Lindridge Layby - A443

Many thanks to the folks at Landridge Layby for facilitating this camera's location and to Worcestershire County Council  for capitally funding its installation.  Please click here for flooding information regarding this location. Lindridge is a village and civil parish situated in the Malvern Hills District, in the northern part of Worcestershire County, England. It is located near the Shropshire border and the town of Tenbury Wells. The surrounding area is renowned for its vast hop fields. During periods of heavy rainfall, the River Teme at this location is prone to flooding. To monitor water levels and road conditions on the A443, a Farson streaming webcam has been strategically positioned to provide real-time updates.The picturesque River Teme flows eastwards from its source, ultimately joining the River Severn just south of Worcester. Along its course, it passes through three towns: Knighton, Ludlow, and Tenbury Wells. This remote and exceptionally beautiful river valley is abundant in wildlife, history, and heritage. While it offers tranquility for exploration today, its past tells a different story. Throughout history, the river has been utilized for industry and trade, serving as a significant access route for goods into the heart of mid-Wales. The upland rim and valley bottom have witnessed human settlement since at least 5000 BC. Even before the Norman Conquest, conflicting cultures encountered and clashed along its banks. In the Middle Ages, powerful Marcher Lords constructed castles and ruled with authority.The River Teme is one of the swiftest flowing rivers in Europe. It exhibits turbulence and is prone to flooding during inclement weather. Nevertheless, it spends much of its time calmly following its course over the sandstones, mudstones, and hard limestones of the valley floor. The entire length of the river is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Otter populations are increasing, and the waters are home to numerous fish species. The abundance of brown trout signifies the overall water quality. Botanically, the river is rich, boasting aquatic plants. Along its banks, purple and yellow loosetrife and wood club rush thrive, while kingfishers, sand martins, common sandpipers, dippers, and grey wagtails seek sustenance.The River Teme serves as a border between England and Wales, collecting water from the rivers that descend from the Clun Forest. It also acts as a boundary between the South Shropshire Hills, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the hills of north Herefordshire. The hilltops are open and exposed, the valley sides steep and wooded, and the valley bottom is intensively farmed.In ancient times, the river followed a different course. Prior to the last ice age, it flowed south from Leintwardine towards the River Wye. However, due to glacial melting, its path was obstructed, leading to the formation of a new route through what is now Downton Gorge, eventually flowing towards Ludlow. Turning south and skirting Clee Hill, the river passes through an area where three counties meet. Hops are cultivated in the valley, while orchards adorn the lower slopes.Continuing into Worcestershire, the river travels southward. The steep slopes descending from the gently rolling plain above are wooded and crisscrossed by streams and dingles. The valley bottoms are narrow but fertile, although traditional hay meadows are gradually being replaced by more intensive farming practices. Nevertheless, the characteristic standard orchards that once graced the lower hillsides of the valley can still be found south of Tenbury Wells.At Knightwick, Osebury Rock compels the river to alter its course once again. Views of the Malvern Hills and the lower slopes of the Suckley Hills, all part of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, remain visible long after the river embarks on its journey across the Severn Vale to join the River Severn.