The new 2008 Severn Bore timetable has been published by the Environment Agency.

In a press release, the EA said that “There are no 4 or 5-star bores predicted for 2008. We are expecting some 3-star bores during the spring and autumn months but, as the actual height of the bore is influenced by the tide, river and weather conditions at the time, even a 3-star bore is capable of producing a spectacle”

The Severn Bore is a tide wave that occurs in the lower reaches of the River Severn and is one of the nation’s most interesting and unusual natural phenomena.

For a bore to form, a considerable rise in tide is needed in a converging channel with a rising riverbed, forming a funnel shape. The size of the bore can be affected by wind direction, height of the incoming tide and freshwater moving downstream. It has been known to reach two metres in height and its average speed is 16km per hour.

The Severn Estuary receives the second highest tide anywhere in the world and the differences between the lowest and highest tide in one day can be more than 14.5 metres. These high or spring tides occur on several days in each lunar cycle throughout the spring and autumn.

The timetable can be found on the Environment Agency’s website. 

Anyone who would like to receive a printed copy can obtain one free of charge by calling 08708 506 506.
The leaflet also contains a map and advice on the best viewing locations as well as important safety information as spectators and river users need to be aware of the risks associated with the bore. Occasionally, the rising waters have cut-off spectators and their vehicles, leaving them in need of police rescue.

Image: royalforestofdean.info