The source of Costa Beck is Keld Head Spring west of
Pickering. It is a
tributary of the
River Rye which joins the
River Derwent, eventually flowing into the
River Ouse at
Barmby on the Marsh. Costa Beck was used for
ship transport by
mills as early as 1200. It is a
Scandinavian name meaning a river full of fish or full of life. The waters of Costa Beck are noted for their crystal-clarity, and
fly fishing is popular and available via Pickering Fishery Association.
Trout,
dace,
grayling,
salmon, and
pike can all be found in Costa Beck and
kingfishers can be seen flying above. The river further downstream lies adjacent to
Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo, where visitors occasionally come from to fish. ==Archaeological site==