passed close by and a small formation of geese honked above. The water surface broke occasionally as a small fish leapt out to avoid a predator, but otherwise my only companions were chaffinches and rooks. Paddling against the tide in an inflatable kayak is easier at the edges of the river, away from the stronger current in the centre, where a heavier, rigid craft would be better.

The tranquility of being afloat on the water is one of its main advantages

The Downs beckoned to the south and Truleigh Hill gradually led my eye towards the Devil’s Dyke in the east. This stretch of the River Adur is sunk below the flood plain, so mature trees are the only significant landmarks, which is why the distant sight of the Downs felt so prominent.

Kayaking usually takes participants far from roads, so the tranquility of being afloat on the water is one of its main advantages. Apart from the flapping wings of disturbed ducks or the buzz of passing insects, my experience was utterly peaceful and relaxing. I found a comfortable rhythm and although my shoulders felt the pull of the water, it was not too tiring to travel against the tide as the river gradually widened.

The West End Levels are designated by Henfield Birdwatch as one of eleven areas surrounding the village, being particularly rich with birds during winter, when migrating flocks settle on the low-lying wetland. The group have been surveying the areas since 1999 and with over 40,000 records submitted

became the largest local community conservation project in the UK. With a book published for every five-year survey, the 2010 book won the Marsh Award from the British Trust for Ornithology, as well as an award for being the best community project.

Historically, the tidal Adur has been an important feature in these parts. In Saxon times, there was a port at Steyning and salt production at Bramber and Upper Beeding played an important role in the growth of the region. A quarry existed in Upper Beeding from 1725 and during the industrial revolution clay and coal were transported upstream from Shoreham Port to the cement works there.

This stretch of the river offers fantastic walks on both sides,

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My only companions were chaffinches and rooks

heading downstream to the sea at Shoreham. The Downs Link, a 37 mile route for walkers, cyclists and riders connecting the North Downs Way to the South Downs Way, crosses the River Adur north of Henfield at Betley Bridge and south at Stretham Manor.

Eventually, it was time to turn around and allow the incoming tide to help me upstream and back to Henfield. Although hardly needing to paddle on the return journey, ‘dipping a paddle’ became necessary to remain straight otherwise the shifting breeze and river currents would send the kayak spinning. Clumps of seaweed passed by to remind me that the English Channel was not that far to the south. Fish breached the surface once in a while. In summer, mullet swim up with the tide, to join the carp, bream, pike, tench, chub and perch that inhabit these waters.

The swallows and lambs reappeared close to journeys end to round off a memorable experience. After ‘pulling out’ the kayak was deflated and rolled it up, ready for the next adventure. I headed for home after a gentle workout through peaceful, green surroundings, completely refreshed. l www.henfieldbirdwatch.co.uk www.britishcanoeing.org.uk Before venturing out in a canoe, please check for a public right of navigation, and that your kayak is licensed by the relevant authority in non-tidal waters.