River Alde
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The River Alde is a wide tidal estuary river in Suffolk, England, United Kingdom. Its source is in the same area in which the River Blyth starts by Laxfield. When the river reaches Snape, it widens but still meanders. It travels east slightly before moving south where it splits and rejoins to form Havergate Island. The coastal land separated from the mainland of Suffolk is known as "Orford Ness". The area which the river passes is mainly marshland and shingle or sand beaches. Most of this area is now owned by the National Trust as the "Orford Ness National Nature Reserve". Before the National Trust took ownership of this land, it was the site of a secret military base where tests with radar were carried out. The main area of the River Alde which is not owned by the National Trust is the valley of the River Alde which is owned by the Alde and Ore Association. They work to preserve this land which they have owned for over 11 years and has been named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The town, Aldeburgh, is named after the river and is situated north of where the river turns south towards the sea.
The same river is known as the River Ore when reference is to its southern and Western banks.
During Tudor times, the river served as a port from which four ships were launched to fight against the Spanish Armada. The river no longer serves as a port but as an area for yacht club members gather to sail.
