Rivers

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