Throughout British history rivers have been of profound economic, social and cultural importance - yet as we see with increasing frequency they have the potential to wreak great destruction.
This book describes the natural and not-so-natural changes that have affected British rivers since the last ice age and looks at the many plants and animals that live along, above and within them. Detailed case studies of the Meon, Dee and Endrick illustrate the incredibly varied nature of our river ecosystems, and the natural and human factors that make each one different.
Written by two widely respected river ecologists, the book looks not only at rivers as they were and are but also at how they can be managed and cared for.
Full of interesting facts and stunning images, Rivers is essential reading for anyone professionally involved in rivers and for the naturalist, conservationist and layman alike. It is the one book you need to understand this singularly important and often contentious feature of the British landscape.

Paul Raven has been a conservation professional since undertaking detailed studies of the River Roding in Essex for his PhD. He was the first national conservation officer for the National Rivers Authority, was head of ecology for the Environment Agency, and continues his work in conservation and freshwaters in particular.

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