Rivers And The British Landscape

Carnegie Publishing, Carnegie Publishing. 2005, 243pp, Illustrated. Cloth. With dustjacket. In very good condition. "Rivers and streams occupy a fundamental place within the British landscape. They are central and focal features of the natural landscape, helping to shape the very landforms of the country, as well as providing a range of habitats for flora and fauna. Few places in Britain are far from running water, and human society interacts with rivers in a wide range of ways. Most towns and cities grew up on riverbanks, and rivers play a vital role in economic, social and cultural life. They have provided power for industry; water for industrial use and human consumption; rivers have often been used for communication and the transport of goods; and they are sites of leisure and recreation. Most people are attracted to water; and rivers have featured prominently in literature and art over the centuries. Rivers can also pose threats, from flooding or pollution, and therefore have to be managed and regulated. Whereas there are many books which deal with specific aspects of rivers, Rivers and the British Landscape provides the first fully integrated analysis of British rivers exploring the physical formation of rivers; the characteristics of environments; analysis of the social, economic and cultural uses and associations of rivers; and examination of the problems of river management. These themes are explored through historical and contemporary examples, with case studies drawn from all parts of Britain. The book is lavishly illustrated and includes an appendix of key facts about British rivers. Written by experts on each aspect of British rivers, Rivers and the British Landscape is aimed at anyone with a general interest in rivers and the British landscape. The authors aim to highlight the holistic nature of river environments, and to explore the ways in which physical, economic, cultural and management characteristics interact to create the distinctive personalities of British rivers. It is hoped that material in this volume may help you to view your local river in a new light. Provides an analysis of British rivers, exploring the physical formation of rivers; the characteristics of environments; analysis of the social, economic, and cultural uses and associations of rivers; and examination of the problems of river management. This book is illustrated, and includes an appendix of key facts about British rivers. Chapters include Introduction to British rivers Why do we have rivers in Britain?; What rivers do - flow and forms; Rivers and their environment; Rivers as an economic resource; Rivers as a cultural resource; The management of British rivers; A journey down the River Severn. Appendices include Facts and figures for primary rivers; Longest rivers in Britain; The top ten largest catchments; The top ten highest mean flows; Major freshwater lochs and lakes; Major reservoirs; Highest British waterfalls; The busiest rivers and inland waterways in the UK; Freight moved by mode of transport, 1990 and 2000; General Quality Assessment for rivers in England and Wales." ISBN: 9781859361207