Rivers, volume three in the British Wildlife Collection, is a new, definitive study of a subject that has never been more topical. Britain's rivers are beautiful, varied and essential, yet as we see with increasing frequency if mismanaged they can be hugely destructive. From a general introduction to river-types and to their development and history in Britain, to a detailed analytical comparison of three examples - the Meon, Dee and Endrick - this book examines the incredibly varied ecosystem of rivers as a whole, both throughout history and in the troubled present, and the vast range of creatures who live in, around and above the water.
This is a work of accessible scholarship whose broad sweep is never achieved at the expense of its keen eye for detail, and is essential reading for serious conservationist and interested layman alike. It is the only book you will ever need to understand one of the most important, contentious and elemental features of the British landscape.
Chapters include:
Preface
Introduction
Rivers through the Ages
The making and shaping of Britain's rivers
Assessing the health of rivers
River plants
Plants of river banks, floodplains and valley sides
Small creatures without backbones
Fish, amphibians and reptiles
Birds and mammals
A comparison of three rivers - the Meon, Dee and Endrick
Caring for our rivers once again
References
Abbreviations
English and scientific species names
Index
