River Avon

The name Avon is derived from an ancient Celtic word 'Afon' which simply means 'river' [1]. There are five rivers in England named 'Avon', three in Scotland and one in Wales.

The most famous of the English Avons is probably that associated with Stratford upon Avon in Warwickshire. That example may have influenced the choice of names for roads constructed here in Stratford sub Castle during the 20th century - Shakespeare Road, Verona Road, Capulet Road, Warwick Close - as part of new housing developments.

There are two sources for the Salisbury Avon, one near Pewsey, some 30 miles north of Stratford sub Castle and a second east of Devizes. They merge at Upavon and continue on a 60 mile journey passing close to the Stonehenge Landscape, then flowing between the Woodford and Durnford valleys before passing to the west of Stratford sub Castle, on through the centre of Salisbury towards Hampshire and ultimately, Christchurch Harbour and the English Channel. Much of its length is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).[2]  The Salisbury Avon has more species of fish than any other British river [3].

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All the significant direct and indirect tributaries of the Avon, including the Nadder, Wylye, Bourne & Ebble converge within a short distance around Salisbury. [1]