The River Oughton is a two mile long tributary of the River Hiz in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. It rises at Oughtonhead and flows north-east between Oughtonhead Common and Oughtonhead Nature Reserve. It forms the boundary of Hitchin parish.[1][2][3]

The River Oughton between Oughtonhead Common and Oughtonhead Nature Reserve

The river has clear water from chalk springs in the Chiltern Hills, and it has a rich aquatic and insect life. Plants include spring water crowfoot, and there are mammals such as the water shrew, and birds include kingfishers and water rails.[3][4]

References

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  1. ^ A walk in Oughtonhead, Hitchin, Hertfordshire Life, 15 February 2010
  2. ^ Page, William, ed. (1912). Hitchin: Introduction and manors. Victoria County History. Vol. 3.
  3. ^ a b "Oughtonhead". Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  4. ^ "Oughtonhead Common, Hitchin" (PDF). North Hertfordshire District Council. Retrieved 12 August 2015.

51°58′08″N 0°16′33″W / 51.9690°N 0.2758°W / 51.9690; -0.2758