Ray (Wiltshire) (Lydiard brook to Thames) - GB106039023330 Catchment area 2,881 ha, length 10.3km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Waterbody description The River Ray rises in Wiltshire, at Wroughton, and runs in a northerly direction through west Swindon, reaching the River Thames to the west of Cricklade. The river generally has good form in terms of meanders although some sections have been straightened but it is a very flashy river. The flashy nature is exacerbated by the increasing urbanisation of Swindon and the clay-based soils. In 2013 this waterbody was classified as moderate under Water Framework Directive for water quality due to high levels of phosphates and ammonia but it failed for ecology due to poor for phytobenthos and macrophytes. In 2014 it also failed on chemical water quality due to Tributyltin Compounds. Although chemical quality and ammonia has subsequently improved Phosphates remain poor in 2016. Land use and designations Flora and Fauna Conclusions and issues Water Framework Directive http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB106039023330 Click here to go back to the main waterbodies information page Manage Cookie Preferences