Nailbourne
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The Nailbourne (sometimes referred to as Nail Bourne) is a chalk stream in East Kent that flows from Lyminge, through the Elham Valley until it becomes known as the Little Stour at Littlebourne.
The Nailbourne bubbles up beneath St Ethelburga's Well in Tayne Field in the centre of Lyminge. Whilst the stream often holds a plentiful supply of water from Lyminge to Elham throughout the year, it rarely holds any water from Elham to Bishopsbourne even in the winter months. However, in wet years the normally dry ditch can turn into a fast flowing torrent, flooding roads, fields and houses. An example of this was in 2001 when there was extensive flooding throughout the Elham Valley.
Just south of the village of Littlebourne the Nailbourne becomes known as the Little Stour. This later joins the Great Stour at Plucks Gutter and flows into the sea at Pegwell Bay.
[edit] Tributaries
There are a number of minor tributaries that flow into the Nailbourne throughout the Elham Valley. Most are nameless although Ordnance Survey maps do mark a stream known as the East Brooke which runs from Etchinghill and joins the Nailbourne at Lyminge.
[edit] Legend
According to legend it was St Augustine who performed a miracle and brought water to the Elham Valley. When there is a drought and the stream runs dry it is because of Woden and Thor (whom the local people had previously worshipped) who were displeased with what St Augustine had done. It is also local superstition that the Nailbourne only flows once every seven years and that when it does flow it is a sign of bad luck.
[edit] Settlements
The Nailbourne flows through the following settlements -
