[2] The Mease is formed by a confluence of smaller streams near the village of Norton Juxta Twycross in North West Leicestershire.

Historical alterations were made near the villages of Clifton Campville, Harlaston and Croxall, with the addition of weirs and leats to serve mills[2] (now demolished or non-operational).

[5] Of particular interest are the resident populations of spined loach (Cobitis taenia) and European bullhead (Cottus gobio) (two internationally notable species of native freshwater fish with a restricted distribution in England), white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) and European otters (Lutra lutra).

[2] The river receives the outflow of nine Sewerage Treatment plants (located at Smisby, Donisthorpe, Packington, Measham, Netherseal, Edingale, Snarestone, Clifton Campville, Overseal, Norton juxta Twycross, Annwell Place and Chilcote), as well as the outflow from ten private sewerage operations.

[2] Following pressure from the Environment Agency, North West Leicestershire District Council refused to grant planning permission for any construction work which would add to the sewage outflow, including housing developments, hotels and business parks.

[7] In November 2012, following fears that the situation was damaging the local economy, North West Leicestershire District Council announced a new plan.