[4] The stream is fed from a number of sources but there is little documentary evidence and the actual origins of some are unknown.

The head of the stream consists of three culverts emerging from below Ringwood Road; it is believed that one drains Canford Heath, one is fed from the Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water works at Francis Avenue in Knighton Heath and the third is supplied by road run-off.

[4] After flowing across Alderney Recreation Ground the stream is culverted for 2.4 kilometres (1.5 mi) and re-emerges at Coy Pond Gardens.

[5] The stream is also fed by natural seeps and flushes, and there are 62 documented surface water discharges to the watercourse.

In the lower reaches, the catchment width gradually narrows towards the outfall at Bournemouth Pier.