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The Mill River rises in The Mount CWS on the outskirts of Ipswich and flowing into the River Deben estuary at Kirton creek. The watercourse flows through a diverse landscape ranging from alder carr, flower-rich grazing meadows, improved pasture and poplar plantation. Springs feed the Mill River from both sides and the river is unusual in Sffolk in having a natural flow unimpeded by weirs and dams. A number of areas which border the Mill River have also been identified as County Wildlife Sites. These are The Mount, Brightwell Grazing Meadows and Valley Farm Meadow. The Mill River has good water quality and therefore supports a wide variety of aquatic wildlife. Water Starwort, and watercress are abundant in some sections. The banks are lined with old pollarded willows and the marshy edge is colonised by a typical tall-herb flora. Kingfishers are frequently seen along many sections of the river. The old pollards provide shelter for nesting birds and small mammals. It should also be noted that the reed-fringed section of the Mill just upstream from Kirton Creek is a prime habitat for birds such as sedge and reed warbler. Breeding mallard, tufted duck, mute swan and teal have been all been sighted. Waders using this stretch of river include whimbrel, green sandpiper, oystercatcher and lapwing.