River Tillingbourne
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The river is sometimes called the Tilling Bourne.
The River Tillingbourne runs along the south side of the North Downs joining the River Wey at Guildford. Its source is to the north of Leith Hill at 294m and it runs through Friday Street, Abinger Hammer, Gomshall, Shere, Albury and Chilworth. The source is a semi-natural uninhabited area. The catchment is situated on sandstone which has a low rate of weathering.[1]
The river used to power a number of gunpowder, paper and corn mills in the area.[2] The gunpowder mill was at Chilworth. Present day users include a trout farm, watercress beds and a business growing reeds.[3]
The River Tillingbourne supports a healthy fish population of both wild brown trout and coarse fish. The Environment Agency has been working with local fisherman to improve the habitat for these fish by recreating a pool and riffle habitat and by cutting back overhanging vegetation.[4]
